Perceptual Learning-Style Preferences of Iranian EFL Learners in Relation to Their Proficiency Level

Learning style is the way in which you characteristically acquire, retain, and retrieve information. It is a must for learners and especially teachers to be aware of learning styles of learners. Accordingly, the current paper was, in fact, an attempt to see does the ability level of EFL language learners significantly affect their learning styles. It also investigated the learning styles which are preferred and common among beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level learners. To achieve such objectives, a TOEFL test (as a homogeneity pre-test to divide 120 selected Iranian EFL learners into three beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels) and a learning style questionnaire was used. The results of the study revealed that first, the proficiency level of learners have a significant impact on learners' learning style preferences. The study also revealed that sensory styles are the most preferred learning styles for beginning learners, personality styles for intermediate learners, and finally, degree-related styles for advanced-level learners. Conducting studies like the present one may contribute effectively on the better teaching of language to learners.