Research Progress Report

I have narrowed my research down to language strategies, specifically identifying listening, reading, writing, speaking langage strategies. I want to incorporate the different learning styles and how they will affect these strategies in learning. I am going to take three key points from literature and the research articles and then provide evidence from the field and evidence from my TESOL practicum.

I integrated your feedback by taking your advice on researching articles by Rebecca Oxford as well as the the CALLA. I also narrowed my research from being so broad to focusing on language strategies and how they are integrated with the 4 skills in the classroom.

Working Research Questions:
How do learning styles affect second language learning strategies and teaching methods?

What ways can teachers motivate students by incorportating the various learning styles in the L2 classroom?

3 Key points on Literature (Evidence from my practicum experience)

References
Oxford, R. (1989). Research on Language Learning Strategies: Methods, Findings, and Instructional Issues. The Modern Languge Journal,
The article defines learning strategies as steps taken by the learner to aid the aquisition, storage, and retreival of information. Also, strategies are referred to as learning tecniques, behaviors, or actions; or learning-tolearn, problem-solving, or study skills. The article states the importance of strategies and how they can make learning more efficient and effective. She lists the various types of strategies ranging from cognitive to social strategies in second language learning. Many strategies are listed and explained in the article as well.

O'Malley, J. M., Chamot, A. U. (1990). Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquistion. Cambridge University Press. 73 (4).
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Vann, R. J., & Abraham, R. G. (1990). Strategies of Unsuccessful Language Learners. TESOL Quarterly, 24(2), 178-198. 

This study looked at two learners and how they used their strategies in learning English as a second language. However, the study concluded that in order for strategies to be applicable, learners need to be conviced of its significance and to be taught to evaluate its use. It is important for teachers to be aware of learning strategies and those which may not benefit learners. This will relate to the idea that learners don't always know their learning style and therefore strategies that are being implemented may not work for all of the classroom. 

Chamot, A. U. (2008). Teaching Learning Strategies. Retrieved October 29, 2012, from Pearson Education website: http://www.pearsonlongman.com/primaryplace/pdf/teaching-learning-strategies.pdf 

Chamot is a professor who has researched content-based, second-language learning and strategies. She co-designed and has written extensively about the CALLA. The article praises the idea of learning strategies and how much they contribute to the motivation of students and success of students learning a second language. The article gives examples of learning strategies such as planning, montioring/identifying problems, evaluate and use what you know. Also, the article explains the five phases of the CALLA instructional sequence (preparation, presentation, practice, self-evaltuaion, expansion).