Language Learning Strategies: Techniques for Mastery

Posted on Nov 8, 2025 in Primary Education Teacher (Teaching Degree)

Direct Language Learning Strategies

I. Memory Strategies

A. Creating Mental Linkages

  • Grouping (LR)
  • Associating/Elaborating (LR)
  • Placing new words into a context (A)

B. Applying Images and Sounds

  • Using Imagery (LR)
  • Semantic Mapping (LR)
  • Using Keywords (LR)
  • Representing Sounds in Memory (LRS)

C. Reviewing Well

  • Structured Reviewing (A)

D. Employing Action

  • Using physical response or sensation (LR)
  • Using mechanical techniques (LRW)

II. Cognitive Strategies

A. Practicing

  • Repeating (A)
  • Formally practicing with sounds and writing systems (LSW)
  • Recognizing and using formulas and patterns (A)
  • Recombining (SW)
  • Practicing Naturalistically (A)

B. Receiving and Sending Messages

  • Getting the idea quickly (LR)
  • Using resources for receiving and sending messages (A)

C. Analyzing and Reasoning

  • Deductive Reasoning (A)
  • Analyzing Expressions (LR)
  • Analyzing Contrastively (across languages) (LR)
  • Translating (A)
  • Transferring (A)

D. Creating Structure for Input and Output

  • Taking notes (LRW)
  • Summarizing (LRW)
  • Highlighting (LRW)

III. Compensation Strategies

A. Guessing Intelligently

  • Using linguistic clues (LR)
  • Using other clues (LR)

B. Overcoming Limitations in Speaking and Writing

  • Switching to the mother tongue (S)
  • Getting Help (S)
  • Using mime or gesture (S)
  • Avoiding communication partially or totally (S)
  • Selecting the Topic (SW)
  • Adjusting or approximating the message (SW)
  • Coining words (SW)
  • Using a circumlocution or synonym (SW)

Indirect Language Learning Strategies

I. Metacognitive Strategies

A. Centering Your Learning

  • Overviewing and linking
  • Paying attention
  • Delaying speech production

B. Arranging and Planning Your Learning

  • Using meta-linguistics
  • Organizing
  • Setting goals
  • Identifying purposes
  • Planning for a task language
  • Seeking times to practice

C. Evaluating Your Learning

  • Self-monitoring
  • Self-evaluating

II. Affective Strategies

A. Lowering Your Anxiety

  • Using progressive relaxation/meditation
  • Using music
  • Using laughter

B. Encouraging Yourself

  • Making positive statements
  • Taking wise risks
  • Rewarding yourself

C. Taking Your Emotional Temperature

  • Listening to your body
  • Using a checklist
  • Writing a language learning diary
  • Discussing your feelings with someone else

III. Social Strategies

A. Asking Questions

  • Asking for clarification or verification
  • Asking for correction

B. Cooperating with Others

  • Cooperating with peers
  • Cooperating with proficient users of the new language

C. Empathizing with Others

  • Developing cultural understanding
  • Becoming aware of others’ thoughts and feelings.

Definitions and Concepts

Summary of Strategy Types

Direct strategies include such things as memorizing, analyzing and reasoning, and guessing intelligently. As the name suggests, these are specific procedures that learners can use to internalize the language.

Indirect strategies, on the other hand, include things such as evaluating one’s learning, taking steps to lower one’s anxiety, and cooperating with others.

Key Terminology

ESL stands for English as a Second Language and means learning English in an English-speaking country like the UK, USA, Australia, etc.

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and means learning English in a non-native speaking country, like Ecuador, because Spanish is the official language.

Language Learning vs. Language Acquisition

Language Learning (Conscious Process)

  • Artificial
  • Technical
  • Priority on the written language
  • Formal instruction
  • Focus on form
  • Produces knowledge

Language Acquisition (Unconscious Process)

  • Natural
  • Personal
  • Priority on the spoken language
  • Meaningful interaction
  • Focus on communication
  • Produces an ability.