On Web-based Foreign Language Learning Strategies

This dissertation is written in an attempt to examine what foreign language learning strategies Chinese college students use in the context of the Internet. The use of general learning strategies is also studied to serve as a comparison. The study tries to reveal the relationship between strategy use and language achievement both in online language learning environment and in conventional classroom learning, and the differences in the use of strategies between foreign language learning in the classroom setting and online environment.A study is conducted on a sample of 264 students from Petroleum University of China with two questionnaires modified from Oxford's Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). The statistical results of the study reveal that all the six categories of strategies listed in SILL are employed by the students, but the average frequency is only at a moderate level. In online study, students use fewer strategies than in conventional study. Female students reported a higher frequency. Higher proficiency students use more strategies appropriately with a higher frequency.Since strategies have been proven as one of the factors for successful language learning, it is necessary to implement strategy training. On the basis an analysis of the existing problems in strategy use in the online learning environment, this paper finally proposes a web-based learning strategies training method to help develop online learners'ability to use more proper strategies to improve learning efficiency.