Variation in learning styles in a group of Chinese English as a foreign language learners

In this study, the Felder learning styles inventory was administered to students who were non-English majors in a Chinese University. Descriptive statistics identified that participants do vary in their preference for particular learning styles with a great variety of learning style preferences distributed unevenly among the sample population. A large number of the participants showed mild preference to Global, Visual and Sensing learning styles. The present study extended Felder’s work to a group of Chinese English as a Foreign Language learners. Implications for English as a Foreign Language teachers in Chinese Universities are that it is important to be aware of varied needs of learners from different majors and to respond flexibly by employing a broad range of teaching techniques to better reach students of different learning preferences.