Analysis of english learning strategies of Taiwanese students at National Taiwan Normal University

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to investigate the language learning strategies used by undergraduate students at National Taiwan Normal University- NTNU (ROC) Taipei, Taiwan. The study sample consisted of 330 students (212 English education major students and 118 non-English education major students.). The research instrument was the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) questionnaires (Oxford, 1990). The data obtained from the returned surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests. This study concluded that: (1) Students majoring in English used learning strategies more frequently than students majoring in other subjects. (2) Meta-cognitive strategy was the most effective and Affective strategy was the least effective strategy used by both groups. (3) There were significant differences among the strategies used between English and non-English education majors. English education majors appeared to use strategies more than other majors. (4) The effectiveness of learning strategy used between English and non-English education major students was significantly different. English education majors were more effective using strategies than students majoring in other subjects. From the results of this study, the researcher suggests that teachers should be aware of and understand their student's learning  strategies in order to introduce effective strategies to students and motivate them to use different learning strategies. Especially for non-English education major students, teachers should provide and instruct them to use learning strategies more frequently and effectively to reach their desired English level.