A probe into the EFL learning style preferences of minority college students: An empirical study of Tujia EFL learners in Jishou University

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the learning style preferences of Tujia EFL learners in Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi1 and provide some suggestions for improving effectiveness of College English teaching in Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi based on the findings. The findings of the study have both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, first, the feasibility of the multidimensional questionnaire of learning styles is proved in this empirical study. At the same time, the successful application of the multidimensional learning-styles instrument will help researchers to draw a complete picture of students' learning style preferences. Second, the present study also found "the ethnic culture and socialization are the most important factors that influence the Tujia EFL learning style preferences". Practically, the results help the Tujia EFL learners understand their own learning style preferences and instructors in making decisions about course design and improving the methods of the Tujia EFL classroom teaching. Methodologically, the successful application of both quantitative and qualitative approach and the use of a multidimensional learning-styles instrument expand the methodology of learning styles research. © 2012 ACADEMY PUBLISHER Manufactured in Finland.