Assignment Module 2

Many studies have tried to identify characteristics of a good learner. Nevertheless, it is essential to bear in mind that many ideas that attempt to describe a good learner are based on cultural assumptions as educational systems around the world are diverse and students can be successful even if they do not necessarily meet these characteristics.

Look at the chart below and rate each of the following characteristics on a scale 1 to 5. Use 1 to indicate a characteristic that you think is “very important” and 5 to indicate a characteristic that you consider “not at all important” in predicting success in foreign language learning.

A good language learner:

a	is a willing and an accurate guesser	1	2	3	4	5
b	tries to get a message across even if specific language knowledge is lacking	1	2	3	4	5
c	is willing to make mistakes	1	2	3	4	5
d	constantly looks for patterns in the language	1	2	3	4	5
e	practices as often as possible	1	2	3	4	5
f	analyzes his/her own speech and the speech of others	1	2	3	4	5
g	attends to whether his/her performance meets the standards he/she has learned	1	2	3	4	5
h	enjoys grammar exercises	1	2	3	4	5
i	begins learning in childhood	1	2	3	4	5
j	has an above-average IQ	1	2	3	4	5
k	has good academic skills	1	2	3	4	5
l	Has a good self-image and a lot of confidence	1	2	3	4	5

(Lightbown, Patsy M., Spada, Nina. How Languages Are Learned. 3d ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006).

Assignment:

Write a paragraph explaining why you have chosen certain characteristic features of utmost importance and why you consider others of a less important nature. How do you think your scores reflect your cultural background and the education system of your country?