The CATESOL Journal

Th is study investigated Asian international students’ self-reported preferences for class performance and class participation and whether these preferences were related to their English ability and personality type. A sample of 121 students from three colleges and universities in Los Angeles was administered a three-part questionnaire that contained demographic, language- use, and English language profi ciency items; questions about their preferences for studying; and a personality scale used to classify the students as outgoing or reserved. Th e researchers found the data consistent with that of earlier studies, in which Asian students were described as passive, respectful of their teachers, and bound by the need to maintain group harmony. As expected, language profi ciency was found to aff ect many of the patterns described. Th e fi ndings for personality type were not as clear-cut and will need to be investigated further