Personality profile and learning styles of a talented foreign language learner

Abstract

The present study investigates personality dimensions and learning styles of four talented foreign language learners. As both foreign language teachers and learners face the difficulties associated with language learning on a regular basis, it may be important to find certain behavioral patterns that could serve as guidelines in making the process more comfortable and effective for all parties. The instruments used in the research were the MBTI test to identify participants' orientation on personality dimensions and Kolb's Learning Style Inventory to examine their learning style preferences. The aim of the research was to explore the idea of any commonalities in personality profiles of talented language learners as well as in the learning styles they prefer to apply. The research results suggest that no specific psychological type was identified within the group of participants even though they all scored high on personality dimensions Thinking and Judging. On the measures of preferred learning styles they all scored high on the abstract conceptualization dimension and two learner types were distinguished: Assimilators and Convergers. The conclusion is that learners' different psychological types and learning styles require a more specific teaching approach that would cater for their individual needs.

Keywords

• personality dimensions
• learning styles
• gifted students
• foreign language learning