Plans, learner strategies and self direction in language learning

Abstract The concept of learner strategy is discussed. A taxonomy of learning methodology is proposed within which the highest category is Learning Style: this produces certain kinds of Work Habits, which in turn issue in conscious Plans; finally Plans are realised as specific Learner Strategies. It is proposed that learner strategies can be subdivided into (a) strategies for coping with target language rules, (b) strategies for receiving performance, (c) strategies for producing performance, (d) strategies for organising learning. Examples are given of these subdivisions. It is argued that the growth of learner strategies is of positive advantage in language learning, and that the teacher can help the learner in this respect by encouraging him/her to formulate conscious Plans for dealing with the task of learning. An increased awareness of one's own plan as a learner will help one to generate specific strategies, and will contribute to the self directed state of mind on the part of the learner which is seen as one of the goals of language teaching. A possible format for a learner plan is outlined.