Exploring English language learning styles of Malay students at the International Islamic University Malaysia

• Main Authors: Ahamed Shah, Mohamed Ismail, Ismail, Yusof
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IDOSI Publication 2012
• Subjects: L Education (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/31195/1/Exploring_English_Language_Learning_Styles.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/31195/; http://www.idosi.org/wasj/wasj.htm

This study investigates the learning styles of Malay students at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Participants in this research were 153 undergraduate Malaysian students of Malay ethnicity enrolled in two degree programmes at the university. Their learning styles were investigated through an analysis of their responses to Learning Styles Indicator (LSI) which had questions grouped under three modalities: Project Orientation, Group Activity Orientation and Individual Activity Orientation. This instrument has been validated in several studies. The study was mainly motivated by concerns about the standards of English of graduates of Malaysian universities. Results of the current study suggest Group Orientation as the preferred learning style for students from both the English Language and Literature and the Economics and Management Sciences compared to the other two orientations. Language proficiency is poorer in explaining learning orientations compared to the language spoken at home by the students. Generally, gender does not help differentiate student preferences of learning orientations. These results also suggest strong cultural influences on the students’ learning styles. The main implication of the study is that there is a need for language educators to adjust their instructional style to suit the learning styles of the students. Key words: Learning styles, project orientation, group activity orientation, individual activity orientation