Extroversion/Introversion in Foreign Language Learning: Interactions with Learner Strategy Use

This book explores how learners' personalities influence foreign language learning in Japan. In particular, this volume investigates three main research questions: What are the learning strategies generally employed by Japanese college students? What are the characteristic learning strategies of extroverts and introverts? Do extroversion and introversion have an impact on English listening proficiency? In the analysis carried out in the volume, both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been used. As regards the former, various types of questionnaires have been employed, measuring strategy use, personality characteristics, and English proficiency. As regards the latter, the strategies students use both in the classroom and in a tutorial learning situation have been observed, integrated with interviews with the students themselves regarding their use of learning strategies. In the last part of the book, the pedagogical implications of this study are examined with suggestions for both teachers and learners.

The Author: Natsumi Wakamoto is Professor in the Department of English, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto, Japan, where he teaches applied linguistics and teacher training courses. Through his research on the individual differences of EFL learners, he has been exploring ways to help different types of learners use appropriate strategies to improve their English proficiency. He has a B.A. in education from Kyoto University, an M.Ed. in English education from Hyogo University of Teacher Education, and an Ed.D. in second language education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.