An Investigation of the Language Learning Strategies Used by High and Low Achievers of Grade Twelve Students at Kombolcha General Preparatory School
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Date
2012-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the language learning strategies of high achiever
and low achiever students. The focus was to see similarities and differences behveen high
achiever and low achiever students' use of various hJPes of learning strategies.
To this end, fifo) students were selected (25 high achievers and 25 low achievers) using
purposive sampling. To measure the students' language learning strategt) use, Oxford's Strategt)
Inventon) for Language Learning (SILL) was employed with some modification. This 49 item
questionnaire was administered for the selected sample students. Interview was also conducted
with ten of the sample students.
Data obtained through the questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version-20. The descriptive statistics such as mean values, standard deviations,
and Independent T-test were considered in discussion. The t-test (with Significant difference
level P<O.05) was applied to check if there was a statistically significant difference between high
and 'tow achievers in using the main learning strategies. During discussion, data obtained
through the self-report questionnaire were cross checked using the data obtained through
interviews.
The finding of the study shows that there was a relationship between direct (memon), cognitive
and compensation) learning strategies use and language learning achievement. The more
successful language learners (i.e. high achievers) are also found to use all the main learning
strategies more than the less successful learners (i.e. low achievers).
On the basis of this finding, it was recommended that awareness rising should be made to
enhance students' use of various strategies at higher frequency and the low achievers must be
trained and encouraged to use the language learning strategies more frequently.
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Language Learning Strategies Used