Tracing the Changes in Reading Scores and Learning Style Preferences through Reading Strategy Training

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating possible effects of reading strategy instruction on students’ language learning style preferences and their reading proficiency levels. A total of 62 11th grade students from three different classes (one treatment and two control groups) of a Turkish high school took part in this experimental study which lasted for eight weeks. In the scope of this study, Learning Style Survey (LSS) developed by Cohen, Oxford and Chi (2005), Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) by Mokhtari and Sheorey (2002) and Key English Test (KET) were applied to the target groups both before and after reading strategy instruction. The data obtained from these three instruments were compared. Results demonstrated that reading strategy training may have an effect on students’ language learning style preferences, possibly leading students to be more synthesizing and field dependent.