Engineering Students' Language Learning Strategies (LLS) and Their Motivation in Learning Speaking Skills

Abstract

One of the most important skills for an individual to learn is speaking skills. In preparation to enter the job market, students should be able to communicate effectively. There is a need to identify the language learning strategies used by good learners in learning speaking skills. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the language learning strategies (LLS) in learning speaking skills and the motivation level to learn speaking by the Semester 1 engineering Diploma students in a polytechnic in Sarawak. A quantitative research was carried out. The purposive sampling method was used in selecting the respondents. Based on the findings, metacognitive strategies were the most used LLS while social strategies were the least used LLS. Learners’ motivation level was average with low self-esteem as one of the factors that influenced the learning of speaking skills. More studies should be conducted to study the factors affecting the use of LLS among students for the exact purpose of understanding their way of learning a language. Students should also be aware of how to use LLS in learning speaking to develop their speaking abilities