Identifying Language Learning Strategies (LLS) For Speaking Skill: A Study among Year 5 English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners

Abstract

Speaking skill is be one of the crucial skills that should be mastered by learners in order to be proficient in English language and to be able to orally convey information to the listeners in the most effective manner.The language learners are in constant search of finding an effective ways to sharpen their speaking skill.There are many ways the learners adept to enhance their speaking skill. Language Learning Strategies (LLS) is one of the ways that are widely being used by language learners. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to investigate the effectiveness of (LLS) employed by learners in improving speaking skill and also to investigate the most and least preferred LLS by year 5 ESL learners. For the purpose of this study, 60 Year 5 ESL learners were chosen from an urban primary school. Quantitative approach was employed in this study and the instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire. The data were analysed descriptively to obtain percentage and mean score. The findings revealed that memory strategy as the most preferred strategy whereas metacognitive strategy as the least preferred strategy among the primary ESL learners. The findings also indicated that the LLS are effective in enhancing speaking skill. These findings will be useful for researchers who are keen in studying the effectiveness of LLS on improving speaking skill among learners.