An Investigation of the Vocabulary Learning Strategies Used by Elementary Iranian EFL Learners

In this survey study, a questionnaire comprising ۲۴ items was designed, developed, and validated by the researcher to assess the construct of vocabulary learning strategies used by adult EFL learners. In total, ۳۰ Adult Azerbaijani learners of EFL were surveyed via a questionnaire. The VLSS frequently used by elementary learners included the use of L۱, bilingual dictionaries, asking the teacher, and classmates for word meanings. The results of the study reveal that proficiency level had an impact on the frequency of using memory, cognitive, and metacognitive strategies. Elementary learners employed various approaches, including using their L۱, asking peers and teachers for the meaning of new words, and consulting bilingual dictionaries, more frequently than intermediate and advanced learners. Thus, elementary learners used social strategies more regularly. This study has important implications for EFL learners, EFL teachers, and syllabus designers.

کلیدواژه ها:

activation strategies ، cognitive strategies ، meta-cognitive strategies ، proficiency level ، vocabulary learning strategies (VLS)