Language Learning Strategies

LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES Language learning strategies are mainpoints to make learning easy and simple for learners when they are learning a language. These strategies are important to improve some skills such as learning skills, thinking skills, learning to learn skills and problem solving skills. These skills should be improved with the strategies because, the process of learning a language is long and difficult. If the skills are improved by possible and suitable strategies, the process can be shorter and the learning can be more effective. (Oxford, 1990)

These strategies have some features which make the strategies important and necessary for learning (Oxford, 1990) The most important feature of the strategies is that they

Firstly, communicative competence which is the main goal of the strategies is contributed thanks to language learning strategies. Another feature of language learning strategies is becoming self-directed. Language learners will not always have guide teacher because they also use the language outside of the classroom. That’s why self direction is especially essential for language learners. (Oxford, 1990) Roles of the teachers are another feature of language learning strategies. The strategies force the teachers to change their roles. For example, a teacher is expected to be a person who is a kind of hero. The teacher should be a parent when one of his or her students need that or the teacher should inspect the studies of the learners, so the teacher takes the role of an inspector. (Oxford, 1990)Problem solving skill of the learners can be improved by language learning strategies. Students focus on the main problem when they create a strategy. So they can be aware of the main problem and possible solutions carefully. (Oxford,

Also the strategies are identifying, classifying and evaluating by researchers and teachers. (Oxford,1990) The system of language learning strategies are divided into two parts as Direct strategies and Indirect strategies. The two part of strategies have tree different groups. Direct strategies include Memory strategies,cognitive strategies and compensation strategies. Beside this, Indirect strategies contain Metacognitive strategies, Affective strategies, and social strategies. (Oxford, 1990) These different part of the two main parts have different tasks. (Oxford, 1990) Creating mental linkages which is the begining of creating memory strategies and applying images and sounds which are tools for remembering some important topics. Reviewing well and employing action are belong to memory strategies.