Since the amount of information to be processed by language learners is high in language classroom,
learners use different language learning strategies in performing the tasks and processing the new
input they face. Language learning strategies are good indicators of how learners approach tasks or
problems encountered during the process of language learning. In other words, language learning
strategies, while nonobservable or unconsciously used in some cases, give language teachers valuable
clues about how their students assess the situation, plan, select appropriate skills so as to understand,
learn, or remember new input presented in the language classroom. According to Fedderholdt
(1997:1), the language learner capable of using a wide variety of language learning strategies
appropriately can improve his language skills in a better way. Metacognitive strategies improve
organization of learning time, selfmonitoring,
and selfevaluation.
Cognitive strategies include using
previous knowledge to help solve new problems. Socioaffective strategies include asking native
speakers to correct their pronunciation, or asking a classmate to work together on a particular
language problem. Developing skills in three areas, such as metacognitive, cognitive, and
socioaffective can help the language learner build up learner independence and autonomy whereby he
can take control of his own learning. LessardClouston
(1997:3) states that language learning
strategies contribute to the development of the communicative competence of the students. Being a
broad concept, language learning strategies are used to refer to all strategies foreign language learners
use in learning the target language and communication strategies are one type of language learning
strategies. It follows from this that language teachers aiming at developing the communicative
competence of the students and language learning should be familiar with language learning
strategies. As Oxford (1990:1) states, language learning strategies "... are especially important for
language learning because they are tools for active, selfdirected
movement, which is essential for
developing communicative competence." Besides developing the communicative competence of the
students, teachers who train students to use language learning strategies can help them become better
language learners. Helping students understand good language learning strategies and training them to
develop and use such good language learning strategies can be considered to be the appreciated
characteristics of a good language teacher (LessardClouston
1997:3). Research into the good
language learning strategies revealed a number of positive strategies so that such strategies could also
be used by bad language learners trying to become more successful in language learning. However,
there is always the possibility that bad language learners can also use the same good language learning
strategies while becoming unsuccessful owing to some other reasons. At this point, it should be
strongly stressed that using the same good language learning strategies does not guarantee that bad
learners will also become successful in language learning since other factors may also play role in
success.