Exploring the English Learning Strategies of an Indigenous Papuan Student of Indonesia

Authors

Seli Marlina Radja Leba SMRL, Musamus UniversityFollow
Ranta -. Butarbutar SB, Musamus UniversityFollow
Basilius R. Werang BRW, Musamus University (Universitas Musamus)Follow

Abstract

Language learning strategies are crucial for learning English as a foreign language (EFL). This study sought to reveal language learning strategies used by Daniela, an Indigenous Papuan student, in developing her knowledge and skills in English. To gain this objective, a case study (Kohlbacher, 2006) using an in-depth interview was employed. Collected data were qualitatively analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. Results of data analysis revealed two main categories of learning strategies used by Daniela in solving her learning problems, namely direct and indirect learning strategies. In direct learning strategies Daniela dealt with memory, cognition, and compensation strategies, while in indirect learning strategies she dealt more with metacognitive, affective, and social strategies. Apart from these findings, this study also revealed Daniela’s performance in English is mostly influenced by her reading hobby, internal motivation, positive attitude towards English, her personality (diligent and independent), and her dream to become a vocational English teacher. Results of this study may be useful for the head of school to encourage English teachers to provide learners with diverse learning tasks to elicit the use of various learning strategies.

Keywords

good language learner, Indigenous Papuan, qualitative case study

Author Bio(s)

Seli Marlina Radja Leba is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Musamus, Merauke, Indonesia. She obtained her doctoral degree in the field of English Education from the State University of Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Her research interests are English learning strategies, English learning achievement, and motivation for learning English.

Ranta Butarbutar is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Musamus, Merauke, Indonesia. She obtained her master’s degree in the field of English Education from the State University of Makasar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Her research interests are English learning strategies, English learning achievement, and motivation for learning English.

Basilius Redan Werang is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Musamus, Merauke, Indonesia. He obtained his doctoral degree in the field of Educational Management from the State University of Malang, East Java, Indonesia. His research interests are school principal leadership, teacher behavior, school management, and students’ academic achievement. Please direct correspondence to lirang267@yahoo.co.id.

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank all those who have actively involved in this study

Publication Date

9-2-2021

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4881

Recommended APA Citation

Leba, S. R., Butarbutar, R. -., & Werang, B. R. (2021). Exploring the English Learning Strategies of an Indigenous Papuan Student of Indonesia. The Qualitative Report, 26(9), 2745-2768. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4881

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2675-2887

ResearcherID

57194092726