Language Learner Strategies with Technology

2000 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Ulitsky

This study examines use of learning strategies by experienced adult learners of foreign languages. The goal was to determine how these exemplary language learners engage a multimedia environment, what strategies they employ, and how insights on strategy use can be useful for learners and teachers.

1997 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michèle de Courcy

The aim of this paper is to present the results of research conducted with four adult learners of Chinese, in order to throw some light on the process of learning Chinese as a second language. The term “process” is used here to refer to operations used by learners to find and/or construct meaning within the context of a particular second language classroom. “Strategy” refers to a single operation which is a feature of the process of meaning construction. Data were collected over a two year period using individual and group interviews, think aloud protocols, classroom observation and learner diaries. The students showed a number of different approaches to learning, not all of which could be classified as “good language learner” strategies. Findings relating to literacy are presented, as well as more general learner strategies. Research implications are that there is still much to be learned about what goes on in immersion classrooms, especially as regards older learners and languages with ideographic scripts.


2019 ◽  
pp. 136216881987615
Author(s):  
Mirosław Pawlak

Major advances have been made in research on language learning strategies (LLS) since it was triggered by good language learner studies (e.g. Rubin, 1975). Numerous accounts of strategy use have been compiled, key classifications have been proposed, some progress has been made towards furthering our understanding of the complex relationship between LLS use and attainment, an array of factors impacting strategy use has been investigated, some evidence has been gathered for the beneficial role of strategies-based instruction, and new data collection tools have been developed (see e.g. Cohen, 2011; Cohen & Griffiths, 2015; Cohen & Macaro, 2007; Griffiths, 2018, 2019; Griffiths & Oxford, 2014; Oxford, 2017; Oxford & Amerstorfer, 2018; Pawlak, 2011; Pawlak & Oxford, 2018). While acute problems related to the definition of LLS, their characteristics, their separation from regular learning activities or their actual utility have surely not disappeared, some promising solutions have been proposed (Griffiths, 2018; Oxford, 2017) and calls to abandon the concept have been countered (Dörnyei, 2005). This said, a question arises as to what can be done to move the field forward. Following a brief overview of existing research, the article tackles this issue with respect to the following areas: (1) foci of future research, (2) methodological choices, and (3) consideration of how research findings can inform pedagogy.


2019 ◽  
pp. 136216881986887
Author(s):  
Daniel Fung ◽  
Ernesto Macaro

The language learner strategies research field has often tried to identify the good language learner (GLL) by distinguishing more proficient from less proficient learners. However the notion of ‘good’ may be problematic without taking into account an individual’s linguistic knowledge (LK). This article foregrounds LK in relation to strategy use in the context of ‘listening to the teacher’: a language use task relatively under-researched. Secondary school students in Hong Kong ( n = 646) completed a questionnaire and tests of LK including vocabulary and grammar. Lower LK learners reported using more translation strategies, whereas those with higher LK reported using a range of additional strategies. A further cluster analysis, however, indicated that a sub-group of lower LK learners were comparably strategic with the higher LK group perhaps compensating for low LK via strategy deployment. This article provides evidence that strategy deployment when listening to the teacher is not wholly constrained by levels of LK. Pedagogical implications are suggested.


Author(s):  
Iryna Kaminska

In the article, theoretical-and methodological approaches of modern scholars to the issue of implementing learning strategies into the process of teaching foreign languages are ascertained. The development of strategies and the strategy repertoire along with factors that influence the choice of strategies and their transfer to different learning contexts is considered. Strategy instruction and its impact on language learners are observed. The variety and diversity of factors affecting the choice and the use of learning strategies, namely, motivation, learner autonomy, self-regulation, prior learning experience and students’ beliefs, which determine individual choice of language learning strategies by students of higher education establishments are analyzed. The transfer of general learning strategies to new learning contexts, notably to learning foreign languages, and the predictive value they have in language achievement is defined. The value and importance of learning strategies and the relationship between success, achievement and performance and examined. The teaching of the wide scope of strategies to language students to help them become more efficient, effective and productive is addressed. Possible differences in learning strategy types and frequency of strategy use in low and high strategy users as well as high and low achievers of foreign language learners are identified. Research needs to be conducted to find more efficient ways of training learners to use language learning strategies effectively. The length, the amount and the type of strategy instruction that has more impact on the students’ adoption of learning of strategies should be scrutinized. The type of strategies that learners are more susceptible to accept and adopt not only in the short term but also in the long term should be analyzed. No study has been conducted in the general set of strategies which beginner learners of English transfer from their general repertoire of strategies to language learning as the primary tools to face language learning and the extent to which these strategies will help them in attaining success in language learning.


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