Characteristics of Good Language Learners

Lecture :  Characteristics of Good Language Learners

Module : Study Skills

Level : 1^st  YEAR LMD

Teacher : Miss. Warda KHOUNI

Lecture objectives : by the end of the lecture,  students will be able to :

·         know the different characteristics  of a good language learner

·         destinguish the different taxonomies of  GLL

·         Sum up common characteristics discussed in the field of FLL

·         demonstrate understanding of all characteristics

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Lecture content : the lecture covers the following points :

1.        Introduction

2.        General Characteristics Of GLL

3.        Taxonomies Of GLL

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References :

·         Rubin J (1975). “What the ‘Good Language Learner’ Can Teach Us”. TESOL Quarterly. vol 9 N° 1.

·         Thompson S (2005). The Good Language Learner. University of Birmingham.

·         Harmer J (2001). The practice of english language teaching. Pearson education

·         Harmer J (2007). How to Teach English.Pearson education.

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Introduction: 

            Everyone tackling a new foreign language for the first time would like being successful. There is so much at stake, because fluency in a second language like English opens so many doors. There are more job opportunities, more potential friends and acquaintances, and the chance to learn about different countries and their cultures. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to successfully learn a foreign language. Many people start out with good intentions, but then for various reasons give up their study of a second language. Some say the language is too hard, and others complain that they don't have enough time to study learning it. Yes, learning a foreign language can be difficult for a lot of people, and it does take a long time to do. On the other hand, many people have mastered foreign languages and become quite fluent in them. How did they do it and what is the secret to their success?

 Characteristics of Good Language learners
(Taxonomies)   

Rubin & Thompson (1982)

Good Language Learners :

1.      find their own way, taking charge of their learning.

2.      organize information about language.

3.      are creative, developing a “feel” for the language by experimenting with its grammar and words.

4.      make their own opportunities for practice in using the language inside and outside the classroom.

5.      learn to live with uncertainty by not getting flustered and by continuing to talk or listen without understanding every word.

6.      use mnemonics and other memory strategies to recall what has been learned.

7.      make errors work for them and not against them.

8.      use linguistic knowledge, including knowledge of their first language, In learning a second language.

9.      use contextual cues to help them in comprehension.

10.  learn to make intelligent guesses.

11.  learn chunks of language as wholes and formalized routines to help them perform “beyond their competence.”

12.  learn certain tricks that help to keep conversations going.

13.  learn certain production strategies to fill in gaps in their own competence.

14.  learn different styles of speech and writing and learn to vary their language according to the formality of the situation.

Lightbown and Spada (1997) 

Good Language Learners are :

1.      willing and accurate guessers

2.      willing to make mistakes

3.      try to communicate even without language

4.      look for patterns

5.      practice whenever possible

6.      analyze their own speech

7.      pay attention to their own standards

8.      good learners enjoy grammar

9.      good learners have good  academic skills

Hedge (2000) 

 « characteristics of self directed learner »

1.      know their needs and work productively with the teacher towards achieving their objectives

2.      know how to use resources independently

3.      learn inside and outside the classroom

4.      adjust  their learning strategies as needed

5.      manage and divide time in learning properly

6.      learning with active thinking

7.      dont think that the teacher is the one who gives everything

Wenden (1989)

1.      Good language learners find a style of learning that suits them.

2.      Good language learners are actively involved in the language learning  process

3.      Good language learners try to figure out how the language works.

4.      Good language learners know that language is used to communicate

5.      Good language learners are like good detectives.

6.      Good language learners learn to think in the language.

7.      Good language learners realize that language learning is not easy.

8.      language learners are also good culture learners aware of the very close relationship between language and culture.

9.       Good language learners have a long term commitment to language  learning. They are realistic in realising that it takes time and practice