Independent Vocabulary Learning Features and Strategies of Indonesian EFL Learners

Abstract

Shifting the independent learning style becomes nowadays trend. Regarding to its positive impact, Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, Malang (MMISIUM), has encouraged students to join language training in Ma’had Ali (MA) Sunan Ampel on-Campus Halls of Residence. Then, this study is (1) to identify the features of independent learning strategies used by the Indonesian EFL learners at MA, and (2) to identify the learning strategies as the characteristic manner to approach any learning task and figuring out the strategies selected to approach the vocabulary learning tasks. This case study aims at exploring the the Indonesian EFL learners’ strategies occurred in foreign language learning contexts. The data were gathered through interview, observation, and field notes. The findings showed that the independent learners (a) employ individually rather than in groups learning, (b) control their learning by keeping themselves focused in learning process, (c) use memorization and guessing, and (d) are willing to accomplish the tasks in certain amount of time. On the vocabulary performance task, the students use different strategies for memorizing the list of vocabulary.

Keywords: learning, learning feature, learning strategies