GLLs Revisited: Language Learning Strategies Employed by Good Indonesian EFL Learners

Abstract

The study aimed at describing the characteristics of good Indonesian EFL learners, finding learning strategies employed by good Indonesian EFL learners, and describing how the good Indonesian EFL learners plan, monitor and evaluate their learning. The researcher employed descriptive qualitative research by using in-depth interviews, observations and document examinations as techniques of data collection. The collected data were analyzed by using Miles and Huberman’s model consisting of three steps: data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing and verification. The research findings showed, there are at least seven characteristics of Indonesian good EFL learners: (1) coming from ordinary families and diverse family backgrounds, (2) having high motivation and positive attitude, (3) having extrovert, sociable, confident and goal oriented personality traits and diverse language aptitude, (4) having good intellectual competence (smart), (5) being able to take charge of their own learning by taking various learning actions (creative), (6) being actively participate and not afraid of making mistakes and, (7) having willingness or ability to personalize the language. The findings also showed that the participants employed various strategies in their language learning such as cognitive, metacognitive, social, memory, compensation and affective strategies. In addition, all of the participants planed, monitored and evaluated their learning. Their plans include setting goals and targets, preparing for English lessons and exam, and seeking opportunities to learn and use the language. They monitored their learning by checking their academic reports, consulting with teacher, and taking English proficiency tests. One of the participants also had parents monitoring and evaluation. In evaluation, they checked their academic records, compared the records with others, and made better plan for future learning.

Keywords: good language learners (GLLs), characteristics, learning strategies.