Study of Theories of Personality and Learning Styles; some Implications and Sample Activities to Support Curriculum Change in a Higher Education TESOL Program in Syria
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Date
04/11/2003Author
M. Fadi Al Shalabi
Metadata
Abstract
This dissertation studies theories of personality and learning styles and introduces
sample communicative activities to support the change in the Syrian curriculum.
Chapter one gives an idea of the present TESOL (teaching English to speakers of
other languages) situation in Syria highlighting the increasing need for change which
was a consequence of using direct method as the only teaching method. It clarifies
why we, in Syria, need to look for new methods of teaching that would result in
better learning environment. As a step towards achieving the change, this dissertation
looks closely at theories of personality and learning styles because they are relevant
to teaching and learning process.
Chapter two looks at theories of personality and focuses specifically on those which
have close relation to English language learning. Chapter three lists learning styles
with their definitions and looks in more detail at styles that have clear relation to the
learning process. In chapter four, examples of communicative activities are
suggested. These activities aim to unlock learners’ awareness of themselves and to
give teachers, in Syria, an opportunity to collect data about prevalent personality
traits and preferred learning styles among learners. An act ion research, that involves
English teachers and learners in Syria, is suggested in chapter five to achieve the
aim. Finally, a number of problems that might be faced are identified and some
recommendations are given for overcoming them.