LEARNING ENGLISH FOR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH BETWEEN LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES AND ENGLISH PROFICIENCY : (A CASE OF THE THIRD GRADE STUDENTS AT SMK NEGERI 2 BALEENDAH)

• Main Author: Rizqa Fadhilah Azmi, - (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: 2009-12-30.
• Subjects: Thesis; NonPeerReviewed
• Online Access: Link Metadata
• Notes: http://repository.upi.edu/96112/1/s_c0351_054629_table_of_content.pdf; http://repository.upi.edu/96112/3/s_c0351_054629_chapter1.pdf; http://repository.upi.edu/96112/4/s_c0351_054629_chapter3.pdf; http://repository.upi.edu/96112/2/s_c0351_054629_chapter5.pdf
• Keywords: L Education (General)

In exploring the differences that exist among foreign language students at vocational school, this study attempted to find out whether or no there was a correlation between students' language learning strategies and their English proficiency as indicated by WJEPT (West Java English Proficiency Test) scores. It also investigated language learning strategies used by the students using Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) instrument version 7.0 (Oxford, 1990). This research employed a descriptive analysis method with an ex-post facto design combined with a quantitative approach. The sample was 62 third grade students of SMK Negeri 2 Baleendah. The major findings encountered that there was a high positive correlation between students' language learning strategies use and their English proficiency as indicated by WJEPT scores (r=0.727, p=0.000). Furthermore, descriptive statistics showed that the students were medium strategy users (M = 3.08); the most frequently used strategies were Metacognitive strategies (M =3.29, SD=0.53) and the least frequently used were Compensation strategies (M=2.94, SD= 0.49). Based upon these findings, it is proven that students who employ appropriate language learning strategies incline to have high English proficiency. Accordingly, it is necessary for teachers to facilitate their students in recognizing the importance of language learning strategies. As a result, students can make use of strategies in their language learning appropriately and achieve their goal; that is to be proficient in English. The use of medium strategy found in this study could be triggered by several factors. Thus, a further investigation on this aspect is required.