Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-vvkck Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T12:41:08.375Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Grammar learning strategies as a key to mastering second language grammar: A research agenda

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 September 2019

Mirosław Pawlak*
Affiliation:
Adam Mickiewicz University, Kalisz, Poland State University of Applied Sciences, Konin, Poland

Abstract

Although major advances have been made in research on language learning strategies (LLS), there are some areas that have been somewhat surprisingly neglected by specialists. This applies without doubt to the strategies that learners draw on to better understand and learn grammar rules but also to employ grammar structures in real-time processing, as required in spontaneous communication. In this paper, I outline a research agenda for grammar learning strategies (GLS), identifying three distinct lines of inquiry: (1) identification and measurement of GLS, (2) examination of factors moderating GLS use, and (3) strategies-based instruction as applied to GLS. Although these three areas are to some extent reflective of the main foci of empirical investigations in research on LLS, in each case, I try to demonstrate how cutting-edge theoretical and empirical developments can be applied to the study of GLS. For each of the three areas, I propose research tasks the execution of which has the potential of moving research on GLS forward.

Type
Thinking Allowed
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Alonso, R. (2016). Cross-linguistic influence in second language acquisition. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Amerstorfer, C. M., & Oxford, R. L. (2018). Conclusions: Lessons learned and the future of situated learning strategies. In Oxford, R. L. & Amerstorfer, C. M. (Eds.), Language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics. Situating strategy use in diverse contexts (pp. 287297). London: Bloomsbury.Google Scholar
Anderson, N. (2005). L2 learning strategies. In Hinkel, E. (Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning (pp. 757771). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.Google Scholar
Chamot, A. U. (2005). Language learning strategy instruction: Current issues and research. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 25, 112130.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chamot, A. U. (2018). Preparing language teachers: New teachers become ready to teach language learning strategies in diverse classrooms. In Oxford, R. L. & Amerstorfer, C. M. (Eds.), Language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics. Situating strategy use in diverse contexts (pp. 213235). London: Bloomsbury.Google Scholar
Cohen, A. D. (2011). Strategies in learning and using a second language. Abington: Pearson Education.Google Scholar
Cohen, A. D., Oxford, R. L., & Chi, J. C. (2001). Learning Style Survey. Retrieved from http://carla.umn.edu/maxsa/documents/LearningStyleSurvey_MAXSA_IG.pdfGoogle Scholar
Cohen, A. D., & Pinilla-Herrera, A. (2010). Communicating grammatically: Constructing a learner strategies website for Spanish. In Kao, T. & Lin, Y. (Eds.), A new look at language teaching and testing: English as subject and vehicle (pp. 6383). Taipei, Taiwan: The Language Training and Testing Center.Google Scholar
Cohen, A. D., Pinilla-Herrera, A., Thompson, J. R., & Witzig, L. E. (2011). Communicating grammatically: Evaluating a learner strategy website for Spanish grammar. CALICO Journal, 29(1), 145172.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cohen, A. D., & Wang, I. K.-H. (2018). Fluctuations in the functions of language learning strategies. System, 74, 169182.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cohen, A. D. E., & Macaro, E. (2007). Language learner strategies: Thirty years of research and practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
DeKeyser, R. (2010). Cognitive-psychological processes in second language learning. In Long, M. H. & Doughty, C. J. (Eds.), The handbook of language teaching (pp. 119138). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.Google Scholar
DeKeyser, R. (2015). Skill acquisition theory. In VanPatten, B. & Williams, J. (Eds.), Theories in second language acquisition (2nd ed., pp. 94112). London: Routledge.Google Scholar
DeKeyser, R. (2017). Knowledge and skill in SLA. In Loewen, S. & Sato, M. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of instructed second language acquisition (pp. 1532). New York and London: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dörnyei, Z. (2005). The psychology of the language learner: Individual differences in second language acquisition. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.Google Scholar
Dörnyei, Z. (2009a). The psychology of second language acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Dörnyei, Z. (2009b). The L2 motivational self system. In Dörnyei, Z. & Ushioda, E. (Eds.), Motivation, language identity, and the self (pp. 942). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dörnyei, Z. (2014). Researching complex dynamic systems: ‘Retrodictive qualitative modelling’ in the language classroom. Language Teaching, 47, 8091.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dörnyei, Z., MacIntyre, P. D., & Henry, A. (2015). Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dörnyei, Z., & Ryan, S. (2015). The psychology of the language learner revisited. New York: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dörnyei, Z., & Taguchi, T. (2009). Questionnaires in second language research: Construction, administration, and processing. New York: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Ellis, R. (2009). Implicit and explicit learning, knowledge and instruction. In Ellis, R., Loewen, S., Elder, C., Erlam, R., Philp, J., & Reinders, H. (Eds.), Implicit and explicit knowledge in second language learning, testing and teaching (pp. 325). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ellis, R. (2010). Epilogue: A framework for investigating oral and written corrective feedback. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 32, 335349.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Griffiths, C. (2012). Learning styles: Traversing the quagmire. In Mercer, S., Ryan, S., & Williams, M. (Eds.), Psychology for language learning: Insights from theory, research and practice (pp. 151168). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Griffiths, C. (2018). The strategy factor in successful language learning. The tornado effect. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.Google Scholar
Griffiths, C., & Oxford, R. L. (2014). The twenty-first century landscape of language learning strategies. Introduction to this special issue. System, 43, 110.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Haukås, A. (2015). A comparison of L2 and L3 learners’ strategy use in school settings. Canadian Modern Language Review, 71, 383405.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jackson, D. O. (2001). Language-related episodes. ELT Journal, 55, 298299.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Larsen-Freeman, D. (2003). Teaching language: From grammar to grammaring. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle.Google Scholar
Larsen-Freeman, D. (2016). Classroom-oriented research from a complex systems perspective. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 6, 377393.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Larsen-Freeman, D., & Cameron, L. (2008). Complex systems and applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Loewen, S., Li, S., Fei, F., Thompson, A., Nakatsukasa, K., Seongmee, A., & Xiaoqing, C. (2009). Second language learners’ beliefs about grammar instruction and error correction. Modern Language Journal, 93, 91104.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Long, M. H. (1996). The role of the linguistic environment in second language acquisition. In Ritchie, W. & Bhatia, T. (Eds.), Handbook of second language acquisition (pp. 413468). New York: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Lyster, R. (2015). Using form-focused tasks to integrate language across the immersion curriculum. System, 53, 413.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lyster, R. (2017). Content-based language teaching. In Loewen, S. & Sato, M. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of instructed second language acquisition (pp. 87107). New York and London: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
MacIntyre, P. D., Baker, S. C., Clément, R., & Conrod, S. (2001) Willingness to communicate, social support, and language-learning orientations of immersion students. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 23, 369388.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mitits, L. & Gavriilidou, Z. (2014). Effects of gender, age, proficiency level and motivation differences on monolingual and multilingual students’ language learning strategies. 34th Annual Meeting of the Department of Linguistics, School of Philology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 16–18 May 2013.Google Scholar
Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A., & Pawlak, M. (2017). Willingness to communicate in instructed second language acquisition: Combining a macro- and micro-perspective. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
O'Malley, J. M., Chamot, A. U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Kupper, L., & Russo, R. (1985). Learning strategies used by beginning and intermediate ESL students. Language Learning, 35, 2146.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language learning strategies. What every teacher should know. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle.Google Scholar
Oxford, R. L. (2011). Teaching and researching language learning strategies. Harlow: Pearson Education.Google Scholar
Oxford, R. L. (2002). Language learning strategies in a nutshell. In Richards, J. C. & Renandya, W. A. (Eds.), Methodology in language teaching: An anthology of current practice (pp. 124132). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Oxford, R. L. (2017). Teaching and researching language learning strategies: Self-regulation in context. New York and London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Oxford, R. L., & Amerstorfer, C. M. (2018). The state of the art in language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics. In Oxford, R. L. & Amerstorfer, C. M. (Eds.), Language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics. Situating strategy use in diverse contexts (pp. xxiiixxxiv). London: Bloomsbury.Google Scholar
Oxford, R. L., & Lee, K. R. (2007). L2 grammar strategies: The second Cinderella and beyond. In Cohen, A. D. & Macaro, E. (Eds.), Language learner strategies: Thirty years of research and practice (pp. 117139). Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2006). The place of form-focused instruction in the foreign language classroom. Poznań – Kalisz: Adam Mickiewicz University Press.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2008). Advanced learners’ use of strategies for learning grammar: A diary study. In Pawlak, M. (Ed.), Investigating English language learning and teaching (pp. 109125). Poznań – Kalisz: Adam Mickiewicz University Press.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2009). Grammar learning strategies and language attainment: Seeking a relationship. Research in Language, 7, 4360.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2011a). Research into language learning strategies: Taking stock and looking ahead. In Arabski, J. & Wojtaszek, A. (Eds.), Individual learner differences in SLA (pp. 1737). Bristol – Buffalo – Toronto: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2011b). Cultural differences in perceptions of form/focused instruction: The case of advanced Polish and Italian learners. In Wojtaszek, A. & Arabski, J. (Eds.), Aspects of culture in second language acquisition and foreign language learning (pp. 7794). Heidelberg – New York: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2012a). Individual differences in language learning and teaching: Achievements, prospects and challenges. In Pawlak, M. (Ed.), New perspectives on individual differences in language learning and teaching (pp. xixxlvi). Heidelberg: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2012b). Instructional mode and the use of grammar learning strategies. In Pawlak, M. (Ed.), New perspectives on individual differences in language learning and teaching (pp. 263287). Heidelberg: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2012c). The dynamic nature of motivation in language learning: A classroom perspective. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 2, 249278.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2013). Researching grammar learning strategies: Combining the macro- and micro-perspective. In Salski, Ł, Szubko-Sitarek, W., & Majer, J. (Eds.), Perspectives on Foreign Language Learning (pp. 191210). Łódź: University of Łódź Press.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2014). Error correction in the foreign language classroom: Reconsidering the issues. Heidelberg: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2016). The role of autonomy in learning and teaching foreign language grammar. In Pawlak, M., Mystkowska-Wiertelak, A., & Bielak, J. (Eds.), Autonomy in second language learning: Managing the resources (pp. 319). Heidelberg – New York: Springer.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2017). Individual difference variables as mediating influences on success or failure in form-focused instruction. In Piechurska-Kuciel, E., Szymańska-Czaplak, E., & Szyszka, M. (Eds.), At the crossroads: Challenges of foreign language learning (pp. 7592). Heidelberg: Springer Nature.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2018a). Grammar Learning Strategy Inventory: Another look. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8, 351379.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2018b). Contextual and individual difference variables: Pronunciation learning strategies in form-focused and meaning-focused activities. In Oxford, R. L. & Amerstorfer, C. M. (Eds.), Language learning strategies and individual learner characteristics. Situating strategy use in diverse contexts (pp. 189207). London: Bloomsbury.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M. (2019). Grammar learning strategies instruction in the foreign language classroom: The case of English majors. In Chamot, A. U. & Harris, V. (Eds.), Learning strategy instruction in the language classroom: Issues and implementation (pp. 107120). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.Google Scholar
Pawlak, M., & Kiermasz, Z. (2018). The use of language learning strategies in a second and third language: The case of foreign language majors. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8, 427443.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pawlak, M., & Oxford, R. L. (2018). Conclusion: The future of research into language learning strategies. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8, 523532.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peng, J. E., & Woodrow, L. J. (2010). Willingness to communicate in English: A model in the Chinese EFL classroom context. Language Learning, 60, 834876.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pienemann, M., & Lenzing, A. (2015). Processability theory. In VanPatten, B. & Williams, J. (Eds.), Theories in second language acquisition (2nd ed., pp. 159179). London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Plonsky, L. (2011). Systematic review article: The effectiveness of second language strategy instruction: A meta-analysis. Language Learning, 61, 9931038.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rubin, J. (1975). What the ‘good language learner’ can teach us. TESOL Quarterly, 9, 4151.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rubin, J., Chamot, A. U., Harris, V., & Anderson, J. (2007). Intervening in the use of strategies. In Cohen, A. D. & Macaro, E. (Eds.), Language learner strategies: Thirty years of research and practice (pp. 141160). Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Ryan, S. (2009). Self and identity in L2 motivation in Japan: The ideal L2 self and Japanese learners of English. In Dörnyei, Z. & Ushioda, E. (Eds.), Motivation, language identity and the L2 self (pp. 120143). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sarıçoban, A. (2005). Learner preferences in the use of strategies in learning grammar. Atatürk University Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences, 5, 319330.Google Scholar
Takeuchi, O., Griffiths, C., & Coyle, D. (2007). Applying strategies to contexts: The role of individual, situational, and group differences. In Cohen, A. D. & Macaro, E. (Eds.), Language learner strategies: Thirty years of research and practice (pp. 6992). Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Tilfarlioğlu, Y. (2005). An analysis of the relationship between the use of grammar learning strategies and student achievement at English preparatory classes. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 1, 155169.Google Scholar
Trendak, O. (2015). Exploring the role of strategic intervention in form focused-instrution. Heidelberg – New York: Springer.Google Scholar
White, C., Schramm, K., & Chamot, A. U. (2007). Research methods in strategy research: Reexamining the toolbox. In Cohen, A. D. & Macaro, E. (Eds.), Language learner strategies: Thirty years of research and practice (pp. 93116). Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Winne, P. H., & Perry, N. E. (2000). Measuring self-regulated learning. In Boekaerts, M., Pintrich, P. R., & Zeidner, M. (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation (pp. 531556). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Zimmerman, B. J., & Moylan, A. R. (2009). Self-regulation: Where metacognition and motivation intersect. In Hacker, D. J., Dunlosky, J., & Graesser, A. C. (Eds.), Handbook of metacognition in education (pp. 299315). New York: Routledge.Google Scholar