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Language Learning Strategies Used By Distance Learners
Of English:A Study With A Group Of Turkish Distance Learners Of EFL

Year 2014, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 291 - 305, 01.09.2014
https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.30083

Abstract

Use of language learning strategies is important for language learning. Some researchers state that language learning strategies are important because their use affects the development of communicative competence (Lessard-Clouston, 1997 & Oxford, 1990). Effective use of language learning strategies has particular importance for distance language learners who do not have direct face-to-face contact with their tutors. This study investigates the use of language learning strategies by a group of Turkish distance learners of English. Oxford (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning was used and interviews were conducted to collect data. The questionnaire results show that affective strategies are used less than the other strategy categories. The reasons for the ignorance of the affective strategies are also mentioned in the study.

References

  • Allwright, D. (1990). Autonomy in language pedagogy. CRILE Working Paper 6. Centre for Research in Education, University of Lancaster, UK.
  • Altunay, D. (2013). Language Learning Activities of Distance EFL Learners in the Turkish
  • Open Education System As the Indicator of Their Learner Autonomy. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education (TOJDE). 14(4), 296-307. Aydin, B. (2001). A study of sources of foreign language classroom anxiety in speaking and writing classes. Eskisehir: Anadolu Üniversitesi Yayınları, Eskisehir, Turkey.
  • Aydin, S. (2008). An investigation on the language anxiety and fear of negative evaluation among Turkish EFL Learners. Asian EFL Journal, Teaching Articles, 30(1), 421-444.
  • Bedell, D. A., & Oxford, R. (1996). Cross-cultural comparisons of language learning strategies in the People’s Republic of China and other countries. In R. Oxford (Ed.),
  • Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp.47-60). Manoa, HI: University of Hawaii Press. Bialystock, E. & Fröhlich, M. (1978). Variables of classroom achievement in second language learning. Modern Language Journal,62 (7), 327-335.
  • Bown, J. (2006). ‘Locus of Learning and Affective Strategy Use: Two Factors Affecting
  • Success in Self-instructed Language Learning’, Foreign Language Journal,39 (4), 640- 6
  • Bremner, S. (1999). Language Learning Strategies and Language Proficiency:
  • Investigating the Relationship in Hong Kong. Canadian Modern Language Review,55 (4), 490-514. Carson, J. G. & Longhini, A. (2002). 'Focusing on learning styles and strategies: A diary study in an immersion setting', Language Learning, 52 (2), 401-438.
  • Chang, C. Y., Liu, S. C., & Lee, Y. N. (2007). A study of language strategies used by college
  • EFL learners in Taiwan. MingDao General Education Journal (2), 235-262. Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.55.4.490
  • Dadour, E.S. & Robbins, J. (1996). University-level students using strategy instruction to improve speaking ability in Egypt and Japan. In R.L. Oxford (Ed.), Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 157-166). Honolulu: Second
  • Language Teaching and Curriculum Center. Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Teaching and Researching Motivation. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
  • Dreyer, C. & R. L.Oxford. (1996). Learning strategies and other predictors of ESL proficiency among Afrikaans-speakers in South Africa. In Oxford, R. L. (ed.). Language learning strategies around the world:Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 61-74). Mona:
  • University of Hawaii. Dulger, O. (2012). Brain Dominance and Language Learning Strategy Use of Turkish EFL
  • Learners. Cognitive Philology. 5. Ehrman, M., & Oxford, R. (1990). Adult language learning styles and strategies in an intensive training setting. The Modern Language Journal, 74(3),311–327.
  • Ehrman, M. & Oxford, R. (1995). Cognition plus: correlates of language learning success,
  • The modern language journal, 79 (1), 67-89
  • Gharbavi, A. & Mousavi, S. A. (2012). Do Language Proficiency Levels Correspond to
  • Language Learning Strategy Adoption? English Language Teaching, 5(7), 110-122. Grenfell, M., & Macaro, E. (2007). Claims and critiques. In A. D. Cohen & E. Macaro
  • (Eds.), Language learner strategies,(pp.9-28). Oxford UK: Oxford University Griffiths, C. (2003a). Patterns of language learning strategy use, System, 31, 367-383
  • Griffiths, C. (2003b). Language Learning Strategy Use and Proficiency. PhD dissertation,
  • University of Auckland. ProQuest Dissertation services. Retrieved from http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/3094436.
  • Hauck, M. & Hurd, S. (2005). Exploring the link between language anxiety and learner self-management in face-to-face and virtual language learning contexts.
  • European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning. Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://www.eurodl.org/materials/contrib/2005/Mirjam_Hauck.htm
  • Hong-Nam, K. & Leavell, A. G. (2006). Language learning strategy use of ESL students in an intensive English learning context. System 34, 399-415.
  • Hurd, S. (2007). ‘Anxiety and Non-anxiety in a Distance Language Learning Environment:
  • The Distance Factor as a Modifying Influence’, System, 35(4), 487-508. Hurd, S. & Xiao, J. (2010). Anxiety and Affective Control Among Distance Language
  • Learners in China and the UK. RELC Journal,41(2), pp. 183-200. Krashen, S. (1982).Principles and practice in second language acquisition. New York: Pergamon.
  • Lessard-Clouston, M. (1997). Language Learning Strategies: An overview for L2 Teachers.
  • The Internet TESL Journal, 3 (12), December. Little, D. (1991). Learner autonomy 1: definition, issues and problems. Dublin: Authentik.
  • Mochizuki, A. (1999). Language learning strategies used by Japanese university students. RELC, 30(2), 101–113.
  • Okada, M., Oxford, R.L., & Abo, S. (1996). Not all alike: Motivation and learning strategies among students of Japanese and Spanish in an exploratory study. In R. Oxford (Ed.),
  • Language learning motivation: Pathways to the new century (pp. 105-119). Manoa: University of Hawaii Press. O’Malley, J. M., Chamot, A. U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Russo, R.P., & L. Kupper. (1985).
  • Learning Strategy Applications with Students of English as a Second Language. TESOL Quarterly, 19, 557-584. O’Malley, J. M. (1987). The effects of training in the use of learning strategies on learning
  • English as a second language. In Anita Wenden & Joan Rubin (eds), Learner Strategies in Language Learning (pp.133-143). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall International. Oxford, R. L., & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university students. Modern Language Journal, 73(3), 291-300.
  • Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language Learning Strategies: What Every Teacher Should
  • Know. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle. Oxford, R. L. (1993). Research on second language learning strategies. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 13, 175-187.
  • Oxford, R. L. (2001). Language learning styles and strategies. In M. Celce-Murcia (Ed.),
  • Teaching English as a second language (pp. 359-366). Boston: Heinle & Heinle. Oxford, R. L. & Ehrman, M. E. (1995). Adults’ learning strategies in an intensive foreign language program in the United States. System, 23, 359-386.
  • Oxford, R. L. (1996). Employing a questionnaire to assess the use of language learning strategies. Applied Language Learning, 7, 25-46.
  • Oxford, R. L.(2003). Language learning styles and strategies: An overview. Learning
  • Styles &. Strategies, Oxford, GALA, 1-25. Park, G. (1997). Language learning strategies and English proficiency in Korean university students. Foreign Language Annals,30, 211-221.
  • Park-Oh, Y.Y. (1994). Self-regulated strategy training in second language reading. Its effects on Reading Comprehension, Strategy Use, Reading Attitudes, and Learning Styles of College ESL Students. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama, USA.
  • Peacock, M. & Ho, B. (2003). Student language learning strategies across eight disciplines. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 13 (2), 179-200.
  • Politzer, R. L. & McGroarty, M. (1985). An exploratory study of learning behaviors and their relationship to gains in linguistic and communicative competence. TESOL Quarterly,19(1), 103-123.
  • Roed, J. (2003). Language learner behavior in a virtual environment. Computer
  • Assisted Language Learning, 16, 155-172. Rubin, J. (1987). Learner strategies: Theoretical assumptions, research history and typology. In A. L. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.), Learner strategies in language learning (pp.15-30). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Scarcella, R. & Oxford, R. (1992). The Tapestry of Language Learning: The Individual in theCommunicative Classroom. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
  • Seliger, H. (1984). Processing universals in second language acquisition. In F. Eckman et al.(eds), Universals of second language acquisition (pp. 36-47).Rowley MA: Newbury House,
  • Stern, H. H. (1983). Fundamental Concepts of Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Stern, H. H. (1992). Issues and Options in Language Teaching. Oxford:OUP
  • Subasi, G. (2010). What are the main sources of Turkish EFL students’ anxiety in oral practice? Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 1(2): 29-50.
  • Takeuchi, O. (1993). Language learning strategies and their relationship to achievement in English as a foreign language. Language Laboratory, 30, 17-34.
  • Tarone, E. (1980). Communication strategies, foreigner talk, and repair in interlanguage. Language Learning, 30, 417-431.
  • Victori, M. & Tragant, E. (2003). Learner strategies: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of Primary and High school learners. In M. P. Garcia Mayo & M. L. García
  • Lecumberri (Eds.), Age and the acquisition of English as a foreign language (pp.182- 209).Clevedon. Multilingual Matters. Wharton, G. (2000). Language learning strategy use of bilingual foreign language learners in Singapore. Language Learning, 50 (2), 203-243.
  • White, C. J. (1993). Metacognitive, Cognitive, Social and Affective Strategy Use in
  • Foreign Language Learning: A comparative study. Unpublished PhD thesis, Massey University, New Zealand. Wong , L. L. C. & Nunan, D. (2011). The learning styles and strategies of effective language learners. System, 39, 144-163.
  • Yen, S. & Chou, T. (2009). The Effect of MTI on L2 Proficiency and Learning Strategies.
  • Asian EFL Journal, 11(3), 9-28. Zembylas, M. (2008). ‘Adult Learners’ Emotions in Online Learning. Distance Education, 29 (1), 71-87.
Year 2014, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 291 - 305, 01.09.2014
https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.30083

Abstract

References

  • Allwright, D. (1990). Autonomy in language pedagogy. CRILE Working Paper 6. Centre for Research in Education, University of Lancaster, UK.
  • Altunay, D. (2013). Language Learning Activities of Distance EFL Learners in the Turkish
  • Open Education System As the Indicator of Their Learner Autonomy. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education (TOJDE). 14(4), 296-307. Aydin, B. (2001). A study of sources of foreign language classroom anxiety in speaking and writing classes. Eskisehir: Anadolu Üniversitesi Yayınları, Eskisehir, Turkey.
  • Aydin, S. (2008). An investigation on the language anxiety and fear of negative evaluation among Turkish EFL Learners. Asian EFL Journal, Teaching Articles, 30(1), 421-444.
  • Bedell, D. A., & Oxford, R. (1996). Cross-cultural comparisons of language learning strategies in the People’s Republic of China and other countries. In R. Oxford (Ed.),
  • Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp.47-60). Manoa, HI: University of Hawaii Press. Bialystock, E. & Fröhlich, M. (1978). Variables of classroom achievement in second language learning. Modern Language Journal,62 (7), 327-335.
  • Bown, J. (2006). ‘Locus of Learning and Affective Strategy Use: Two Factors Affecting
  • Success in Self-instructed Language Learning’, Foreign Language Journal,39 (4), 640- 6
  • Bremner, S. (1999). Language Learning Strategies and Language Proficiency:
  • Investigating the Relationship in Hong Kong. Canadian Modern Language Review,55 (4), 490-514. Carson, J. G. & Longhini, A. (2002). 'Focusing on learning styles and strategies: A diary study in an immersion setting', Language Learning, 52 (2), 401-438.
  • Chang, C. Y., Liu, S. C., & Lee, Y. N. (2007). A study of language strategies used by college
  • EFL learners in Taiwan. MingDao General Education Journal (2), 235-262. Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.55.4.490
  • Dadour, E.S. & Robbins, J. (1996). University-level students using strategy instruction to improve speaking ability in Egypt and Japan. In R.L. Oxford (Ed.), Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 157-166). Honolulu: Second
  • Language Teaching and Curriculum Center. Dörnyei, Z. (2001). Teaching and Researching Motivation. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
  • Dreyer, C. & R. L.Oxford. (1996). Learning strategies and other predictors of ESL proficiency among Afrikaans-speakers in South Africa. In Oxford, R. L. (ed.). Language learning strategies around the world:Cross-cultural perspectives (pp. 61-74). Mona:
  • University of Hawaii. Dulger, O. (2012). Brain Dominance and Language Learning Strategy Use of Turkish EFL
  • Learners. Cognitive Philology. 5. Ehrman, M., & Oxford, R. (1990). Adult language learning styles and strategies in an intensive training setting. The Modern Language Journal, 74(3),311–327.
  • Ehrman, M. & Oxford, R. (1995). Cognition plus: correlates of language learning success,
  • The modern language journal, 79 (1), 67-89
  • Gharbavi, A. & Mousavi, S. A. (2012). Do Language Proficiency Levels Correspond to
  • Language Learning Strategy Adoption? English Language Teaching, 5(7), 110-122. Grenfell, M., & Macaro, E. (2007). Claims and critiques. In A. D. Cohen & E. Macaro
  • (Eds.), Language learner strategies,(pp.9-28). Oxford UK: Oxford University Griffiths, C. (2003a). Patterns of language learning strategy use, System, 31, 367-383
  • Griffiths, C. (2003b). Language Learning Strategy Use and Proficiency. PhD dissertation,
  • University of Auckland. ProQuest Dissertation services. Retrieved from http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/3094436.
  • Hauck, M. & Hurd, S. (2005). Exploring the link between language anxiety and learner self-management in face-to-face and virtual language learning contexts.
  • European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning. Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://www.eurodl.org/materials/contrib/2005/Mirjam_Hauck.htm
  • Hong-Nam, K. & Leavell, A. G. (2006). Language learning strategy use of ESL students in an intensive English learning context. System 34, 399-415.
  • Hurd, S. (2007). ‘Anxiety and Non-anxiety in a Distance Language Learning Environment:
  • The Distance Factor as a Modifying Influence’, System, 35(4), 487-508. Hurd, S. & Xiao, J. (2010). Anxiety and Affective Control Among Distance Language
  • Learners in China and the UK. RELC Journal,41(2), pp. 183-200. Krashen, S. (1982).Principles and practice in second language acquisition. New York: Pergamon.
  • Lessard-Clouston, M. (1997). Language Learning Strategies: An overview for L2 Teachers.
  • The Internet TESL Journal, 3 (12), December. Little, D. (1991). Learner autonomy 1: definition, issues and problems. Dublin: Authentik.
  • Mochizuki, A. (1999). Language learning strategies used by Japanese university students. RELC, 30(2), 101–113.
  • Okada, M., Oxford, R.L., & Abo, S. (1996). Not all alike: Motivation and learning strategies among students of Japanese and Spanish in an exploratory study. In R. Oxford (Ed.),
  • Language learning motivation: Pathways to the new century (pp. 105-119). Manoa: University of Hawaii Press. O’Malley, J. M., Chamot, A. U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Russo, R.P., & L. Kupper. (1985).
  • Learning Strategy Applications with Students of English as a Second Language. TESOL Quarterly, 19, 557-584. O’Malley, J. M. (1987). The effects of training in the use of learning strategies on learning
  • English as a second language. In Anita Wenden & Joan Rubin (eds), Learner Strategies in Language Learning (pp.133-143). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall International. Oxford, R. L., & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university students. Modern Language Journal, 73(3), 291-300.
  • Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language Learning Strategies: What Every Teacher Should
  • Know. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle. Oxford, R. L. (1993). Research on second language learning strategies. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 13, 175-187.
  • Oxford, R. L. (2001). Language learning styles and strategies. In M. Celce-Murcia (Ed.),
  • Teaching English as a second language (pp. 359-366). Boston: Heinle & Heinle. Oxford, R. L. & Ehrman, M. E. (1995). Adults’ learning strategies in an intensive foreign language program in the United States. System, 23, 359-386.
  • Oxford, R. L. (1996). Employing a questionnaire to assess the use of language learning strategies. Applied Language Learning, 7, 25-46.
  • Oxford, R. L.(2003). Language learning styles and strategies: An overview. Learning
  • Styles &. Strategies, Oxford, GALA, 1-25. Park, G. (1997). Language learning strategies and English proficiency in Korean university students. Foreign Language Annals,30, 211-221.
  • Park-Oh, Y.Y. (1994). Self-regulated strategy training in second language reading. Its effects on Reading Comprehension, Strategy Use, Reading Attitudes, and Learning Styles of College ESL Students. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama, USA.
  • Peacock, M. & Ho, B. (2003). Student language learning strategies across eight disciplines. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 13 (2), 179-200.
  • Politzer, R. L. & McGroarty, M. (1985). An exploratory study of learning behaviors and their relationship to gains in linguistic and communicative competence. TESOL Quarterly,19(1), 103-123.
  • Roed, J. (2003). Language learner behavior in a virtual environment. Computer
  • Assisted Language Learning, 16, 155-172. Rubin, J. (1987). Learner strategies: Theoretical assumptions, research history and typology. In A. L. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.), Learner strategies in language learning (pp.15-30). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Scarcella, R. & Oxford, R. (1992). The Tapestry of Language Learning: The Individual in theCommunicative Classroom. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.
  • Seliger, H. (1984). Processing universals in second language acquisition. In F. Eckman et al.(eds), Universals of second language acquisition (pp. 36-47).Rowley MA: Newbury House,
  • Stern, H. H. (1983). Fundamental Concepts of Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Stern, H. H. (1992). Issues and Options in Language Teaching. Oxford:OUP
  • Subasi, G. (2010). What are the main sources of Turkish EFL students’ anxiety in oral practice? Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 1(2): 29-50.
  • Takeuchi, O. (1993). Language learning strategies and their relationship to achievement in English as a foreign language. Language Laboratory, 30, 17-34.
  • Tarone, E. (1980). Communication strategies, foreigner talk, and repair in interlanguage. Language Learning, 30, 417-431.
  • Victori, M. & Tragant, E. (2003). Learner strategies: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of Primary and High school learners. In M. P. Garcia Mayo & M. L. García
  • Lecumberri (Eds.), Age and the acquisition of English as a foreign language (pp.182- 209).Clevedon. Multilingual Matters. Wharton, G. (2000). Language learning strategy use of bilingual foreign language learners in Singapore. Language Learning, 50 (2), 203-243.
  • White, C. J. (1993). Metacognitive, Cognitive, Social and Affective Strategy Use in
  • Foreign Language Learning: A comparative study. Unpublished PhD thesis, Massey University, New Zealand. Wong , L. L. C. & Nunan, D. (2011). The learning styles and strategies of effective language learners. System, 39, 144-163.
  • Yen, S. & Chou, T. (2009). The Effect of MTI on L2 Proficiency and Learning Strategies.
  • Asian EFL Journal, 11(3), 9-28. Zembylas, M. (2008). ‘Adult Learners’ Emotions in Online Learning. Distance Education, 29 (1), 71-87.
There are 62 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Dilek Altunay This is me

Publication Date September 1, 2014
Submission Date February 27, 2015
Published in Issue Year 2014 Volume: 15 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Altunay, D. (2014). Language Learning Strategies Used By Distance Learners
Of English:A Study With A Group Of Turkish Distance Learners Of EFL. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 15(3), 291-305. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.30083