Effects of L2 proficiency and gender on choice of language learning strategies by university students majoring in English

This study investigates the use of language learning strategies by 128 students majoring in English at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman. Using Oxford's (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learners (SILL), the study seeks to extend our current knowledge by examining the relationship between the use of language learning strategies (LLS) and gender and English proficiency, measured using a three-way criteria: students' grade point average (GPA) in English courses, study duration in the English Department, and students’ perceived self-rating. It is as well a response to a call by Oxford to examine the relationship between LLSs and various factors in a variety of settings and cultural backgrounds (see Oxford, 1993). Results of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the students used metacognitive strategies significantly more than any other category of strategies, with memory strategies ranking last on students' preference scale. Contrary to the findings of a number of studies (see e.g., Hong-Nam & Leavell, 2006), male students used more social strategies than female students, thus creating the only difference between the two groups in terms of their strategic preferences. Moreover, ANOVA results revealed that more proficient students used more cognitive, metacognitive and affective strategies than less proficient students. As for study duration, the results showed a curvilinear relationship between strategy use and study duration, where freshmen used more strategies followed by juniors, then

[1]  Glenn Wharton,et al.  Language Learning Strategy Use of Bilingual Foreign Language Learners in Singapore , 2000 .

[2]  Andrew D. Cohen,et al.  The Impact of Strategies-Based Instruction on Speaking a Foreign Language. Research Report, October 1995. , 1995 .

[3]  Gao Hai-yu,et al.  Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition , 2007 .

[4]  Andrew Littlejohn.  Digging deeper: learners' disposition and strategy use , 2008 .

[5]  Gi-Pyo Park,et al.  Language Learning Strategies and English Proficiency in Korean University Students , 1997 .

[6]  N. Naiman,et al.  The Good Language Learner , 2003 .

[7]  Rebecca L. Oxford,et al.  Language Learning Strategies: What Every Teacher Should Know , 1990 .

[8]  Anna Uhl Chamot,et al.  Learning Strategies in Foreign Language Instruction , 1989 .

[9]  Rebecca L. Oxford,et al.  Adults' language learning strategies in an intensive foreign language program in the United States , 1995 .

[10]  Anna Uhl Chamot.  IMPLEMENTING THE COGNITIVE ACADEMIC LANGUAGE LEARNING APPROACH: CALLA IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA , 1995 .

[11]  Ana Halbach.  Finding out about students' learning strategies by looking at their diaries: a case study , 2000 .

[12]  Rebecca L. Oxford,et al.  Language learning strategy profiles of elementary school students in Taiwan , 2003 .

[13]  Arnulfo G. Ramírez.  Language Learning Strategies Used by Adolescents Studying French in New York Schools , 1986 .

[14]  Lindy Woodrow,et al.  The Challenge of Measuring Language Learning Strategies , 2005 .

[15]  Anna Uhl Chamot,et al.  The learning strategies handbook , 1999 .

[16]  D. Nunan.  The Learner-Centred Curriculum: Introduction , 1988 .

[17]  Carol Griffiths,et al.  Patterns of language learning strategy use , 2003 .

[18]  Rebecca L. Oxford,et al.  Research on Second Language Learning Strategies , 1992, Annual Review of Applied Linguistics.

[19]  Alexandra G. Leavell,et al.  Language learning strategy use of ESL students in an intensive English learning context , 2006 .

[20]  M. El-Dib,et al.  Language Learning Strategies in Kuwait: Links to Gender, Language Level, and Culture in a Hybrid Context , 2004 .

[21]  Mark A. Sabol,et al.  The Role of Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition , 1987 .

[22]  Vee Harris,et al.  Modern Languages and Learning Strategies: In Theory and Practice , 1999 .

[23]  D. Nisbet,et al.  Language Learning Strategies and English Proficiency of Chinese University Students , 2005 .

[24]  J. C. Wilkinson.  The Imamate Tradition of Oman , 1987 .

[25]  R. Oxford,et al.  Comparing Theories of Language Learning Strategies: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis , 2002 .

[26]  Marian Tyacke,et al.  Strategies for Success: Bringing Out the Best in a Learner , 1991 .

[27]  H. Brown,et al.  Principles of Language Learning and Teaching , 1980 .

[28]  A. Khalil.  Assessment of Language Learning Strategies Used by Palestinian EFL Learners , 2005 .

[29]  Rebecca L. Oxford,et al.  A Closer Look at Learning Strategies, L2 Proficiency, and Gender , 1995 .

[30]  J. Rubin.  WHAT THE GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNER CAN TEACH US , 1975 .

[31]  Wafa Abu Shmais.  Language Learning Strategy Use In Palestine. , 2003 .

[32]  L. Ching.  Strategy and self-regulation instruction as contributors to improving students' cognitive model in an ESL program , 2002 .

[33]  Rhonda Oliver,et al.  The relationship between language learning strategies, proficiency, age and self-efficacy beliefs: A study of language learners in Botswana , 2007 .

[34]  Anna Uhl Chamot,et al.  ISSUES IN LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGY RESEARCH AND TEACHING , 2004 .

[35]  Si Chen.  A Study of Communication Strategies in Interlanguage Production by Chinese EFL Learners , 1990 .

[36]  Yvonne Ho.  Learning to learn English : a course in learner training , 1993 .

[37]  Nae-Dong Yang,et al.  The relationship between EFL learners' beliefs and learning strategy use , 1999 .

[38]  Michael Ramscar,et al.  The Role of Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition , 2006 .

[39]  R. Oxford,et al.  Effects of Sex Differences, Career Choice, and Psychological Type on Adult Language Learning Strategies , 1988 .

[40]  H. Stern,et al.  What Can We Learn from the Good Language Learner , 1975 .

[41]  A. Bandura,et al.  Cultivating competence, self-efficacy, and intrinsic interest through proximal self-motivation. , 1981 .

[42]  K. Bailey.  The Research Manual: Design and Statistics for Applied Linguistics , 1991 .

[43]  J. M. O'malley.  The cognitive academic language learning approach (calla) , 1988 .

[44]  R. Oxford,et al.  Assessing the use of language learning strategies worldwide with the ESL/EFL version of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) , 1995 .

[45]  J. Parr,et al.  Language-learning strategies: theory and perception , 2001 .