Learners&#x02019; Self-Reports on Comprehension and Learning Strategies for Listening

PDF(90 KB)

Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2002, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (1) : 45-68.

Learning and Teaching English in the Chinese Context

Learners’ Self-Reports on Comprehension and Learning Strategies for Listening

Christine C. M. GOH

Author information +

History +

Abstract

This article reports the results of a questionnaire study conducted on 118 ESL learners from China to identify comprehension and learning strategies used for listening. The study also examined the interaction between gender and strategy use. The variables in the questionnaire were based on the strategies and their respective tactics identified from a qualitative study conducted with a similar group of learners. A strategy framework that comprised metacognitive, cognitive, social/affective categories was adopted. A distinction was made between comprehension and learning strategies. Whereas comprehension strategies refer to those used for facilitating understanding during listening, learning strategies are for improving listening ability in general. Out of 15 comprehension strategies, respondents reported using 5 strategies frequently. Of the 4 learning strategies, only one was used frequently. Some studies on strategy use have reported differences between male and female learners. The present study, however, showed differences to be small and none came close to any statistical significance. In fact, there were remarkable similarities between the two gender groups. Both groups reported a high level of use for 12 tactics and a low level of use for four tactics. These similarities suggest that factors other than gender might have had an influence on strategy choice. On the whole, the learners reported a moderate level of strategy use.

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

Christine C. M. GOH. Learners’ Self-Reports on Comprehension and Learning Strategies for Listening[J]. Asian Journal of English Language Teaching. 2002, 12(1): 45-68

References

Bacon, S. M. (1992). The relationship between gender, comprehension, processing strategies, and cognitive and affective response in foreign language listening.Modern Language Journal 76, 41-56.
Bacon, S., Finnemann, M. (1990). The identification of gender differences in university foreign language students in relation to general language-learning beliefs and beliefs dealing with authentic input. Paper presented at SLA-FLL Conference, Univ. of Illinois, April 1990.
Biggs, J. (1998). Learning from the Confucian heritage: so size doesn’t matter?International Journal of Educational Research 29, 723-738.
Bond M. H.(1991). The Psychology of the Chinese People. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press.
Chamot A.U.1995. “Learning strategies and listening comprehension”. In Mendelsohn, D. and J. Rubin (eds.) A Guide for the Teaching of Second Language Listening. San Diego: Dominie Press.
Cohen, A. D. (1998). Strategies in Learning and Using a Second Language. London: Longman.
Cortazzi, M. & Jin, L. (1996). State of the art: English teaching and learning in China. Language Teaching, 29/2. Pp. 61-80.
DeFillipis, D. A. (1980). A Study of the Listening Strategies used by Skillful and Unskillful College French Students in Aural Comprehension. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
Goh, C. (1997). Metacognitive awareness and second language listening.ELT Journal, 51(4), 391-397.
Goh, C.C. M. (1998). How learners with different listening abilities use comprehension strategies and tactics.Language Teaching Research, 2(2). 124-147.
Goh, C. C. M. (2002). Exploring listening comprehension tactics and their interaction patterns.System 30, 185-206.
Goh, C. & Kwah, P. F. (1997). Learning strategies of Chinese ESL learners: A look at frequency, proficiency and gender.Hong Kong Journal of Applied Linguistics. 39-53.
Gruba, P. A. (1999). The role of digital video media in second language listening comprehension. Doctorate thesis. The University of Melbourne.
Jin, L.,& Cortazzi, M. (1998). Dimensions of Dialogue: large classes in China.International Journal of Educational Research 29, 739-761.
Laviosa, F. (1991). A preliminary investigation of the listening problem-solving processes and strategies of five advanced learners of Italian as a second language. Dissertation, State University of New York at Buffalo.
McDonough, S.H. (1999). Learner strategies. Language Teaching, 32, 1-18. O’Malley J.M. & Chamot., A.U. (1990). Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
O’Malley, J.M., Chamot, A.U. & Küpper, L. (1989). Listening comprehension strategies in second language acquisition.Applied Linguistics. 10/4: 418-437.
Oxford, R. (1990). Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. New York: Newbury House.
Oxford, R. & Cohen, A. (1992). Language learning strategies: crucial issues of concept and classification.Applied Language Learning 3(1), 1-35.
Oxford, R. & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of learning strategies: A pilot study.Modern Language Journal 73. 291-300.
Oxford, R., Nyikos, M. & Ehrman, M. E. (1988). Vive la difference? Reflections on sex differences in use of language learning strategies.Foreign Language Annals 21, 321-329.
Pressley, M. & Afflerbach, P. (1995). Verbal protocols of reading: The nature of constructively responsive reading. Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Ross, S. (1997). An introspective analysis of listeners’ inferencing on a second language listening test. In G. Kasper and E. Kellerman (eds.). Communication Strategies: Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Perspectives. London: Longman.
Rost, M. (1983). Prediction as a listening strategy.Cross Currents 10/ 2. 27-34.
Rost, M. (1990). Listening in Language Learning. London: Longman.
Rost, M. (2002). Teaching and Researching Listening. London: Longman.
Rost, M. & Ross, S. (1991). Learner use of strategies in interaction: Typology and teachability.Language Learning, 41/ 2: 235-273.
Rubin, J. (1987). Learner strategies: Theoretical assumptions, research history and typology. In Wenden, A & Rubin, J.(eds.). Learner Strategies in Language Learning. Hertfordshire: Prentice-Hall.
Rubin, J. (1994). A review of second language listening comprehension research.Modern Language Journal, 78/ 2: 199-221.
Schmeck R. R.(1988). Individual differences and learning strategies. In Weinstein, C. E., Goetz, E.T., Alexander, P. A. (Eds.), Learning and Study Strategies: Issues in Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation. San Diego: Academic Press, Inc.
Skehan, P. (1998). A Cognitive Approach to Language Learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Snowman, J. (1986). Learning tactics and strategies. In Phye, G. D. & Andre, T. (Eds.), Cognitive Instructional Psychology: Components of Classroom Learning. New York: Academic Press.
Vandergrift, L. (1997). The Cinderella of communication strategies: reception strategies in interactive listening.Modern Language Journal, 81, 494-505.
Vogely, A. (1995). Perceived strategy use during performance on three authentic listening comprehension tasks.Modern Language Journal, 79, 41-56.
Young, M.Y.C. (1996). Successful v. less successful ESL listeners: Do learning strategies matter? Paper presented at the RELC Seminar 1996, Singapore. 22- 24 April 1996.
Young, M.Y.C. (1997). A serial ordering of listening comprehension strategies used by advanced ESL learners in Hong Kong.Asian Journal of English language Teaching, 7, 35-53.