Language Learning Strategies Research Articles

Reexamining the role of regulatory focus in second language achievement

Abstract In this study, we approximately replicated Papi and Khajavy’s (2021) investigation into the regulatory focus in second language acquisition, applying their approach to a significantly larger cohort of 855 Chinese second language (L2) learners. In contrast with the original study, our research employed the College English Test Band 4 (CET-4), a standardized English test, to better align with the Chinese educational context. This methodological shift allowed for a nuanced exploration of the regulatory focus’s role in language learning among Chinese students. Our results predominantly reinforce the crucial role of regulatory focus in language learning, echoing Papi and Khajavy’s findings. We discovered notable parallels in how promotion positively influences ideal own and ideal other, and how prevention negatively impacts ought own and ought other. However, a unique finding of our study was the stronger impact of ought selves on L2 anxiety and enjoyment in the Chinese context. This highlights the nuanced influence of socioeducational environments on regulatory focus strategies, suggesting contextual variability in language learning strategies.

The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Improving the Basic English Speaking and Listening Ability of Children Aged 5-6 at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in High-Tech Zone of Nanchang, Jiangxi

Background and Aims: English language proficiency is increasingly becoming a vital skill in today's globalized world. As countries strive to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage, the ability to communicate effectively in English has become a critical aspect of education, particularly during early childhood development. Early exposure to English language learning has been shown to yield significant benefits, leading to increased linguistic abilities and intercultural understanding. Consequently, the implementation of effective language learning strategies during early childhood education becomes paramount. The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare the basic English listening ability of children aged 5–6 after using game-based learning activities to that before learning, 2) to compare the basic English-speaking ability of children aged 5–6 after using the game-based learning activities with that before learning. And 3) to study the children’s interest in the game-based learning activities. Methodology: The study, conducted at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in Nanchang City, evaluated the impact of a game-based teaching method on the English listening and speaking skills of 35 children aged 5-6 over one month. Initial and final assessments recorded in Excel showed significant improvements in both skills and increased learning interest. The data analysis includes percentages, means, standard deviation, and paired t-tests. Results: Results showed that the English listening ability of students was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English listening ability of children aged 5–6 years old, students had English-speaking ability was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English-speaking ability of 5–6-year-old children and the learning interest of students was significantly higher than before they learned. Conclude: Children between the ages of five and six have demonstrated a significant improvement in their English listening skills after using the game teaching method; their ability was significantly better than before. Additionally, it improves their ability to speak English, with a discernible increase observed following the application of the game-based learning approach. Additionally, this approach makes the kids more engaged and motivated than they were before by piquing their curiosity in learning.

Analysis of influencing factors on the learning effectiveness of Chinese beginners of German

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the difficulties faced by German language learners based on a survey of their learning obstacles. The survey findings reveal the impact of individual factors such as gender, age, and interest on learning outcomes among German learners. Additionally, the study focuses on the potential influence of learners' prior language learning experiences, particularly Chinese and English, on the German learning process, as well as the impact of their foundation in Chinese and English on learning German. By comprehensively analyzing these factors, the article uncovers the multiple challenges faced by German learners during the learning process and provides valuable insights for the formulation of German language teaching and learning strategies.

Arabic Language Learning Strategy for Elementary School Graduates in Pondok Pesantren Yusuf Abdussatar Kediri Lobar West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

This article discusses the Arabic language learning strategy for elementary school graduates at Pondok Pesantren Yusuf Abdussatar, Kediri Lobar, West Nusa Tenggara. The background of this research is based on the importance of mastering Arabic as a means of communication and understanding religious texts in Islamic boarding schools. However, elementary school graduates who enter pesantren often have limitations in Arabic language skills. Therefore, effective learning strategies are needed to facilitate their understanding. This article examines the various methods used, ranging from the communicative approach, context-based learning, to the use of interactive media and a supportive learning environment. This research uses qualitative methods with observation, interview and document analysis techniques. The results show that the applied learning strategies succeeded in improving students' learning motivation and their Arabic language skills, especially through the combination of theory and hands-on practice. In addition, the active involvement of teachers and the support of an intensive boarding school environment play an important role in the success of the learning process. This article recommends further development on the integration of technology in Arabic language learning to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of learning in Islamic boarding schools.

Systematic Review on The Role of Gender and Language Learning Strategies (LLS)

le to master the language. These struggles generally encompass internal as well as external challenges. Some examples of internal factors comprise low motivation, interest, and focus besides a poor attitude towards the target language in question. Meanwhile, some external factors normally include ineffective and inappropriate teaching and learning (T & L) methods, an unsupportive classroom environment, and a lack of support and encouragement from family and friends. This study aims to determine the role of gender in English as a second language (ESL) learners’ use of language learning strategies (LLS). Online databases such as Google Scholar, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Scopus, and ProQuest were used to identify the relevant literature. Online searches conducted from 2010 and 2022 revealed 197 studies on the topic. The systematic literature review method was employed for this study. However, only 23 kinds of literature out of 197 were selected for inclusion according to specific criteria outlined by the research purpose mentioned above. Based on the results it was found that gender does play a significant role in the ESL learners' use of LLS due to several factors such as aptitude, emotional and communicative motivation, and positive attitude. Moreover, individual personality, social differences, physiological functioning, and home environment can influence the LLS used by ESL learners. It was found that the preferred LLS includes cognitive, compensation, and affective strategies.

Innovative Strategies for English Language Learning in Ecuador: A Focus on Playful Learning

Education is a universal right that extends beyond core subjects to include cross-curricular content essential for preparing students for a competitive global landscape. In this context, English serves as a critical tool, recognized as both the first official language for 370 million users and a second language for 978 million (Eberhard et al., 2021). Despite its global importance, Ecuador faces challenges in English language proficiency, ranking low in Latin America due to inadequate methodologies and a lack of qualified teachers (Education First, 2021; Banegas & Sanchez, 2024). This project aims to implement a playful program tailored to middle school students (5th to 7th grades) at Eugenio Espejo Basic Education School, addressing their unique educational needs through the development of didactic materials and training for non-specialized teachers. A descriptive quantitative approach will guide the methodology, focusing on communicative competence through structured tutoring sessions that utilize reusable educational resources. The study will assess students' prior knowledge through a pre-test, which will inform the creation of a tailored curriculum designed to enhance vocabulary and overall language skills. This initiative not only seeks to improve English proficiency among students but also aims to equip teachers with effective pedagogical strategies, fostering a more conducive learning environment in Ecuadorian classrooms.

Exploring collaborative writing among large groups in online distance learning through a public forum and private chat tool

Abstract This study explored how collaborative writing, an often-used instructional strategy in second language (L2) learning, intersects with large-group dynamics, and investigated their potential impact on the quality of writing outcomes in an online distance learning course. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research scrutinized intra-group interaction processes in two large groups undertaking a computer-assisted language learning writing assignment and evaluated the impact of these interaction processes on their writing products. Data from discussions in both a public online forum and a private social communication platform (WeChat) were collected, systematically coded, and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively based on language functions. Data collection also included an assessment of the written products and follow-up group interviews. The findings indicate distinct interaction patterns between high-performing and low-performing groups, characterised by an expert/participant pattern and a dominant/passive pattern, respectively. Additionally, insights from the interviews shed light on these interaction patterns and the potential impact on student learning outcomes. The study suggests practical implications, highlighting the importance of task design in promoting high levels of collaborative knowledge construction to enhance students’ writing skills and L2 language learning in large-group settings.

Language Learning Strategies of Maritime Students

Language learning strategies for maritime students might differ depending on their individual requirements and programs. In this premise, this study aimed to determine the extent of Language Learning Strategies by Maritime Students in a private school in a highly urbanized city in the central Philippines during the first semester of the School Year 2023-2024 as the basis for the language mastery program. The data needed for this descriptive research framework, coupled with statistical analysis to investigate the language learning strategies, was collected from 438 first-year maritime students using a standardized questionnaire. The results indicate that most parents hold graduate-level education, influencing academic environments. Most students are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, with a balanced distribution of private and public school backgrounds. The study examines language learning strategies used by maritime students, finding moderate utilization in both direct and indirect dimensions. The study highlights the importance of tailored language learning support in marine education, enhancing language learning practices and promoting practical communication skills for professional endeavors. Moreover, it reveals notable language learning strategy employment variations among BSMT and BSMarE students. BSMT students showed slightly higher engagement in metacognitive aspects, while BSMarE students showed moderate engagement in affective and social strategies. The overall mean suggests areas for improvement in language learning behaviors. The study compares language learning strategies among maritime students and reveals significant differences based on a program of study. Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation students show higher engagement; in contrast, BSMarE students show no significant difference. The findings suggest tailoring specific language learning strategies to enhance students’ proficiency and academic success. Specialized support programs tailored to academic specializations and collaborative efforts among language teachers and faculty across programs are essential to enhancing language learning in maritime education. Keywords: Education, language learning, maritime, strategies, private school, central Philippines

Students’ beliefs about language learning: a study of university students’ beliefs about learning English as a foreign language

This study explores students’ beliefs about learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants in this study were students at International University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where English is the formal language of instruction. The research adapted the questionnaire from Horwitz’s (1987) Beliefs About Language Learning Instrument (BALLI), which was filled in by 157 students. In the process of developing the research objectives and research questions, the following determinants were examined: the difficulty of language learning, the foreign language aptitude, the nature of language learning, learning strategies and communication strategies, and motivations and expectations. After testing the determinants, results indicate that students’ beliefs about language have an impact on their learning process. Therefore, this paper argues for the need to address students’ beliefs about language learning and highlights the teacher’s role in raising university students’ awareness of these issues. /Keywords: language learning, students’ beliefs, EFL

Implementing Vocabulary Journals through Digital Narrative Text for EFL Secondary Students in Learning General Vocabulary

Four fundamental language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing are important skills for EFL secondary school students to develop it. Learning English requires fundamental knowledge of vocabulary since it influences these abilities greatly. However, vocabulary instruction is often overlooked in traditional language learning strategies. On the other hand, the use of digital narrative texts, such as videos, provides a modern approach to facilitating students in general vocabulary learning. This study explores the integration of vocabulary journals with digital narrative texts to enhance vocabulary acquisition among EFL secondary students specifically in junior high school students. This study used action research and involved 25 students from a junior high school in Karawang. Data collection methods included vocabulary journal logs, observations, interviews, and reflective journals. The findings revealed that vocabulary journals significantly assist students in understanding and retaining new vocabulary, enhancing overall language comprehension. Students expressed positive attitudes towards this method, highlighting its engaging and interactive learning strategy. This study concludes that combining vocabulary journals with digital narrative texts effectively supports vocabulary acquisition, making learning more enjoyable and impactful. This approach fosters deeper understanding and long-term retention of vocabulary, improving students' language skills and academic performance. The findings suggest that this innovative strategy could be beneficial in educational settings.

Learning Strategies For Listening Skills Among Arabic Learners In The Preparatory Year At Faculties Of Islamic Sciences In Turkey/ إستراتيجيات التعلم الخاصة بمهارة الاستِماع لدى متعلمي العَربيّةِ في السنة التحضيرية في كليات العلوم الإسلامية في تركيا

Listening skills in Arabic are a gateway to acquiring knowledge and a means of learning and communication. However, many preparatory year students in the Faculties of Islamic Sciences in Turkey complain about its difficulty and suffer from weak listening skills for various reasons. Modern studies in foreign language education emphasize the necessity for learners to possess learning strategies for each language skill due to their significant importance in developing these skills and overcoming many problems and difficulties that learners may encounter. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the learning strategies specific to listening skills among Arabic learners in the preparatory year at some Turkish universities and investigate the impact of variables (gender, place of study) on their use of these strategies. The study was conducted on a sample of 127 randomly selected male and female preparatory year students nearing the end of their year at several universities for the academic year 2023-2024. To achieve the study's objectives, the researcher used the descriptive-analytical method and developed a questionnaire that included a graduated scale measuring the extent to which learners use these strategies, consisting of 20 strategies distributed across three fields: 1. Pre-listening strategies, 2. While-listening strategies, 3. post-listening strategies. The study showed that preparatory year students practice pre-listening and while-listening strategies highly, while post-listening strategies are practiced moderately. The study revealed statistically significant differences between the averages of the sample individuals attributed to gender, in favor of females, in using pre-listening and while-listening strategies, but no differences in post-listening strategies. The study also showed statistically significant differences between the averages of the sample individuals attributed to the university, with Sabahattin Zaim University ranking first, followed by Sultan Mehmet Fatih University in pre-listening and while-listening strategies. As for post-listening strategies, Sabahattin Zaim University ranked first, followed by Kocaeli University. These results emphasize the need for teachers to pay more attention to language learning strategies in all skills in their lessons, in addition to guiding their students to the correct learning strategies and training them on how to use them.

A Beginner Book For Arabic Basic User: Analysys Al-Lughah Al-Arabiyah Book Chapter One Based On CEFR Standart

<em>The Arabic textbook MI Grade 1 KSKK is a book published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the context of implementing KMA Number 183 of 2019 concerning the PAI Curriculum and Arabic Language in Madrasas. This article presents the results of the analysis of MI Class 1 KSKK Arabic textbooks using CEFR standards. CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference established by the Council of Europe in 2001 as a response to the importance of learning foreign languages in order to use them in everyday transactions, be it social, interaction and information transfer. The purpose of this article is to find out the description of the MI Class I Arabic textbook, then at what level is this book in the CEFR standard and how are the CEFR principles contained in it. In its writing, this article uses a literature research method (literature review) with a content analysis approach, where researchers analyze all the material in this MI Class 1 Arabic textbook. The results showed that the Arabic textbooks of MI grade 1 KSKK were categorized in levels A1 and A2 based on CEFR standards. In addition, this book has also fulfilled CEFR principle 6, including language activities, language processes, text, domain, language learning strategies, and language tasks.</em>

Overcoming Academic Writing Challenges: English Language Learning Strategies for Chinese International High School Students in Blended Learning Environments

With the increasing globalisation and the integration of blended learning models, academic English writing has become a critical skill introduced at the high school level. This study investigates how Chinese international high school students develop and apply effective English language learning strategies to address the specific challenges of academic English writing in a blended learning environment that combines offline EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and online ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction. Utilising a qualitative research design, three participants in this special blended learning environment are selected as specific cases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, student learning logs, and classroom observations. Findings reveal that students employ a combination of cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies to address issues in this special blended learning environment. The study underscores the importance of integrating technology with traditional teaching methods, highlighting the effectiveness of blended learning in supporting students' academic writing. These insights offer valuable guidance for educators in enhancing teaching practices and for policymakers in designing supportive educational frameworks.

Language learning strategies and writing aptitude of the international students

Language learning strategies and writing aptitude of the international students

The Urgency, Strategies, and Problems of Mastering Arabic Language for Islamic Preaching Communication

This study aims to examine the urgency, strategies, and problems in mastering the Arabic language for Islamic preaching communication. The focus of the research is on the students of the Faculty of Dakwah at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Jakarta. Mastery of Arabic is considered crucial as it is the primary language of Islamic literature, which is fundamental to preaching activities. The research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings indicate that mastering Arabic is essential for enhancing understanding and effectively conveying Islamic messages. The strategies employed by students include formal classroom learning, self-study, and participation in extracurricular programs related to the Arabic language. However, students face various challenges, such as time constraints, lack of resources, and less varied teaching methods. The study recommends improving the quality of Arabic language teaching through more interactive methods and providing adequate resources to support learning. These findings provide insights for the development of a more effective Arabic language curriculum and learning strategies in Islamic higher education institutions.

Autonomy and Language Learning Strategies of Learners in a Rural Community

Autonomy and Language Learning Strategies of Learners in a Rural Community

한국 대학생 영어학습자의 외국어 불안감 및 학습전략에 대한 수준별 분석

This study analyzed the relationship between foreign language anxiety and language learning strategies among EFL learners at different English proficiency levels. The study involved 195 participants and examined the correlation between their levels of foreign language anxiety and their use of learning strategies through a Google survey, followed by in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that learners at high proficiency levels exhibited moderate language anxiety, and metacognitive strategy was found to be the most effective in managing anxiety at this level. At the intermediate level, cognitive strategy significantly helped reduce foreign language anxiety. Learners at low proficiency levels displayed higher anxiety, particularly regarding test and communication, but social and metacognitive strategies were effective in alleviating this anxiety. These results underscored the critical role of targeted learning strategies in mitigating foreign language anxiety, offering valuable insights for educators in developing instructional methods or educational content that apply affective filter strategies according to proficiency levels to enhance language acquisition.

Mind Mapping: An Effective Technique for EFL Students’ Language Skills Improvement

To be successful in language learning and teaching as well as to advance language skills, one needs to utilize valuable and impactful language learning and teaching strategies. Language experts and pedagogues suggest variety of strategies which are essential for language skills improvement; one of these strategies is mind mapping. Since mind mapping activates both hemis of brain, it helps EFL learners to recall what they have learned. In addition, it can be used as an alternative medium for EFL teachers to deliver language contents. It plays greater role as well for the development of language skills. However, EFL students and teachers are not seen employing it during language classes. Hence, the objective of this article was to review and summarize the role of mind mapping so as to improve English language skills, particularly vocabulary, grammar and speaking skills. Secondary data from 20 published articles on the role of mind mapping on EFL students’ language skill improvement were examined to get a better understanding on the issue. Narrative review was carried out. As the findings of the published articles indicated, mind mapping ignited students’ language learning which consequently led for the enhancement of their language skills. Therefore, it is recommended for EFL students and EFL teachers to use mind mapping while learning and teaching EFL.

Language Learning Strategies, Styles and Academic Achievement in English of Elementary Learners: Basis for Reading Program Intervention

Language Learning Strategies, Styles and Academic Achievement in English of Elementary Learners: Basis for Reading Program Intervention

Navigating Indian Youth’s Identity; Impact Of Korean Media on Language learning

The study of ‘Navigating Indian Youth’s Identity: The Impact of Korean Media on Language Learning’ to explores the complex relationship between Indian youth and the impact of Korean media on language learning. Given the increasing popularity of Korean entertainment, especially K-drama and K-pop, among Indian youth, this study aims to investigate the effect of Korean media exposure on language learning, Korean media has been an effective language learning tool among Indian adolescents, as it has increased their interest in learning Korean, provided motivation, influenced their language learning strategies, positive language learning outcomes, open up career opportunities, facilitate, especially by learning Korean language. A combination of methods was employed, including statistical data analysis and data analysis, to accomplish the aforementioned goals. The impact of Korean media on Indian youth has been divided into various factors such as increased interest in Korean media, especially K-pop-K dramas, which encouraged them to learn the language, though various forms of media such as subtitles, translations , and educational materials It's been simplified.