An Investigation On English Learning Strategies Used By Middle School Students

A great number of researches identified that the appropriate language learning strategies assured effective learning and the best learning achievement. (Ellis 1994; Wen Qiufang 1998; Oxford 1990; Rubin 1975; Chamot & Kupper 1989; O'Malley and Chamot 1990). Therefore, the New English Curriculum Standard for high schools in China advocates that language teachers develop the students' ability of using language learning strategies.In today's English classroom in China, some teachers still decide what learners will learn and what teaching methods they will use. The methodology the teachers choose, however, usually fails to conform to the way in which learners learn the language (Ellis, 1985). Many Chinese learners are urgently seeking ways to improve their English competence to keep up with the development of the changing world. As a result, there is a transition from a teacher-centered classroom to a learner-centered classroom in the field of language teaching.In the research area, although some studies have been conducted on language learning strategies in China, little research has been done among middle school students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how frequently language learning strategies were used by middle school students in Haidian district of Beijing, China, as well as to examine how English language learning strategies varied with age, gender and other factors in a Chinese context. This study was aimed at providing Chinese English teachers with useful information on language learning strategies used by students, so that the Chinese English teachers could help their students develop an...