Naruemol Kaotsombut. A study of language learning strategies of graduate science students at Mahidol University . Master's Degree(Applied Linguistics). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
A study of language learning strategies of graduate science students at Mahidol University
Abstract:
This study was conducted in order to investigate the language learning
strategies used by graduate science students at Mahidol University, Thailand. The
study sample consisted of 39 students. They were from the Microbiology and Biology
International Programs. Three research instruments were used. The Quick Placement
Test Version II was used to measure English proficiency. The Strategy Inventory for
Language Learning (SILL) questionnaire and individual interviews were used as
research tools to investigate use of language learning strategies. The Cronbach’s alpha
reliability of the SILL questionnaire was 0.92. The Thai versions were then field
tested. Questionnaires and letters of cooperation were handed to sub jects. A return
rate of 100% (39 respondents) was obtained. Fifteen subjects were randomly
interviewed. The validity of the tools was verified, and a back-translation procedure
was used to ensure that the tape scripts were free of ambiguity and errors.
The results of data analysis showed that the subjects generally use
compensation, metacognitive, cognitive, social, affective, and memory language
learning strategies, respectively. Only compensation strategies were rated at a high
level while the rest were rated at a medium level. The students employed
compensation strategies to overcome limitations of language when they encountered
language use problems, for example: (a) guessing intelligently in listening and reading
and: (b) overcoming limitations in speaking and writing.