A Case Study On The Use Of English Learning Strategies

In the field of second language learning and teaching, language learning strategies (LLS) have been received considerable attention for decades. In previous researches, many researchers devoted themselves to defining, classifying of LLS and carrying out quantitative researches on the LLS adoption of college and middle school students. Since qualitative researches on the use of LLS are relatively in a smaller number, the author attempts to carry out a case study so as to exam how LLS are adopted by individual person.Specifically, the author intends to find out which LLS are adopted by the subject and to identify the merits and demerits of the subject's using of LLS. The subject located in this research is a Junior Three student from Qionglai No.1 Middle School and this research is conducted continuously for nearly two months. In order to collect data, learner's diary is adopted as the core research instrument, and interview as well as Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) put forward by Oxford (1990) is served as the supplementary methods in this research.Results generated from this research show that the subject employs a wide range of LLS in his learning process, covering all the LLS classified by Oxford. The subject can place himself into a reasonable position where he can adopt suitable LLS and clear methods to practice using English. He can also find his weaknesses in learning and is able to find ways to solve his learning problems with a positive attitude. However, LLS the subject adopts are mainly general ways taught by his teacher; he lacks the ability to summarize his own strategies and the ability to choose and evaluate his learning material. He is not good at using affective strategies to control his emotion and using social strategies to learn English through communicating.