Investigating Jazan University EFL Students’ Beliefs on and Actual Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies

الملخص

The current study was conducted to investigate the beliefs of EFL Saudi students and their actual use of vocabulary learning strategies. It addresses the need of a concrete understanding of the extent to which students value and apply strategies to learn vocabulary. The sample consisted of 196 female students from the University College of Aldayer - Jazan University - who responded to the questionnaire. The data for the study was obtained through  the use of virtual questionnaire comprised of two sections of 28 items which were sent to the students via internet. Items of the questionnaire were adapted and modified from relevant literature (Oxford, 1990: 277-300; Li, X., 2005: 315-324; Sinhaneti and Kyaw, 2012: 1002-1003; Gu & Johnson, 1996:674-679). The findings pointed out that “Applying Images & Sounds” (AIS) and “Reviewing” (RW) strategies were reported the most preferable by the subjects of study.  “Rote Learning” (RL) and “Creating Mental Linkage” (CML) strategies, respectively, were given less value in the vocabulary learning process. Although not selected as the best strategy, students believe that rote learning is still an effective way of learning vocabulary. This study also revealed a positive relationship between beliefs and strategy use. A study like this is very helpful for all those who are interested in EFL Saudi students’ beliefs and their real use of language learning strategies.