Volume: 27  Number: 6  Page: 491–508  doi:10.2167/jmmd449.1

Understanding Chinese Students' Use of Language Learning Strategies from Cultural and Educational Perspectives

Zhenhui Rao Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

This study investigated Chinese students' use of language learning strategies, and then interpreted the data from cultural and educational perspectives. Using a Strategy Inventory for Language Learning, the researcher discovered some common features shared by Chinese students in their use of learning strategies. An in-depth analysis of the results revealed that these features could be linked to three factors concerning their cultural and educational background: cultural beliefs and values, traditional Chinese education pattern and English as Foreign Language (EFL) setting. The findings suggest that, as EFL teaching and learning in China is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and education, English teachers should avoid going to extremes in adopting teaching methods in the English classroom, and that Chinese learners of English should diversify their learning strategies so that they can select appropriate learning strategies for various learning tasks.

Keywords: Chinese students, language learning strategies, culture, education

© 2006 Zhenhui Rao

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