The Relationship between the Big Five personality traits, Learning approaches and Language Proficiency of Iranian EFL Learners

Expanding the information about language learners' differences and their approaches to learning, can facilitate language learning and pave their way to success. To achieve this end, the present study examined the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness), learning approaches (Deep, Surface and Strategic) and English language proficiency (LP) of Iranian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) university students. Ninety two students majoring in English related fields responded to a test of English Language proficiency, the Big Five Inventory and the short form of ASSIST (Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students). The Pearson product moment correlation revealed that Conscientiousness was positively related to Deep and Strategic approaches. The results also indicated a significantly negative relationship between Neuroticism and Deep approach. Regarding personality and language proficiency, Conscientiousness and openness to experience were positively and Neuroticism was negatively related to Language Proficiency. Finally, it was found that Deep and Strategic approaches to learning had a significantly positive relationship with Language Proficiency while this relationship was negative regarding Surface approach.

Keywords:

personality trait , Learning Approach , English Language Proficiency