An investigation of learning strategies & personality traits among proficient & less proficient ESL learners

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight in determining the
link between personality, language learning strategies and proficiency.
Personality traits make a difference in affecting how people learn and
what they learn (McCaulley & Natter; Myres & Myres, as cited in
Moody, R., 1988). In view of this, this study explores the various
combinations of language learning strategies that are utilized by
proficient and less proficient Malaysian ESL learners according to their
personailty traits. In order to ascertain the personality traits and learning
strategies employed, the Keirscy Four Types Sorter (KTS) is used to
collect data on the personality type of the ESL learners, while the
Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) is used to indicate
the subject's preferred language learning strategies. This study attempts
to investigate the personality factors that influence proficient and less
proficient ESL learners in choosing their language learning strategies.
The findings reveal that personality is not significantly related to
language learning strategies, yet choices of language learning strategies
are related with proficiency to a certain extent. The outcome of the
present study would be useful to assist language instructors in helping
less proficIent ESL learners in undergoing a more effective and
successful second language leaming experience and enlighten proficient
ESL learners about their preference in language learning strategies.