LEARNING STRATEGIES IN LEARNING

Learning Strategies in Learning

Abstract

Based on empirical research and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to explore the language learning strategies use of instructed EFL learners. The implication of the findings is that language strategy training is necessary and EFL instructors may facilitate their students to become more effective learners by encouraging them to employ a variety of language learning strategies.

Learning Strategies in Learning

Introduction

Since the early 1970s, in the field of second language learning and teaching, there has been a prominent shift in the research from the method of teaching to learner characteristics and their possible influence on the process of acquiring a second language. Much research has been focused on ascertaining the characteristics of successful language learners and identifying the learning strategies they use so as to benefit the less successful language learners.

For the purpose of defining and classifying language learning strategies, considerable progress has been made in developing definition and taxonomies (Rubin, 1981; O'Malley, et al., 1985a; Oxford, 1990; Cohen, 1998). Many strategy training studies have been conducted, most of which have been proven successful. Research in language learning strategies shows great potential in the field of second language acquisition. However, the educational context, learning goals and task requirements of Chinese students learning English are different from the educational settings of the students previously studied. Can the findings of western research apply to Chinese students?

In China, research on English from learners' perspective like learning strategies, motivation, etc., has increasingly been a focus, with the purpose of exploring effective and efficient ways to improve the teaching and learning of EFL (English as a Foreign Language). However, most of the subjects in these researches are English majors, and the sample of non-English majors seems not representative enough, especially in terms of the differences in region and the subjects' English proficiency. In the context of instructed EFL learning, as a study financed by Qingdao University of Science and Technology, there is a need to investigate the learning strategies of instructed EFL students again so that we will have a better understanding of what strategy training they may need to achieve their learning goals.

Research method

Researches regarding learner strategies and especially researchers dealing with metacognition in second language learning have demonstrated that learners are able to describe their choice of strategies, their setting of priorities, and the way they evaluate the effectiveness of strategies. This study relies on the students' ability to provide basic information regarding the set of strategies they use in English learning.

Subjects

The 128 subjects under study were selected randomly from 1st-year undergraduates of non-English majors in Qingdao University of Science and Technology where the researcher worked. The subjects including 59 males and 69 females were from 4 classes, in which 2 classes were majoring in editing, the other 2 in automation.

Instrument

In this study, the instrument used to elicit and collect information was in the form of questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire is on language learning strategy ...