Pattern of language learning strategies use by saudi arabian EFL learners

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor–Curriculum and Instruction Department – College of Education- Jazan University

Abstract

Language development and growth of skills for English as a Foreign Language is among the ways through which students are applying learning strategies across various concepts and proficiencies. There have been at least six main strategies that have been extensively used all across the world for the development and learning of a second language and include direct and indirect language learning strategies. The use of language learning strategies greatly differs from a country and a language. This study investigates the patterns of language learning strategies used for Arabian EFL learners particularly in the Saudi Arabian context. The study analyzes the type of strategy used and frequency used to form a pattern for Arabian EFL learners in EFL development particularly in Saudi Arabia. The study included a study that was conducted on a group of students who were EFL learners and placed in the Arabian context to test the research questions. The findings indicated that most learners were geared to follow the strategic learning of English as a Second Language mostly influenced by the motivational factors and other factors underlying the influence of strategic use. These findings also showed that cognitive strategies are highly preferred for the learning strategy followed by metacognitive and cognitive strategies. Some of the major strategies that were used by the students in the environment during learning include the use of memory functions and cognitive functions that boosted their understanding of various concepts of language. Females have also been shown to use strategies at a medium level with more focus on memory and metacognitive as compared to their counterparts. The study findings are significant in understanding the Arabian context of EFL and how different environmental factors affect the proper strategic use of learning concepts.

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