English language learning strategies used by female ESL learners of Vellore district - An empirical study

Abstract

Objectives: This study attempts to examine the Language Learning Strategies (LLS) used by female ESL learners hailing from the rural areas of Vellore district. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The data for this research were provided by 200 _tertiary level female students from various women colleges across the district. These students' strategy use was documented using Oxford's questionnaire, Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). Descriptive statistics was run in STATA (V 13.0) to find out the overall strategy use and the relationships between strategy use, language proficiency and medium of instruction. Findings: The results showed that the learners were high strategy users with meta-cognitive strategies being mostly used and compensation, the least. It was also observed that those learners who used meta-cognitive strategies scored above 80% in their English exams. Medium of instruction had no significant difference in the choice of strategies. Applications/Improvements: The paper concludes with recommendations for strategy instruction and inculcation of these strategies into the regular classroom.