Identifying children’s language learning strategies: Turkish example

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been an upsurge of interest in language learning strategies (LLS). However, the research has so far mostly focused on older learners, primarily in ESL contexts and those of children in EFL contexts remained in its infancy. Thus the current study examines the English LLS use of 1116 Turkish 4th and 5th grade students by means of Children's Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (CHILLS). The results reveal that children's strategy preferences showed statistically significant differences with regard to gender, geographical region and academic achievement, the girls outperformed boys in strategy use and with regard to academic achievement 5th grade students outperformed the 4th grade students.