Vol 1 No 1 (2016): "Generating Knowledge through Research", 25-27 October 2016, CAS Auditorium - Universiti Utara Malaysia
Articles

PROFICIENCY LEVEL AND LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG JORDANIAN STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
TINGKAT KECAKAPAN DAN STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA DI ANTARA MAHASISWA JORDANIA UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA


Eshraq Mahmoud Mustafa Jaradat
Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Haryati Bakrin
Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Picture in here are illustration from public domain image or provided by the author, as part of their works
Published October 30, 2016
Keywords
  • Proficiency Level,
  • Language Learning Strategies,
  • Jordanian Students
How to Cite
Jaradat, E. M. M., & Bakrin, H. (2016). PROFICIENCY LEVEL AND LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG JORDANIAN STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA. Proceedings of The ICECRS, 1(1), picecrs.v1i1.655. https://doi.org/10.21070/picecrs.v1i1.655

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between proficiency level and language learning strategies (LLSs) among Jordanian students enrolled at Universiti Utara Malaysia. The frequency level of the LLSs employed by the students was also investigated. The theoretical foundation for the study was provided by three comprehensive theories which are the Behaviorism, the Cognitive Psychology, and the Schema Theory. The data for the LLSs was obtained from using Oxford’s (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) that classifies six different strategies: 1) Memory Strategy (MS), (2) Cognitive Strategy (COG), (3) Compensation Strategy (COMPS), (4) Metacognitive Strategies (MET), (5) Affective Strategy (AFCS) and (6) Social Strategies (SOC).  The frequency of the students’ overall use of LLSs was determined on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from high frequency use (3.5-5.0), medium frequency use (2.5-3.49), to low frequency use (1.0-2.49). Questionnaires were distributed and collected from a total of 97 students. Meanwhile, the students’ level of language proficiency was determined by their scores in the UUM English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). Upon using the multiple regression analysis, the results show that the students used language learning strategies at a high frequency level. In addition, this study shows that there is a positive relationship between language learning strategy and proficiency level. These results indicate that proficiency level plays a vital role in determining the kinds of language learning strategy used. Curriculum designers and related bodies in Jordan should increase focus on the role of language learning strategies in promoting the acquisition of English language proficiency. The study also opens up avenues for more studies on language learning strategies not only in Jordan, but also in other countries where this area of study is lacking.

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