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[gonzo]

I'm currently studying Second Language Acquisition, and have a history of working with Chinese learners both in China and Australia. I'd be very interested to hear people's observations regarding their most successful students in China, maybe using the following headings to organise some thoughts. However, random and rambling observations are most welcome!

Student's English language learning history before getting to you.

Preferred learning style.

Favourite learning strategies.

Motivation.

Aptitude.

Personality.

All input will be most appreciated.

[MK]

FYI I have been teaching EAP on foundation year programmes for a few years now.

Student's English language learning history before getting to you.
Mostly standard Chinese high school stuff.  I would say that many of them seemed to have been generally good students and discovered an early interest or talent in English/languages, both in and out of class, or have had a supportive parent or well-liked teacher in the background early on.  There is often also a hobby (e.g. comic books, music etc) or strong desire to experience other cultures involved.

Preferred learning style.
Quite teacher reliant at first (as you might expect). Lots and lots of questions in class and even bringing in examples of language that they can’t quite understand yet. However, rapidly becoming more self reliant as they get used to my preferred focus on study skills, independent learning and exposure to more language rather than discrete grammar items etc.

Favourite learning strategies.
They tend to be good students in the Chinese sense, i.e. approaching English as an academic subject to be learned and taught, looking to the teacher for guidance, making vocab lists, lots of textbook reading (often without any real point).  However they also seem willing to adapt and change to new styles and are often very good at exploring their own strengths, weaknesses and interests in English once they get used to the idea.

Motivation.
Usually a combination of exam / teacher / parental pressure.  Future career or study prospects pay a big part. Also desire to communicate and understand the non-Chinese world.  Most of them find some joy in just learning stuff.

Aptitude.
Although most of them have been of higher than average intelligence (i.e. good all round students), I would say they overall they gained their language abilities more through hard work and effort than any innate natural skills.

Personality.
Appearing rather shy and quiet at first actually, especially in group situations (like many students), but in fact seem to know exactly what they want and when comfortable not afraid to ask questions or express opinions and even disagree with the teacher on occasion.  They often seem a bit more mature and sensible than their classmates.

I've also often found these students are the type to be involved in or even be leaders in clubs and societies as well, i.e. they seem pretty well rounded.

[gonzo]

Thanks for that detailed and interesting response MK. Sounds like they have been fortunate enough to land a good FT as well, which undoubtably helps.