Language Learning Strategies

Language Learning Language Learning StrategiesStrategies

Presented by Winnie Chen

TESOL Methodology

Abstract

Features Types Research Assessing strategy use Good language learner Strategy instruction research Influences on strategy choice Practice Current & future

Features of LLS

Goal-directed

A strategy chain (consisting of A strategy chain (consisting of subgoalssubgoals)) Autonomy (Controlling learning process) Self-efficacy

Types of LLS

Cognitive strategies Mnemonic strategies Metacognitive strategies Compensatory strategies Affective strategies Social strategies

Cognitive strategies

Schema New input Tapestry approach

Interaction Interaction (more capable other)(more capable other)

Higher thinking skills Higher thinking skills

LearningLearning

Sth. Known( key words) New item An aid for remembering Comparison with Cognitive strategies:

1.Relating things in a simplistic manner.1.Relating things in a simplistic manner.

2.Learning vocabs & grammar. 2.Learning vocabs & grammar.

Mnemonic strategies

Metacognitive strategies

Self-directed language learning. Planning Monitoring Evaluating Choosing strategies based on learning learning

stylesstyles. Encouraging students to be an active active

participantparticipant.

Compensatory strategies

Making up for missing knowledge. Controversy:

1. 1. Cohen:

“ “It’s for language use!”It’s for language use!”

2. 2. Little & Oxford:

“ “Incidental learning is helpful.”Incidental learning is helpful.”

Affective strategies

Identifying learners’ feelings. Methods: diary, emotional checklist…. Advantages: reducing anxiety, praising

one’s performance….

Social strategies

Facilitating learning with others. Communicative language learning. O’Malley & Chamot:

“ “Cognitive S & Metacognitive S Cognitive S & Metacognitive S

downplay the social strategy.”downplay the social strategy.”

Research

Assessing strategy use The good language learner Strategy instruction research Influences on strategy choice

Assessing strategy use

Observation Verbal report Strategy diary Strategy questionnaires(Oxford:(Oxford:SILL))

Good language learner Guesser Strong drive Opportunities of practice Willing to make mistakes Monitoring speech Patterns & analysis Meaning-oriented Good use of strategiesGood use of strategies

CommunicatingCommunicating

Strategy use V.S. Language proficiency

Greater strategy use = higher proficiency?? Oxford & Dreyer’s Predictive studiesPredictive studies:

““Strategy use can’t predict proficiency!”Strategy use can’t predict proficiency!”

Strategy use instruction (SBI)

Advantages:Advantages: Greater LLS use, self-efficacy,

anxiety ,motivation , attitude++. Related to:Related to: Culture,belief,content,presentation. Fully informed strategy-plus-control instruFully informed strategy-plus-control instru

ction:ction:

Authentic, relevant, affective, integrated into

regular language classroom. One-time- only workshop ImprovementOne-time- only workshop Improvement

Factors affect strategy choice

Motivation Environment Learning style & personalities Gender Culture & nation Career orientation Age Language task

Practice & Conclusion

Assessing strategy use Attuning instruction to learners’ needs Formats for instruction Conducting instruction Evaluation of instruction

Strategy use instructionStrategy use instruction

Discussion

What language learning strategies you use when learning English? Please explain.

Did your teacher coach strategy use in learning English? How?

How do you as a teacher weave strategy instruction into English lessons?

What’s your opinion about strategy instruction in the EFL environment in Taiwan? Feasible or not? Why?

What are the differences of teaching strategy bet. younger and older learners?