Examining the Perceptual Learning Style Preferences of Korean EFL Middle School Students

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptual learning style preferences of 97 Korean EFL students in middle school. Furthermore, it examined if students' learning styles varied in terms of gender and grade level. Data was collected by using Reid's (1987) PLSPQ and a personal background questionnaire and was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, MANOVA, ANOVA, and t-test. The results revealed that subjects had all six major learning styles but among them, auditory, group, and visual styles were the most preferred by them. The results found in this study, presented that Korean EFL middle school students favored learning English through listening, reading and working in groups and that younger students preferred learning through physical involvement and practicum. The findings of this study provide a number of useful insights for EFL and ESL educators and instructors in Korea. The current study suggests that a great number of variables such as culture, learning situation of the target country, age, and grade level can all play important roles in shaping the learning preferences and the learning styles of students. Considering these variables and promoting a curriculum that is interesting, appealing and successful may help maximize student L2 learning.