Adult language learners’ perception of the usefulness of learning strategies

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the perception that adult English learners in a non-formal context have about the usefulness of learning strategies. Data were collected through field notes and qualitative surveys. The results indicated that participants perceived the strategies not only as very useful but also as dynamic, entertaining, and interesting. Likewise, the results showed that the inclusion of strategies contributes to the development of language skills and helped the participants to gain confidence in the use of the learned language. The pedagogical implications suggest that the inclusion of strategies, as a support tool outside the classroom, can have a positive effect on the perception, adoption of new strategies, and on the increase of time invested outside the classroom.