Characteristics of a good language learner in relation to her language learning strategies

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to know the characteristics possessed by Meta, a single subject in this study, as a good language learner in relation to her language learning strategies. It is a case study design. The result of the research shows that Meta possesses all of the kinds of language learning strategies (memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective and social strategies). In terms of memory strategy she visualizes new languages. She remembers new words by writing the words for many times. In terms of metacognitive strategy she creates opportunities to practice English language skills. She identifies errors in understanding or producing the new language. She tracks the source of important errors and tries to eliminate them. She also evaluates her own progress. In terms of cognitive strategy she makes summary of English text, she highlights certain words and does scanning and skimming in reading English text. In terms of affective strategy she pushes herself to take risk in language learning situation, she discovers and controls motivation that influences language learning, she gives reward to herself for doing good performance in her language learning. In terms of social strategy she works with other language learners to improve her language skills. In terms of compensation strategy she uses guessing technique in reading and uses synonym technique in speaking.