Individual factors on foreign language learning

• influences the success of language aquisition

• influences the learners approach to conscious learning

• learners aged 8 show highest rate of learning

  
  

humans are genetically programmed to aquire certain skills at specific times in life

Children rely on memory-based processes whereas adults L2 learning is more charaterized by rule-based learning

MLAT (modern language aptitude test)

standardized test designed to measure a person's ability to learn foreign languages.

item tests: grammatical sensitivity ( ability to recognise functions of linguistic part in sentences), phonetic encoding ability, memory capacity

It refers to mental functions responsible for storing and manipulating information temporarily. Provides the interface between long-term memory and action

enables learners to manipulate the language material in direct ways

Examples: analysis, note-taking, summerazing,..

employed for managing the learning process overall

Examples: identifying one´s own learning style, planing for an L2 task, gathering and organising materials

link on L2 item or concept with another

Example: work with acronyms, rhyming,…

help learners make up for missing knowledge

Example:

• using synonyms, gestures

• guessing from context

help learners control their emotions, attitudes, motivation, values

example:

• identifying mood

• talking about feelings

  
  

help learners work with others / understand the target culture and language

example:

• asking questions, for clarification, for help

• Exploring cultural and social norms