Language Learning Strategies,
Learner Motivation, and Self-Regulation
Ma Rui (马睿)
Language learning
strategies are specific steps, approaches or techniques that learners
purposefully take to help them with their language learning and also with use
of the second (foreign) language. Research on language learning strategies has
spanned more than 30 years, and generally experts agree that learners become
more proactive, independent, confident, and resourceful learners by using those
strategies as powerful tools. They are also especially useful for learners of
self-instructed programs or for those enrolled in on-line distance learning
programs. On the other hand, motivated and self-regulated language learners are
believed to be overall more successful. This presentation discusses how the use
of two particular types of language learning strategies: affective strategies
and metacognitive strategies can help students become more motivated and
self-regulated learners. Pedagogical issues of strategy-based instruction will
be explored as well, such as the selection of strategies to teach, and the
methods and manner of teaching strategies. Theoretical concepts such as
willingness to communicate, language learning anxiety, and learner autonomy
will also be used to help examine the process of learners becoming more motivated
and self-regulated. The presenter draws on her own classroom experiences of
teaching language learning strategies as action research data to support her
claims.