Learning Strategies

ELA Guide: Language Learning Strategies Session
Counsellor’s Pack

Language learning strategies Session

Objectives:

• 
  to explore the characteristics of an effective language learner
  
• 
  to encourage learners to define their characteristics as effective language learners
  
• 
  to encourage learners to experiment with a range of language learning strategies
  

Time: 60-65 min
Materials:

• 
  Flipchart
  
• 
  paper A4 (one for 3-4 learners)
  
• 
  markers (one for each learner)
  
• 
  Worksheet 1 (a copy for each learner), Worksheet 2 (a copy for 3-4 learners)
  

Activity 1: Brainstorming
Objective: to explore the characteristics of an effective language learner
Time: 15 min
Materials: Flipchart, marker
Procedure:
 Start the session by saying that the aim of this session is to discuss the characteristics of an effective language learner and to encourage learners to experiment with a range of language learning strategies.
 Draw a person on the flipchart and write the unfinished sentence “An effective language learner ….” on it (see the illustration below).

 Refer participants to the picture and ask them to think of one person who they regard as an effective language learner. Then elicit the characteristics that describe this person as an effective language learner and complete the unfinished sentence “An effective language learner ….” Write 4-5 responses on the flipchart

Possible answers

An effective English language learner … is motivated to learn English is aware of his/her own learning style and preferences, strengths and weakness in learning is not afraid to make mistakes checks his/her own language progress from time to time reflects on his/her own learning learns from mistakes uses different memory techniques to learn words and structures makes the best use of such resources as Internet, audio and video in learning a language takes every opportunity to practise

Summarise the activity by saying that any person can become an effective language learner provided they are prepared to work on their strategies.