A Systematic Review on Language Learning Strategies for Speaking Skills in a New Learning Environment

Katherine Livan Kehing,Melor Md Yunus

doi:10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.2055

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking skills have always been regarded as the most difficult skill out of the four skills that learners should master in language learning. The importance of learning speaking skills has also been highlighted by many researchers in recent years. With the use of technology in this modern era, learners can learn speaking skills through various resources. Therefore, there is a need to identify the learning strategies used by learners for speaking skills in the new learning environment. In this review, the most frequently used strategies in language learning for speaking skills has been examined. The articles reviewed were from 2017 until 2021 across two databases, ERIC and Google Scholar. The PRISMA 2020 methodology is used in the review. From the review, it was found that meta-cognitive and cognitive strategies were most frequently used for learning speaking skills, followed by compensation and social strategies. The least used strategies by learners were memory and affective strategies. The findings help teachers to look for the most suitable teaching method in the current learning environment. For future research, an extensive review of the use of learning strategies for other learning skills could be carried out.</p>

Highlights

The importance of communication for job hunting has made speaking as one of the most vital skills to master (Ramamuruthy et al, 2021)
The keywords used while examining the articles from Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Google Scholar were “language learning strategies” and “English speaking skills”
The use of compensation strategies was highlighted in the findings (Alhaysony, 2017; Dawadi, 2017; Dorand, 2020; Fussalam & Kurniawan, n.d.; Grisales & Cruz, 2017; Lestari & Wahyudin, 2020; Marpaung & Widyanotoro, 2020; Muslimin, 2019; Salam et al, 2020; Saputra & Subekti, 2017; Syafryadin et al, 2020; Taheri et al, 2020; Wael et al, 2018; Wahyuni, 2019; Zakaria et al, 2018). 15 out of 40 articles mentioned compensation strategies were the most frequently used strategies in learning speaking skills

Summary

Introduction

The importance of communication for job hunting has made speaking as one of the most vital skills to master (Ramamuruthy et al, 2021). To produce learners with good speaking skills, it is vital to know the successful learners’ learning strategies. There is a need for awareness of learning strategies used by learners which could help improve teaching preference and the production of “good language learners” (Lestari & Fatimah, 2020). Learning strategies used by learners is much influenced by the environment they live in. As the teaching methods changes with the current learning environment, learners must adapt to the new learning methods (James et al, 2019). In a technology enhanced environment, digital tools were used, and learners are more flexible to learn (Healey, 2018). Learners are more interested to participate in language learning activities. It could be summarized that technologies do provide an interesting learning environment, but it motivates learners (Pazilah et al, 2019). The skills gained through experiences in using new learning methods eases the learners to deal with the new learning environment they are facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion