Theorising and updating aptitude

Language Learning and Language Teaching

Volumn 2, Issue , 2002, Pages 69-93

  Skehan, Peter ^a  

^a KING'S COLLEGE LONDON   (United Kingdom)

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EID: 85127395083     PISSN: 15699471     EISSN: None     Source Type: Book Series    
DOI: None     Document Type: Chapter

References (2)

1. One aspect of this pragmatic orientation to researching aptitude is worth particular comment. Researchers, e.g., J.B. Carroll, have been at pains to point out that what is being predicted by aptitude tests is speed of learning. Discussions of aptitude by such researchers typical assert that everyone can learn a foreign language. What aptitude tests predict therefore is whether a particular level of proficiency can be achieved in the time available.
2. Unfortunately, one of the common popular interpretations of aptitude is that it claims that some learners simply cannot learn languages. Following from this, aptitude test results are seen as devices which cause some learners to be de-selected from courses of language study.