scholarly journals The role of the language aptitude and self-reported strategy use on the achievement of EFL learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-48
Author(s):  
Gamze Yavas Celik ◽  
Fatih Yavuz
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Learning Achievement ◽  
Aptitude Tests ◽  
Achievement Prediction ◽  
Efl Learners

Whether the success depends on language aptitude or the language aptitude tests can predict the language learning achievement is one of the contradictive issues in SLA. Scholars have questioned the effect of aptitude on success, and they developed many language aptitude tests in time; because the success in aptitude measurement and the achievement prediction would mean to gain time in language learning. In addition, with the changing understanding of aptitude in recent years, language learning aptitude began to be compared to other individual differences (ID). These studies aim to increase the success of learners by designing instructions according to their aptitude and other ID. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the relationship between language aptitude, self-reported strategy use and language achievement of the Turkish EFL learners to see the decisiveness of language aptitude on strategy use and achievement. Results showed that the language aptitude influences foreign language learning achievement. Keywords: Language aptitude, language learning strategies, achievement, individual differences, EFL.

scholarly journals The use of Self-regulated Language Learning Strategies Among Vietnamese English-majored Freshmen: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tran Quoc Thao ◽  
Nguyen Chau Hoang Long
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners

Self-regulation of learning plays a vital role in improving second/foreign language learning as it can encourage the development of autonomous learners. It is seen that, nevertheless, ESL/EFL learners in different contexts are not fully aware of the importance of self-regulated language learning (SRLL) strategies in their English language learning. The present study, therefore, aims at investigating the use of SRLL strategies by English-majored students at a university in Bac Lieu province, Vietnam. This study involved 100 English-majored freshmen in answering a closed-ended questionnaire. The results showed that students sometimes used SRLL strategies, and they used SRLL strategies for keeping and monitoring records and seeking social assistance more often than for other purposes. The findings imply that students lacked knowledge of how to use SRLL strategies and get engaged in using SRLL strategies. This study recommends that students’ awareness of SRLL strategies should be seriously taken into account in order to facilitate their learner autonomy.

scholarly journals Vocabulary Learning Strategies and their Relation to Vocabulary Size in Saudi Female Undergraduate EFL Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 218-223
Author(s):  
Ghada Alahmad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Female Undergraduate ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies

It is generally agreed in the field of Foreign Language Learning (FLL) that Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs) are a subcategory of the more general Language Learning Strategies (LLSs). Research into LLSs began based on the belief that language aptitude was not the only determinant factor of language achievement, and that the learners’ own learning effort and the way they approach language learning also played a major role. The purpose of this study is to investigate VLS use of Saudi female undergraduate EFL learners in each stage of the Vocabulary Learning Process (VLP) and its relation to their vocabulary size. The study population consisted of female students enrolled in the final year of the undergraduate English language program in an English department in a Saudi university. Forty-one students participated in this study, and two data collection instruments were used. The first instrument was a frequency of use questionnaire designed based on the learning process-oriented taxonomy of VLSs. The second was a Vocabulary Size Test. The analyses show that the participants used 17 strategies with a high frequency in all the stages of the VLP except for Stages Four and Six. The analyses also show that the most frequently used strategies were mainly cognitive strategies (nine strategies) and metacognitive strategies (five strategies). In terms of the relationship between the use of VLSs and vocabulary size, two strategies were found to be positively correlated with the participants’ vocabulary size. Interestingly, other strategies that are known to be effective in vocabulary learning were found to have a negative correlation with the participants’ vocabulary size.

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy and its Existing Practices: A Comparison between EFL Students of Various Disciplines in the Context of Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol V (I) ◽  
pp. 596-608
Author(s):  
Ayesha Butt ◽  
Faisal Anis ◽  
Amna Yousaf
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Science Group ◽  
Efl Students

Learner autonomy refers to a state where a learner seeks the understanding of the concepts more independently, takes charge of his own learning and becomes more motivated and self-supportive towards the learning procedures. The present study explored the existing practices of EFL learners with reference to autonomy practices, in the context of Punjab, Pakistan. The autonomy of the learners was examined through their use of foreign language learning strategies. The sample of the study consisted of 104 university students from arts and science groups. The results indicated that the students of science group were using more autonomous learning strategies as compared to the arts group.

scholarly journals Fostering Learner Autonomy through Foreign Language Learning Strategies among Pakistani EFL Learners

2019 ◽  
Vol IV (II) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Ayesha Butt ◽  
Uzma Quraishi ◽  
Sameera Ayub Bhatti
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Active Engagement ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Efl Students

Learner autonomy refers to the practical situations and interventions of learning, where individual independence of a learner is given more attention (Smith, 2008). Learner autonomy (LA) can be promoted in foreign language classrooms by using foreign language learning strategies and it can pave the way for successful learning outcomes (Kim, 2013). Foreign language learning strategies (FLLS) are the behaviors, techniques and active engagement of learners (Ellis, 2008). The present study identified the foreign language learning strategies (FLLS), used by the Pakistani students at the tertiary level, where they were found to be unaware of the phenomena. Then a learner-training program based on FLLS was designed and implemented on the sample of 50 EFL students to foster autonomy. The research through an experiment of intervention found the effectiveness of the program with reference to LA development, the enhanced use of FLLS by students and the stimulation of their interest.

Effects of Cultural Contextualization in Listening Materials on Motivation and Strategy Use

2000 ◽  
Vol 127-128 ◽  
pp. 101-126
Author(s):  
Yasushi Kawai
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
The Other ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Learning Materials ◽  
Proper Nouns ◽  
Target Culture

Abstract There are two fundamentally different views regarding which side of culture, i.e., target or base, foreign language learning materials should take. Approaches that emphasize the learner's assimilation into the target culture tend to advocate the use of learning materials which focus on the target side, while those that signify cross-cultural communication are inclined to emphasize the need for information-sending regarding the learner's own culture. From a constructivist perspective, content relevance of learning materials to the learner's existing knowledge is a key ingredient for intrinsic motivation. Acculturation theories, on the other hand, predict that those who are ready to be assimilated in the target culture will have more chance of success in foreign language learning, and therefore learning materials should focus on the target culture. The author conducted a study investigating if the use of culture-bound proper nouns in materials for listening comprehension may influence the motivation towards foreign language learning, which could eventually make a difference in the use of general learning strategies. Japanese learners of English, subjects in this study, were divided into two groups : one which listened to listening materials using Japanese proper nouns such as Hanako, Sapporo, Judo, etc., and the other which listened to those using English counterparts such as Jane, Atlanta, basketball, etc. The other parts of the material were the same. Pre- and post-tests were conducted regarding motivation and strategy use before and after the ten-week-long listening practice. The research results revealed that the expected tendency exists but that was not statistically significant. The researcher further investigated the effects of learning styles. The relationship among these variables is intricate, and foreign language learning appeared multidimensional. The results implies that learning materials do not have to reside on one-side of either base or target cultures. Further investigation is recommended to examine if other means of learning material personalization may affect motivation and strategy use.

scholarly journals Estrategias en el aprendizaje de la lengua extranjera y niveles de competencia en estudiantes universitarios de magisterio

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-378
Author(s):  
Mª de las Mercedes García Herrero ◽  
Amparo Jímenez Vivas
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learning Strategy ◽  
Learning Strategy Use ◽  
Estudiantes Universitarios

El propósito del estudio es identificar la utilización de estrategias en el aprendizaje de la lengua extranjera, por estudiantes universitarios, con diferentes niveles de competencia. Los objetivos son: 1) Conocer el uso de las categorías de estrategias en los diferentes niveles, 2) Comparar la utilización de las categorías, 3) Analizar la selección de categorías y 4) Averiguar el uso de las estrategias individuales más y menos frecuentemente utilizadas. Los participantes del estudio fueron 135 estudiantes de Magisterio del Grado de Primaria. El instrumento utilizado para evaluar estrategias ha sido una adaptación del SILL-Strategy nventory for Language Learning (Oxford, 1990) y para medir la competencia se emplearon las calificaciones finales de la asignatura de inglés.Los resultados de la investigación indican que la categoría más frecuentemente utilizada ha sido la Metacognitiva y la menos empleada la de Memorización. Los estudiantes más competentes emplean globalmente más estrategias. Además, se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la utilización de la categoría cognitiva entre los grupos. The purpose of this study is to analyze the language learning strategy use in foreign language learning by university students at different proficiency levels. The objectives of the study are: 1) to learn about the language learning strategy use in language learning proficiency, 2) to compare language learning strategies employed, 3) to analyze the language learning strategies typically employed by a particular group of students, and 4) to find out about specific language learning strategies most frequently used. The participants were 135 teacher training university students. Data collection method used was a questionnaire based on SILL-Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (Oxford, 1990). The scores on English test were used to measure language learning proficiency. The results of this study reveal that learners use Metacognitive strategies more often than other strategies. In contrast, Memory strategies are the least frequently used. The frequent use of a large number of language learning strategies is reported by the most proficient learners. The differences in proficiency and in cognitive strategy use were found to be statistically significant.

scholarly journals Vocabulary Learning Strategies of Saudi English Major Students: Strategy Use and Gender

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.25) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Jamilah Al-Harbi ◽  
Engku Haliza Engku Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Social Strategy ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies ◽  
English Major

One of the major challenges that learners face during the process of foreign language learning is acquiring vocabulary. Thus, students need to employ various vocabulary learning strategies to acquire the vocabulary of a foreign language. The present study attempts to identify the vocabulary learning strategies employed by Saudi English major students. This study also aims to examine if there are differences between male and female students in the pattern and frequency of strategy use. Sixty-five first-year English major students of Majmaah University participated in the study. Their vocabulary learning strategies were measured using the Vocabulary Learning Strategy Survey. The results showed that students preferred cognitively less demanding strategies compared to the ones that required deeper cognitive processing. The most frequently used strategies were “I try to remember the word by repeating it for several times,” “I try to guess the meaning of the word from text/context” and “I learn new words when I interact with native speakers.” In general, social strategy is the most used strategy while memory strategy is the least used. The findings also showed that males preferred social strategy compared to females who preferred cognitive strategy and that two strategies (cognitive and memory strategies) showed significant differences between the two genders.  

Aptitude for learning a foreign language

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 90-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Sparks ◽  
Leonore Ganschow
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude ◽  
Affective Variables ◽  
Language Variables

What has happened with the construct of foreign language aptitude since 1990, at which time symposium participants from around the world agreed that the "Time has come to rethink the notion of what constitutes aptitude to learn foreign languages?" To answer this question, we begin with a review of studies on foreign language aptitude and its measurement prior to 1990. We then describe research and thinking in the 1990s in several areas, including affective variables; language learning strategies; learning styles as contributors to aptitude; and aptitude as a cognitive construct affected by language variables. Next, we review research on individual differences in language learners and the importance of phonological/orthographic processing for foreign language learning. Finally, we suggest new directions for research in foreign language aptitude.

scholarly journals LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY EFL LEARNERS IN A RURAL AREA

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-38
Author(s):  
Yanik Lailinas Sakinah ◽  
Putu Dian Danayanti Degeng ◽  
Sahiruddin Sahiruddin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Tour Guide ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Numeric Data

Learning strategy has been widely acknowledged to play an important role in foreign language learning to help the learners in improving language competence. However, studies about language learning in EFL setting in various setting with different participants are still required as to provide a comprehensive representation of how language learning strategies are applied by L2 learners, particularly in an Indonesian EFL setting. This study aimed to examine what language learning strategies are used by EFL learners who work as the local tour guide at National Park of Bromo Tengger Semeru /Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS), located in East Java, Indonesia.  Participants of this study were 33 English learners who work as local tour guide The instruments used was Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) version 7.0 adapted from Oxford (1990) consisting of 50 questions with 5 scale for each item. This study had a quantitative design as it dealt with the analysis of the numeric data collected from the questionnaire results and employed SPSS software as a tool to analyze descriptive statistics. The result showed that the most frequent strategy used was compensation strategy with mean value 3.64 and the least frequent strategy used was memory strategy with mean value 2.77.

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