Language Learning Strategies
David Merchn Mosquero
10636978
Urban Multilingualism
Definition and Classification
Rubins definition: Language learning strategy is the technique or devices which a learner may use to acquire knowledge Sterns definition: Language learning strategy is a personal learning style There is a confusion between learning behavior and learning strategies, and this is an obstruction to an extremely powerful learning tool.
OMalleys General Definition
OMalley defines language learning strategies as Any set of operations or steps used by learners that will facilitate the acquisition storage or retrieval or use of information OMalley identified 26 strategies which can be separated into 3 groups: metacognitive, cognitive and social- (While Rubin only identified 2 groups: direct or indirect)
Language learning strategies by Oxford
Oxford created a self report questionnaire known as The strategy inventory of Language Learning (SILL) where the items are divided into six groups: Memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective and social.
Carol Griffiths definition
Carol Griffiths provides us six essential features for the definition of language learning strategy: 1. Language learning strategies is what students do, mental and physically. Confusion between learning style (learner preferences) and learning strategies (what learners do). 2. Consciousness is a basic characteristic of language learning. The learners who use language strategies must be al least partially conscious of them, even if they are not attempting to it. 3. Language learning strategies have been described as optional means for exploiting available information to improve competence in a second language. Depending on contextual factor, individual factor, and nature of the learning goal
Carol Griffiths definition
4. Strategy behavior implies goal oriented, the purposeful activity on the part of the learner. In the case of language learning strategies, the purpose is to learn language, 5. Learners use language learning strategies to regulate or control their learning. Self regulation refers to the degree to which individuals are active participants in their own learning. 6. The goal of language learning strategies is the facilitation of learning, a target which distinguishes learning strategies from skills (manner in which language is used). Language learning strategies are used to learn and skills are used to use what you have learnt.
Carol Griffiths definition
After this six characteristic we can obtain more or less a complete definition of Language Learning Strategies: Activities consciously chose by learners for purpose of regulating their own language learning
Study of Language Learning Strategies
131 students were examined in two ways: the Oxford Placement Test, used to evaluate knowledge of grammar and listening skills and they completed a questionnaire known as the English Language Learning Strategy Inventory or ELLSI which consists of 32 strategy items where the students are asked to rate 1 (low frequency) to 5 (high frequency) according to how often they use them.
Findings of the study
The students reported an average frequency of strategy use over all items of 3.1 (over 5). The students were divided into lower level and upper level, and it was discovered that the lower level students reported a lower average frequency of strategy use (2.9) that the higher level students (3.3). According to these results, it can be seen that higher level students do, report significantly more frequent use of language learning strategies than do lower level students. Further, the higher level students report using a much larger repertoire of strategies significantly more frequently than the lower level students.
Findings of the study
Higher level learners frequently use a large number of language learning strategies, in particular: - Strategies to manage their own learning - Strategies to expand their vocabulary - Strategies to improve their knowledge of grammar - Strategies involving the use of resources (TV or movies) - Strategies involving all language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
List of Items in the ELLSI
Conclusions
It is very difficult to obtain a simple definition of language learning strategy. Individuals are infinitely variable and any attempt at one rule for all type conclusion is unlikely to be universally applicable. In according to language strategies there are many other learner variables (such as aptitude, learning style, motivation, beliefs, age, culture..) and learning variables ( grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation..) have the potential to affect the outcome of language learning efforts.