Reports on a qualitative study conducted in the Japanese foreign language context about good foreign language learners, in which strategy use is analyzed in 67 books reporting on "how I have learned a foreign language." Results suggest that there are strategies especially favored in the Japanese foreign language context and that the issue of some…

This study was conducted in a private language school in Auckland, New Zealand to investigate the relationship between course level and reported frequency of language learning strategy use by speakers of other languages and to look for patterns of strategy use according to course level and other learner variables (Author/VWL)

Offers a brief overview of the field of individual differences in language learning, especially as they are reflected in learning styles, learning strategies, and affective variables. Touches on areas for further research. (Author/VWL)

Aimed to establish a basis for identifying optimal vocabulary recording procedures by finding out what learners currently do to remember vocabulary learned. Questionnaires, interviews, and examination of student records were carried out. Some learners reported making interesting lists of various types, which differed according to the linguistic…

Examines Heinrich Schliemann's method of acquiring a second language primarily by means of conscious learning. It is revealed that Schliemann probably obtained a great deal of comprehensible input in English. (nine references) (GLR)

Addresses the problem of poor listening skills in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners. A strategy to rectify the problem is suggested, and a set of procedures for a remedial course is outlined. (Author/CB)

A detailed, nonimpressionistic assessment checklist is presented for teach-yourself language packages. Two example research applications are given: a survey of a range of course packages, and an analysis of the patterns of materials used by an individual learner of Hungarian. (39 references) (Author/LB)

Assesses the effects of on-line advice messages that suggest learning strategies to the user. Results support the proposition that the design of learner-controlled interactive video materials for language teaching may be potentially helpful to students who do not come to a database environment equipped with effective language-learning strategies.…

Examines the components constituting autonomy in second language learning. The article focuses on helping students make and execute choices in the domains of communication, learning, and their personal life. These components form the basis of a conceptual framework for coordinating strategies to help learners develop autonomy. (24 references)…

Examines compensation strategies--techniques for dealing with knowledge gaps between learner and interlocutor--used by French learners of English and relates them to synoptic and ectenic learning. Suggests reasons that ectenic learners, who need conscious control of what they are learning, seem to communicate meanings of words to judges better…

Some 107 students participated in a study exploring factors that influence satellite-delivered language achievement. Of the factors (motivation, learning style, learning strategy use, gender, previous language learning experience, and course level), student motivation was by far the most significant determiner, followed by learning strategy use.…

Presents Dr. Kato Lomb's conclusions about language acquisition, which agree with current theory: comprehensible input is central; grammar plays a peripheral role in language development. (Author/CK)

Argues that before autonomous approaches to language learning are implemented, it is necessary to gauge learners' readiness for the behavioral change that autonomy implies. Data collected from a questionnaire on learner beliefs about language learning is presented. Factor analysis of subjects' responses indicated six underlying dimensions. (41…

Examines how college English as a foreign or second language learners' beliefs about language learning are related to their learning strategy use. Results found that language learners' self-efficacy beliefs about learning English were strongly related to their use of all types of learning strategies, especially functional practice…

Suggests instructional methods and communication strategies for second language learning which include the students' need to express themselves in non-pedagogic situations. Elements of basic awareness of face-to-face interaction are also presented. (Author/CB)