The Relationship Between Iranian EFL Learners' BeliefsAbout Language Learning And Language Learning Strategy Use

Abbas Ali Zarei*, Hanieh Rahmani**
* Associate Professor, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
** MA, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
Periodicity:January - March'2015
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.5.1.3131

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between Iranian EFL learners' beliefs about language learning and language learning strategy use. A sample of 104 B.A and M.A Iranian EFL learners majoring in English participated in this study. Three instruments, the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP), Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI), and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) were used for data collection. Multiple Regression analysis showed that meta-cognitive strategies were significant predictors of "foreign language aptitude", "nature of foreign language learning", "learning and communication strategies", and "motivation and expectation". Affective strategies also turned out to be predictors of "the nature of foreign language". Another finding was that cognitive strategies were negative predictors of "learning and communication strategies". The findings of the present study may have significant, theoretical and pedagogical implications for learners and teachers.

Keywords

Control-belief, Language Learning Strategies, Strategy Use

How to Cite this Article?

Zarei, A. A., and Rahmani, H. (2015). The Relationship Between Iranian Efl Learners' Beliefs About Language Learning And Language Learning Strategy Use. i-manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 5(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.5.1.3131

References

[1]. Chamot, A. U. (2004). “Issues in language learning strategy research and teaching”. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Vol. 1(1), pp.14-26.
[2]. Chamot, A.U., & El-Dinary, P.B. (1999). “Children's learning strategies in immersion classrooms”. The Modern Language Journal, Vol.83(3), pp319-341.
[3]. Chamot, A. U., & O'Malley, J. M. (1987). “The cognitive academic language learning approach: A bridge to the mainstream”. TESOL quarterly, Vol.21(2), pp.227-249.
[4]. Dörnyei, Z. (2005). “The psychology of the language learner: Individual Differences in Second Language Acquisition”. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
[5]. Ehrman, M., & Oxford, R. L. (1989). “Effects of sex differences, career choice, and psychological type on adult language learning strategies”. Modern Language Journal, Vol.73, pp.1-13.
[6]. Green, J. M., & Oxford, R. (1995). “A closer look at learning strategies, L2 proficiency, and gender”. TESOL Quarterly, Vol.29(2), pp.261-297.
[7]. Hong, k. (2006). “Beliefs about language learning and language learning strategy use in an EFL context: a comparison study of monolingual Korean and bilingual Korean- Chinese University students”. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. University of North Texas.
[8]. Horwitz, E. K. (1987). “Surveying student beliefs about language learning. In A. Wenden, & J. Rubin (Eds.), Learner Strategies in Language Learning”, Cambridge, Prentice- Hall, pp. 119-129.
[9]. Horwitz, E. K. (1988). “The beliefs about language learning of beginning university foreign language students”. Modern Language Journal, Vol.72(3), pp.283- 294.
[10]. Horwitz, E.K. (1999). “Cultural and situational influences on foreign language learners' beliefs about language learning: A review of BALLI studies”. System, Vol. 27(4), pp.557-576.
[11]. Horwitz, E. (2007). “Becoming a language teacher: A practical guide to second language learning and teaching”. Hong Kong: Pearson.
[12]. Khaffafi Azar, F., & Saeidi, M. (2011). “The relationship between Iranian EFL learners' beliefs about language learning and their use of learning strategies”. English Language Teaching. Vol. 6(11), pp.167-174.
[13]. Kim, H. J. (2001). “Language learning strategies, learning styles and beliefs about language learning of Korean university students”. Pan-Pacific Association of Applied Linguistics, Vol. 5(1), pp.31-46.
[14]. Kunt, N. (1997). “Anxiety and beliefs about language learning: a study of Turkish-speaking University students learning English in north Syprus”. Dissertation abstracts International, Vol.59 (01, 111A. (UMI NO. 9822635)
[15]. Mori, Y. (1999). “Epistemological beliefs and language learning beliefs: What do language learners believe about their learning?” Language Learning, Vol.49(3), pp.377- 415.
[16]. Nyikos, Martha & Rebecca Oxford (1993). “A factor Analytic Study of Language- Learning Strategy Use: Interpretations from Information-Processing Theory and Social Psychology”, The Modern Language Journal, Vol.77, pp.11-22.
[17]. O'Malley, J. M., Chamot, A. U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Kupper, L., & Russo, R. P. (1985). “Learning strategies used by beginning and intermediate ESL students”. Language Learning, Vol.35, pp.21-46.
[18]. Oxford, R. L. (1990). “Language learning strategies: What Every Teacher Should Know”. New York: Newbury House/Harper and Row.
[19]. Oxford, R., L. (1992). “Who are our students?: A synthesis of foreign and second language research on individual differences with implications for instructional practice”. TESL CANADA Journal, Vol.9(2), pp.30-49.
[20]. Oxford, R. L., & Burry-Stock, J. (1995). “Assessing the use of language learning strategies worldwide with the ESL/EFL version of the strategy inventory of language learning (SILL)”. System, Vol.23, pp.1-23.
[21]. Oxford, R. L., & Ehrman, M. E. (1995). “Adult's language learning strategies in an intensive Foreign language program in the United States”, System, Vol.23(3), pp.359-386.
[22]. Oxford, R. L., & Nyikos, M. (1989). “Variables Affecting Choice of Language Learning Strategies by University Students”. Modern Language Journal, Vol.73, pp.291-300.
[23]. Oxford, R.L., Park-Oh, Y., Ito, S., & Sumrall, M. (1993). “Japanese by satellite: Effects of motivation, language learning styles and strategies, gender, course level, and previous language learning experiences on Japanese language achievement”. Foreign Language Annals, Vol.26, pp.359-371.
[24]. Park, G.P., (1997). “Language learning strategies and English proficiency in Korean University”. Foreign Language Annals, Vol.30 (2), pp.211–221.
[25]. Politzer, R. (1983). “An exploratory study of selfreported language learning behaviors and their relation to achievement”. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Vol.6, pp.54-65.
[26]. Politzer, R. & McGroarty, M (1985). “An exploratory study of learning behaviors and their relationship to gains in linguistic and communicative competence”, TESOL Quarterly, Vol.19, pp.103-123.
[27]. Rad, N. (2010). “Evaluation of English Students' Beliefs about Learning English as Foreign Language: A Case of Kerman Azad University”. ICT for Language Learning Conference Proceedings 2010 3rd Edition. Simonelli Editore.
[28]. Radwan, A. A. (2011). “Effects of L2 proficiency and gender on choice of language learning strategies by University students majoring in English”. Asian EFL Journal, Vol.13(1), pp.114-162.
[29]. Rezaei, A. A., & Almasian, M. (2007). “Creativity, language learning strategies and language proficiency”. Pazhuhesh-e Zabanha-ye Khareji, Vol.32,pp. 65-76.
[30]. Sheikhi, Leili (2012). “The Relationship between Learning Styles, Language Learning Strategies and Field of Study of Intermediate EFL Students”. In: 2nd International Conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (FLTAL'12), Vol.4-6, Sarajevo. International Burch University.
[31]. Sheorey, R. (1999). “An examination of language learning strategy use in the setting of an indigenized variety of English”, System, Vol.27, pp.173-190.
[32]. Suanarak, k. (2012). “English language learning beliefs, learning strategies and achievement of Masters of students in Thiland”. From: http://www.tesol.org.au/files/files/ 275_ kasma_suwanarak.pdf
[33]. Takeuchi, O. (2003). “What can we learn from good foreign language learners? A qualitative study in the Japanese foreign language context”, System, Vol.31(3), pp.385-392.
[34]. Vann, R. J., & Abraham, R. G. (1990). “Strategies of unsuccessful language learners”. TESOL Quarterly, Vol.24, pp.177–198.
[35]. Wang, S. (1996). “A study of Chinese English majors' beliefs about language learning and their learning strategies”. Dissertation Abstracts International, Vol. 57(12), 5021A. (UMI No. 9716564).
[36]. Wenden, A.L. (1986). “Helping language learners think about learning”. English Language Teaching Journal, Vol.40, pp.3-12.
[37]. Wenden, A.L.(1987). “How to be a successful language learner: insights and prescriptions from L2 learners”. In: Wenden, A.L., Rubin, J. (Eds.), Learner Strategies in Language Learning. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 103-118.
[38]. Wharton, G. (2000). “Language learning strategy use of bilingual foreign language learners in Singapore”. Language Learning, Vol.50(2), pp.203-244.
[39]. Yang, M. N. (2007). “Language learning strategies for junior college students in Taiwan: Investigating Ethnicity and proficiency”. Asian EFL Journal, Vol.9(2), pp.35-57.
[40]. Yang, N. D. (1999). “The relationship between EFL learners' beliefs and learning strategy use”, System, Vol.27(4), pp.515-535.
[41]. Zare, P. (2010). “An Investigation into Language Learning Strategy Use and Gender among Iranian Undergraduate Language Learners”, World Applied Sciences Journal, Vol.11 (10), pp.1238-1247.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.