i ABSTRACT
IDENTIFYING THE USE OF READING LEARNING STRATEGIES IN RELATION TO LEARNING STYLES
Melati Dwi Anda Syaputri
Learning styles of learners usually influence the learning process of language. Based on my experiences, not all the teachers considered their learners’ learning style. Some teachers only used the techniques based on their styles without considering their learners’ styles in processing the knowledge in learning process. However, the learning process sometimes was not effective. Not only learning styles, but also learning strategies are needed in order to learn more effectively in learning process. Unfortunately, most of learners do not use the strategies effectively in learning, especially in learning reading, so that sometimes learners find difficulty in the learning process. However, in learning English reading, each learner may have various learning strategies. Different learner may use different learning strategies to help them in learning process.
This research was aimed at finding out learning styles and the strategies used by learners with different learning styles in learning English reading. This research was a quantitative study and was conducted to 32 learners in first grade of SMAN 3. In collecting data, the researcher gave two questionnaires to measure learning styles, whether they belonged to Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic styles, and reading learning strategies, whether they used cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies. After that, the data were analized using ANOVA.
SMAN 3 BANDAR LAMPUNG
By
MELATI DWI ANDA SYAPUTRI
A Script
Submitted in a Partial Fulfillment of The Requirment For S-1 Degree
in
Language and Arts Education Department Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF LAMPUNG
vi
CURRICULUM VITAE
The writer was born on June 2nd, 1992 in Bandar Lampung. She is the second child of four children from the happy couple Mr. Syaparudin, S.E. and Mrs. Andasia Malyana, S.Pd.,M.Pd.
vi
DEDICATION
This script is dedicated to:
My beloved parents
Syaparudin, S.E and Andasia Malyana, M.Pd.
My beloved brother and sisters
dr. Chintya Mutiara Sari
Tri Zella Setyanda
Habib Tunas Dermawan
My beloved niece and brother in law
Ravanza Langit Pirnando
Aan Pirnando, S.T.
My beloved partners in life and best friends
Ferdian Muhammad, Aulia Afifah Junaidi, Firma Pradesta Amanah,
Hilda Ardila, Nifia Anda Ningrum, Raissa Utami Putri, Tika Yekti, Zakiyah
My beloved partners of English Society UNILA
My beloved lecturers of English Study Program
vi MOTTO
A real dreamer not only prays to make her dreams come true, but also sets a
package of plans and checks a list of actions
vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Alhamdulillahirobbil ‘alamin, Praise is merely to the Almighty Allah SWT for the gracious mercy and tremendous blessing that enables the writer to accomplish this paper entitled: Identifying the Use of Reading Learning Strategies as EFL in Relation to Learning Styles at First Grade of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung. This paper is presented to fulfill one of the requirements in accomplishing S-1 Degree in English Education Study Program, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, the University of Lampung.
It is important to be known that this research would never come into existence without any supports, encouragements and assistances by several generous people. Therefore, in this occasion the writer would like to express her sincere gratitude and deep respect to Prof.Ag. Bambang Setiyadi, M.A., Ph.D., as her first advisor, for his support, ideas, and suggestions for the writer during the bachelor thesis process. Her appreciation is also due to her second advisor Drs. Sudirman, M.Pd. who gave her all facilities in finishing this research. The writer also would like to express her deep gratitude to her inspiring examiner, H. M. Ujang Suparman, M.A.,Ph.D. who has given his suggestions and criticism as well as his constructive ideas in improving the content of this paper.
The greatest honor and appreciation would be finally dedicated to her beloved parents, her father Syaparudin, S.E. and her mother Andasia Malyana, M.Pd. It is truly undoubted that loves, cares, spirits, motivation, patience and willingness to wait for her graduation and timeless prayers during days and nights are everything for her. Her sincere thanks and love are also dedicated to her beloved big family of Abu Hasan, sisters, brother, brother in law, and her lovely niece: dr. Chintya Mutiara Sari and Tri Zella Setyanda, Habib Tunas Dermawan, Aan Pirnando, and Ravanza Langit Pirnando, thank you so much for all prays and supports from my deepest heart to you all.
vi
Hopefully this paper can give benefits to the readers and those who want to carry out further research.
Bandar Lampung, 07 Mei 2015
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT ………. i
CURRICULUM VITAE ………. ii
DEDICATION ……….. iii
MOTTO ……… iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………. v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………... vii
TABLE ……….. ix
FIGURE ………. x
APPENDICES ………... xi
I. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background of the Problem ……….. 1
1.2. Research Questions ………... 5
1.3. Objectives ………... 5
1.4. Uses ………... 5
1.5. Scope ………. 6
1.6. Definition of Terms ………... 6
II. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1. Review of Previous Studies ………... 8
2.1.1. Previous Studies of Learning Strategies …..………. 8
2.1.2. Previous Studies of Learning Styles...………... 10
2.2. Language Learning Strategies...………... 12
2.3.1. Cognitive Strategy ……….... 14
2.3.2. Metacognitive Strategy ………. 15
2.3.3. Social Strategy ……….. 17
2.3. Learning Styles ...………... 19
2.4. Reading ……….. 24
2.5. Learning Strategy in Reading ………... 25
2.6. Rule of Learning styles in Using Reading Learning Strategies……….. 29
2.7. Theoritical Assumption ………. 31
2.8. Hypotheses ……….... 32
III. RESEARCH METHOD 3.1. Research Design ……… 34
3.2. Population and Sample……….... 35
3.3. Data Collecting Techniques………. 35
viii
3.6.1. Validity ………. 41 3.6.2. Reliability ………. 44 3.7. DataAnalysis………... 46 3.8. Hypothesis Testing ………..………... 47
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1. Results of the Research ………... ... 50 4.1.1. Types of Learners’ Learning Styles Resulted from
Questionnaire ... ... 50 4.1.2. The Strategies Used by Learners with Different
Learning Styles in Learning English Reading as EFL ... ... 52 4.2. Discussions of the Research ………... ... 54 4.2.1. Types of Learners’ Learning Styles ... ... 55 4.2.2. The Strategies Used by Learners with Different
Learning Styles in Learning English Reading as EFL ... ... 60
V. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1. Conclusions ……….. 68
5.2. Suggestion ……… 71
REFERENCES ……… 73
viii TABLES
Table Page
viii APPENDICES
Appendix Page
1. Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Learning Styles Self-Assessment
Questionnaire ... 78
2. Language Learning Strategies Questionnaire (LLSQ)... 82
3. Language Learning Strategies Questionnaire (LLSQ) Answer Sheet ... 84
4. Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Learning Styles Self-Assessment Questionnaire Indonesian/Translation Version ... 85
5. Language Learning Strategies Questionnaire (LLSQ) Indonesian/Translation Version ... 89
6. Learning Styles Questionnaire Answers ... 91
7. Validity Judgement (Interrater Validity) ... 93
8. Reliability of Learning Styles Questionnaire ... 114
9. Learning Strategies Questionnaire Answers ... 116
10. Means of Learning Strategies in Reading ... 117
11. Descriptives of ANOVA ... 118
12. Learning Strategies in Reading ... 120
13. Sample of Visual Learner Questionnaire Answer ... 121
14. Sample of Visual Learner’s answers in Using Learning Strategies in Reading ... 125
15. Sample of Auditory Learner Questionnaire Answer ... 126
16. Sample of Auditory Learner’s answers in Using Learning Strategies in Reading ... 130
17. Sample of Kinesthetic Learner Questionnaire Answer ... 131
18. Sample of Kinesthetic Learner’s answers in Using Learning Strategies in Reading ... 135
19. Surat Izin Penelitian ... 136
viii FIGURE
Figure Page
1. Learners’ Learning Styles ...51 2. Means Plot of the Use of Learning Strategy in Reading in Relation
I.INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents background of the problem, research questions, objectives,
uses, scope, and definition of terms, clarified as the followings.
1.1. Background of the Problem
Learning strategies are needed in order to learn more effectively in learning
process. Wenden (1990) stated that language learning strategy refers to language
learning behaviors that learners actually engage in to learn and regulate the
learning of second or foreign language. She also points out that a learner who uses
learning strategy becomes more effective learner. Unfortunately, based on my
experiences, most of learners did not use the strategies effectively in learning, so
that sometimes learners found the difficulty in the learning process. Especially in
learning reading, as one of complex skills in learning English as a foreign
language, the learners need some strategies to help them master the skill. As
Fedderholdt (1997:1) mentions that the language learners who are capable of
using a wide variety of language learning strategies appropriately can improve
his/her language skills in better way. However, each learner had various learning
strategies. Different learner used different learning strategies. Though the diversity
of learning strategies used appears in learning English reading, it was definitely
strategies so that learners could successfully learn this. The success or failure in
learning English reading may be caused from the learning strategies which are
used by learners.
In addition, there are three main categories of language learning strategies that can
be used in learning English reading: cognitive, metacognitive, and social
(Setiyadi, 2011). The cognitive processes include all activities related to mental
processing. In relation to language learning strategies, the cognitive category may
include all activities that take place in the brain in order to acquire a foreign
language (Setiyadi, 2011). However, Wenden and Rubin (1990) quoted that
metacognitive learning strategies involve thinking about the learning process,
planning for learning, monitoring of learning while it is taking place and
self-evaluation of learning after the learning activity. Furthermore, Stratton and Hays
(1988) define social psychology as the branch of psychology which is particularly
concerned with the nature and from social interaction and how people come to
influence one another’s behavior.
Not only learning strategies, but also learning styles are needed to be considerred.
Learning styles usually influence the learning process. Learning style is the way in
which a person learns and gains knowledge or skills. It is commonly recognized
that people learn and process information in very different ways. Moreover based
on my experiences, not all the teachers considered about their learners’ learning
styles. The researcher interviewed one of English teacher about how the learning
interesting with learning reading. They did not like to read a lot. However, when
the teacher gave them a reading task, they found the difficulty with this. Then, the
researcher realized from imformal interview that the teacher was lack of awarness
of her students learning styles in learning. The teachers usually taught the learners
in a common way, for example they only explain the materials by reading the
book or writing the explanation on the whiteboard. In addition, some teachers only
used the techniques based on their styles without considering their learners’ styles
in processing the knowledge in learning process. However, the learning process
sometimes was not effective. Since the learners has their own unique and styles in
learning and processing the knowledge in learning process, so that it is important
for the teachers to consider what the learners’ styles in learning are.
Learning styles can be very helpful and beneficial to the learners in becoming
more focused and attentive learners that will increase educational process. There
are three kinds of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinethetic. Visual learners
learn by interpreting charts, graph, and pictures, auditory learners tend to attain
information by discussing and listening, and kinesthetic learners are more
accepting learning based on behavior such as touch, feel, see, and listen (DePorter
and Hernacky, 1999). No learning style is either better or worse than another,
since each style has similar intelligence range. However, every learner with
different learning styles will use different strategies in learning English reading as
a foreign language. His/her style influence the preference of learning strategies
use in learning English reading. Gavin Reid (2005) stated that some visual
some auditory learners prefer to learn by hearing what they want to learn, and
some kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by moving and doing.
Based on the description above, the researcher assumed that using language
learning strategies was important for learners in learning English reading, because
the successful of learning English reading as a foreign language might depend on
what and how learning strategies applied by learners. Besides, in learning reading
the learners usually used different strategies for example cognitive, metacognitive,
or social strategy. Some learners used cognitive strategy such as summarize to
understand what they had read, some learners used metacognitive strategy such as
recheck their understanding by reading again what they had read, then the other
learners used social strategy such as read task by discussing with their friends.
Then, every learner had different learning styles in learning English as foreign
language, for example learners preferred to learn something through listening,
some others liked to learn something through reading, and the others liked to
move and do something to learn new things. It was important for the teachers to
consider what learning styles that the learners belonged to so that it could help
them chose appropriate techniques based on their styles and the learning process
would be more effective. Referring to these, this present study was aimed at
finding out learners’ learning styles and the strategies used by learners with
different learning styles in learning English reading as EFL at the first grade of
1.2. Research Questions
Based on the background above, the writer decided to formulate the research
questions as follows:
1. What are learners’ learning styles in learning English reading at the first
grade of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung?
2. How do the learners with different learning styles use learning strategies in
learning English reading as EFL at the first grade of SMAN 3 Bandar
Lampung?
1.3. Objectives
The objectives of this present study were to:
1. Find out learners’ learning styles in learning English reading at the first
grade of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung.
2. Find out the strategies used by learners with different learning styles in
learning English reading as EFL at the first grade of SMAN 3 Bandar
Lampung.
1.4. Uses
The uses of this research were:
1. Theoretically, this present research can be used to evaluate and to extend
finding from previous research and be used as a reference for further
research of learning styles and learning strategies.
2. Practically, this present research can be used to give English teachers a
based on their learners’ learning styles, especially in receptive skill
(reading).
1.5. Scope
This research was a quantitative study. It was conducted at the first grade learners
of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung which consisted of 32 learners in academic year
2014/2015. The researcher determined the sample by using simple random
sampling and chose one class by using lottery as the sample. The learners received
two kinds of questionnaire. The first questionnaire was about learning styles to
find out the learners’ learning style in learning English as foreign language. In this
study, the researcher only focused on learning styles based on DePorter and
Hernacky (1999). The styles were visual style, auditory style, and kinesthetic
style. After that, the learners received the second questionnaire of reading learning
strategies to find out the learners’ learning strategies in learning English reading
as an EFL. The researcher only focused on three kinds of learning strategies based
on Setiyadi (2011). They were cognitive, metacognitive, or social strategy. This
present study was aimed at finding out learners’ learning styles and the strategies
used by learners with different learning styles in learning English reading as EFL
at the first grade of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung.
1.6. Definition of Terms
In this research, there are several definitions of terms that should be considered
well as follows:
b) Cognitive strategy may include all activities that take place in the brain in order to acquire a foreign language (Setiyadi, 2011).
c) Metacognitive strategy is learning strategies involve thinking about the learning process, planning for learning, monitoring of learning while it is
taking place and self-evaluation of learning after the learning activity
(Wenden and Rubin, 1990).
d) Social strategy defines social psychology as the branch of psychology which is particularly concerned with the nature and from social interaction
(Stratton and Hays, 1988).
e) Learning style is the way in which a person learns and gains knowledge or skills in all knowledge.
f) Visual style is a style which learners effectively learn by reading, seeing something, interpreting charts, graph, and pictures.
g) Auditory style is a style which learners tend to attain information by discussing and listening.
h) Kinesthetic style is a style which learners learn more towards accepting learning based on behavior such as touch, feel, see, and listen.
i) Reading is an interactive process between reader and a text which leads to automatist. It means that readers should find the passage to get the
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter reviews some previous studies of learning strategies and learning
styles, and some theories that used to support the research such as language
learning strategies, learning styles, reading, learning strategies in reading, rule of
learning styles in using reading learning strategies, theoretical assumptions, and
hypotheses.
2.1.Review of Previous Studies
This section reviewed some previous studies of learning styles and learning
strategies.
2.1.1. Previous Studies of Learning Strategies
In the study of Naiman et al. (1978), interviews were conducted to collect data.
There were 34 learners who were interviewed informally. The Naiman et al.’s
study (1978) is also one of the striking studies on language learning strategies.
This study focused on the strategies successful language learners used in learning
a second language. Their study revealed that good language learners used at least
five common strategies. The first is called the active task approach, in which good
language learners actively involve themselves in the language learning task. The
second strategy is the realization of language as a system. In the second strategy,
In the third strategy, which is called the realization of language as a means of
communication and instruction, good language learners develop and exploit an
awareness of language as a means of communication and interaction. The fourth
strategy is management of affective demands. In this strategy, good language
learners realize initially or with time that they must cope with affective demands
made upon them by language learning and succeed in doing so. In the last
strategy, monitoring of L2 performance, good language learners constantly revise
their L2 system by testing their inferences.
Moreover, in Oxford and Nyikos study (1989), they emphasized variables
affecting the choice of language learning strategies by university students in a
conventional setting. Their study, which involved 1200 Foreign Language
American students, was said to be the largest completed study of language
learning strategies. In their study, language learning strategies are categorized into
direct strategies and indirect strategies (Oxford and Nyikos, 1989). The direct
strategies are subdivided into memory strategies, cognitive strategies, and
compensation strategies. The indirect strategies are subdivided into metacognitive
strategies, affective strategies, and social strategies. Furthermore, they also
uncovered a mutual interrelationship between strategies and motivation. Not only
does high motivatin lead to significant use of language learning strategies, but
high strategy use probably leads to high motivation as well.
In addition, the use of appropriate strategies leads to enhance actual and perceived
motivation, spiraling to still more use of strategies, great actual and perceived
proficiency, high self-esteem, improved motivation. When viewed in light of this
chain of variables, self-perception, of language proficiency can be either effect or
causes of strategy use (Oxford and Nyikos, 1989: 295).
Based on the previous studies above, there were some experts had done the
research of the use of learning strategies among foreign language learners in the
university. Moreover, the researcher identified the use of learning strategies in
learning reading as EFL at SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung which the learners were
also foreign language learners. However, using language learning strategies were
important for learners in learning English reading, because the success of learning
English reading as a foreign language might depend on what and how learning
strategies applied by learners. Besides, in learning reading the learners usually
used different strategies for example cognitive, metacognitive, or social strategy.
Furthermore, Setiyadi (2011) stated that some learners used cognitive strategy
such as summarized to understand what they have read, some learners used
metacognitive strategy such as rechecked their understanding by reading again
what they had read, then the other learners used social strategy such as read task
by discussing with their friends.
2.1.2. Previous Studies of Learning Styles
According to Riazi and Riasati (2007), in their study on learning style preferences
of Iranian EFL learners, they found that these learners prefer to be actively
the class. Then, they cited that every learner had their own style in learning
process. Besides that, Reid (1987) cited that Chinese university learners (N = 90)
studying in the USA prefer Kinesthetic and Tactile styles, and less prefer Group
styles. Then, Melton (1990) found that Chinese (PRC) university learners (N=
331) favored Kinesthetic, Tactile and Individual styles, and disfavored Group
styles. Joining in a group makes the learners easily in learning. Besides, Peacock
(2001) had examined the learning style preferences of EFL and ESL learners. The
results of these studies showed that learners prefer kinesthetic learning styles
above others, whereas the teaching methods mostly suit auditory learners.
In addition, Kassaian (2007) investigated the effect of two types of teaching
methods on the retention of unfamiliar words. Sixty-six university learners having
either auditory or visual learning styles participated in teaching method
environments which were either visual or aural. Data analyses indicated that:
1) the subjects with visual style of learning retained vocabulary items they had
learned visually better than the items they had learned aurally, but the subjects
with aural style of learning did not show better retention for items they had
learned aurally, 2) all the subjects retained visually presented items better than
aurally presented items in the immediate and delayed tests.
Reffering to the previous research above, there were some people had done the
research of identifying the classification of learners’ learning styles in learning
process at university level. However, the researcher did the same research at first
important to know about learners’ learning styles, because it would help the
teacher to be more creative in choosing appropriate methods and techniques in
teaching learning process. For examples, as DePorter and Hernacky (1999) said
that auditory learners tend to attain information by discussing and listening. As
another example, for visual style, the learners learn by interpreting charts, graph,
and pictures. While in kinesthetic style, the learners are more toward accepting
learning based on behavior such as touch, feel, see, and listen.
2.2. Language Learning Strategies
Having more varieties of learning strategies in language learning as foreign
language, can improve learners’ language abilities in the simple ways and effect
the improvement of learners’ achievement in language skills. As Fedderholdt
(1997: 1) stated that the language learners who are capable of using a wide variety
of language learning strategies appropriately can improve his/her language skills
in better way. In addition, Rubin (1975) cited that good language learners use
more and better learning strategies than poor language learners do. However,
learners need the right strategic knowledge in order to become autonomous in
their learning process. Wenden (1991a: 15) stated that in effect, successful or
expert or intelligent learners have learned how to learn. They have acquired the
learning strategies and the knowledge about learning. Supported by Wenden, O’
Malley and Chamot (1996) had an overview of learning strategy training and find
that more effective learners differed from less effective ones in their use of
necessary to control their learning process before they become independent in
their learning approach.
In addition, learning strategies are defined as specific actions, behaviors, steps, or
techniques, such as seeking out conversation partners or giving oneself
encouragement to tackle a difficult language task, used by learners to enhance
their own learning (Scarcella and Oxford, 1992: 63). When the learner consciously
chooses strategies that fit his or her learning style and the L2 task at hand, these
strategies become a useful toolkit for active, conscious, and purposeful self-
regulation of learning. Moreover, having the knowledge about learning strategies,
learners can facilitate their learning, response to their learning needs, and acquire
the language better. In other word language learning strategies lead the learner to
become self-directed or independent. Furthermore, Oxford (1990:8) stated that
learning easier, faster, more enjoyable, more self-directed, more effective, and
more transferable to new situation. The use of appropriate language learning
strategy often results in improving proficiency or achievement overall or specific
skills area
In short, since there are many classifications of language learning strategies
proposed, different researchers may have different taxonomies of language
learning strategies. However, they actually reflect more or less the same
categorization. According to O’Malley (1985: 582-584), typical strategies are
divided into three categories. They are metacognitive, cognitive, and social
of language learning strategies; cognitive category, metacognitive category, and
social category.
2.2.1. Cognitive Strategy
O’Malley (1985: 582-584) stated that cognitive strategies are strategies which
refer to the steps or operations used in learning or problem-solving that requires
direct analysis, transformation, or synthesis of learning materials. Cognitive
strategies are more limited to specific learning tasks and they involve more direct
manipulation of the learning material itself, for instance repetition, resourcing,
translation, grouping, and note taking. Furthermore, the cognitive processes
include all activities related to mental processing. In relation to language learning
strategies, the cognitive category may include all activities that take place in the
brain in order to acquire a foreign language. This category may include intelligent
guessing, looking for patterns from sentences, inferencing, association,
summarizing, grouping in the mind, deducting, imagery, and other mental
processes (Setiyadi, 2011).
However, Fillmore (1979), O’Malley and Chamot (1990), and Oxford (1990a)
explicitly mentioned a cognitive category to classify some learning activities.
They had different concepts of what cognitive strategies are. Fillmore stated that
examples of cognitive strategy are (a) get some expressions you understand, and
start talking, (b) make the most what you have got. It seemed that these were not
mental processes that relate to language learning. Such processes were not
Oxford’s study. O’Malley and Chamot and Oxford classified learning strategies in
different ways but they seemed to be similar in classifying learning processes
when they come to cognitive strategies. In Oxford’s model, guessing intelligently
by using linguistic clues is similar to infer by using available information in
O’Malley and Chamot’s model. Memory strategy in Oxford’s model, which
includes creating mental linkages, applying images and reviewing, will be
included under the cognitive strategies in Setiyadi’s study since the processes
mentioned in the category of memory in Oxford’s model involve mental
processing. Meanwhile, Wenden (1991a) also introduced cognitive strategies in
her classification scheme. Cognitive strategies in her classification involved
selecting and retrieving the information.
2.2.2. Metacognitive Strategy
O’Malley (1985: 582-584) stated that metacognitive strategies is a term to express
executive function, strategies which require planning for learning, thinking about
the learning process as it is taking place, monitoring of one’s production or
comprehension, and evaluating learning after an activity is completed.
Metacognitive can be loosely defined as “thinking about one’s own thinking”.
More specifically, Metacognitive is an appreciation of what one already knows,
together with a correct apprehension of the learning task and what knowledge and
skills it requires, combined with the ability to make correct inferences about how
to apply one’s strategic knowledge to a particular situation, and to do so
efficiently and reliably (Peirce, 2003: 2). Learners who are able to identify
example, a student may understand that she/he has difficulty in finding the
connection between important concepts within a story. If he/she has been taught to
use a graphic organizer, such as a concept map, to identify the main concepts and
link them together using lines, similar to a spider web, then that student has used
metacognitive to complete the task (Nelson and Conner, 2008).
According to Oxford (1990) there are two major kinds of learning strategies:
direct and indirect strategies. These two strategies are subdivided into total six
groups (memory, cognitive, and comprehension under the direct strategies and
metacognitive, affective, and social under indirect strategies), metacognitive
means beyond, beside or with the cognitive. Therefore, metacognitive strategies
are actions which go beyond purely cognitive devises, and which provide a way
for learners to coordinate their own learning process. Moreover, Wenden and
Rubin (1990) cited that metacognitive learning strategies refer to knowledge
above cognition or executive control or self- management through such processes
as planning, monitoring, and evaluating. They are used to oversee, regulate or
self-directed language learning. The goal of this strategy teaches learners how to
become purposeful, effective, and independent learners. Learners with
metacognitive learning strategies can make plan for their studies. Learners without
metacognitive learning strategies are essentially learners without directions and
2.2.3. Social Strategy
O’Malley (1985: 582-584) stated that social strategies are related to
social-mediating activity and transacting with others. Cooperation and question for
clarification are the main social strategies. Besides, Stratton and Hays (1988)
defined social psychology as the branch of psychology which is particularly
concerned with the nature and from social interaction and how people come to
influence one another’s behavior. Social category was investigated and explicitly
stated in studies conducted by Fillmore (1979). In the study by Fillmore (1979)
there are three social strategies, namely joining a group, give the impressions-
with a few well- chosen words- that you can speak the language, and count on
your friends.
Furthermore, Politzer and Groarty (1985) classified the strategies under
interacting with other outside the classroom, a category which contained 22 items.
The items within this group in Politzer and Groarty’s study seem to overlap with
those under the metacognitive and cognitive categories develop in another study.
For example, the strategy do you sometimes correct yourself when you notice that
you made a mistake?, which is a metacognitive strategy in the current study, is
grouped under social strategies by Politzer and Groarty (1985). An example of a
cognitive strategy develops in another study that is classified as social strategy in
their study is can you often guess the meaning of what somebody said either from
his/her expression or gestures? In addition, O’Malley (1985) also introduced the
category of social strategy and classified it under a heading social mediation. In
with one or more peers to obtain feedback, pool information, or model a language.
Different with O’Malley et al, Wenden (1991a) classified social strategy under
„retrieving information” of cognitive strategy. Moreover, Oxford (1990a)
actegorized the strategies into three categories, they are a) asking questions, b)
cooperating with others and c) empathizing with others.
Referring to the explanations and classifications of learning strategies above, it
can be concluded that learning strategy is a term that refers to particular thoughts
and behaviors used in the purpose of attaining learning objectives independently.
The thoughts and behaviors can be included in cognitive strategy, metacognitive
strategy, and social strategy. In other words, cognitive strategy is strategy which
uses cognitive processes in learning, like summarizing. Besides, looking
thoroughly at the explanation before, it can briefly concluded that metacognitive
learning strategies are the strategies which plays function as the decision- making
of one’s learning. There are four components of metacognitive strategies, namely
planning before learning, managing the learning process, monitoring the learning
process, and evaluating what has been learned. Then, social strategy deals with
social activities involve in learning a second/foreign language, such as sharing
ideas and thoughts to peers. They are very important for learners to gain their
attention and energy on focusing to certain language task, activities skills, or
materials in their language learning process. Different writers have classified
similar processes into different categories. Some use the same terms for a category
but they refer to different concepts, and some others refer to the same concepts
2.3.Learning Styles
Learning styles are the general approaches, for example, global or analytic,
auditory or visual, that learners use in acquiring a new language or in learning any
other subject. These styles are the overall patterns that give general direction to
learning behavior (Cornett, 1983: 9). Besides that, learning styles are the
biologically and developmentally imposed set of characteristics that make the
same teaching method wonderful for some and terrible for others. Learning style
is defined in multiple ways, depending upon one’s perspective (Dunn and Griggs,
1988: 3). Moreover, Brown (2000) defined learning styles as the manner in which
individuals perceive and process information in learning situations. He argues that
learning style preference is one aspect of learning style, and refers to the choice of
one learning situation or condition over another. According to Murcia (2001)
defined learning styles as the general approaches, for example global or analytic,
auditory or visual, that learners use in acquiring a new language or in learning any
other subject. The manners in which a learner perceives, interacts with and
responds to the learning environment.
There are numerous methods of determining learning styles. Leaver (1998)
offered four learning style groupings in efforts to make them less over whelming
to teachers and instructors. These groupings include sensory modalities;
personality types; cognitive styles; and environmental preferences. Sensory
modalities most commonly include visual, auditory, and motor (tactile /
kinesthetic) learning styles. Although visual learners take in new information
verbalism and imagists. The verbalism sees words and imagists see pictures in the
learning process. She further explains that auditory learners, who process
information through sound, can also be divided into two groups. These are aural,
those who learn by listening to others, and oral, those who learn by talking and
hearing themselves. The motor learner receives information through movement.
Leaver divides these into two sub-groups which were: kinesthetic and mechanical.
Kinesthetic uses gross motor muscles and mechanical uses fine motor muscles.
Each involves frequency, pressure, duration and intensity during the use of these
muscles, hands-on exploration, and brainstorming.
According to DePorter and Hernacki (1999), learning styles are divided into three
types. They are Visual Learning Style, Auditory Learning Style, and Kinesthetic
Learning Style. The VAK learning style uses the three main sensory receivers
Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (movement) to determine the dominant learning
style. Learners use three of them to receive information. However, one or more of
these receiving styles is normally dominant. This dominant style defines the best
for a person to learn new information by filtering what is to be learned. In
addition, the auditory learners tend to attain information by discussing and
listening. As another example, for visual style, the learners learn by interpreting
charts, graph, and pictures. While in kinesthetic style, the learners are more
toward accepting learning based on behavior such as touch, feel, see, and listen.
There are some characteristics of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learner. The
prefer information to be presented the use of visual aids, require explanations of
diagram, graphs, or visual directions, can better understand a news article by
reading about it in the paper than by listening to the radio, tend to say “I see what
you mean” and “watch how I do it”, take numerous detailed notes, usually neat
and clean, when meet an old friend tend to say “it is great to see you!”, and
remember things best by writing notes or keeping printed details (DePorter and
Hernacky, 1999).
The strong points of visual learners were they easily understand the lesson by
using many kinds of visual aids. They were able to explain a concept to others by
drawing figures or pictures. Besides, they would understand better about reading
passage if they read silently, because they could process the information by using
their imagination. However, the visual learner could not move a lot while learning.
They sometimes confused when they should listen some direction and do the
activities in the same time. It was their weakness point.
Moreover, the learners are classified into auditory learner if they have the
characteristics such as can remember more about a subject through the lecture
method with information, explanation, and discussion, do better at academic
subject by listening to lectures and tapes as opposed to reading textbook, follow
oral directions better than written ones, tend to say “listen to me, I will explain”
and “I hear what you are saying”, when meet an old friend tend to say “it is great
words and key points, prefer to listen what they are learning, and acquire
knowledge by verbalizing lessons to themselves (DePorter and Hernacky, 1999).
The strong points of auditory learners were the learners would have a better
achievement when studying through listening and discussing. They easily process
sound while processing knowledge liked reading the passage loudly. Then, in
discussion, they listen to their friends to get information, then they gave their
opinions and suggestions, this would help them easily understand about the
lesson. However, auditory learners would difficult read a lot about the lesson.
They were hard to understand the reading passage while they read silently. It was
their weakness point.
Furthermore, the learners are classified into kinesthetic learner if they have the
characteristics such as like to write down or to take notes for visual review, prefer
to make posters, physical models, or actual practice and some activities in class,
remember best by writing things down several times, feel very comfortable
touching others, hugging, or handshaking, tend to say “you have a go” or “I know
how you feel”, when concentrating most often move around a lot, fiddle with pens
and pencils and touch things, most of the free time is doing physical activity or
making things, speak with their hands and with gestures, and need to be active and
take frequent breaks (DePorter and Hernacky, 1999).
The strong points of kinesthetic learners were the learners would learn better if
experienced themselves by joining the class project or discussion. When they
actively involved in such activities in the class, they would easily remember what
they learned. However, if there was no space to move, the kinesthetic learners
were hard to understand the leasson. They did not like to read a lot. They could
not study better if they did not have partners in learning process. These were the
weakness points of kinethetic learners.
Besides that, Feinstein (2006) suggested although humans use their senses to
assimilate environmental stimuli, each sense does not contribute the same amount
of information to their brain. Individuals appear to learn differently or have
different learning preferences or styles. She also reported the work of Dunn and
Dunn (1983) in describing three styles of learning which are: auditory, visual, and
tactile/kinesthetic. Furthermore, Feinstein (2006) offered that auditory learners
prefer to discuss what they are learning. This act helps them process the
information. The auditory learner tends to be analytical, logical, and a sequential
thinker. Visual learners assimilate information most effectively by reading or
seeing something. They tend to be more holistic thinkers and need to see the “big
picture” before they are given the bits and pieces that contribute to the big picture.
The kinesthetic learner needs to be actively (bodily) engaged in the learning
process with real world activities and with activities that have meaning to the
learner. This learning process is considered one of the most important learning
styles since the information is stored in one of the strongest memory (procedural)
Besides, Alias et al. (2005) stated that in learning process student diversity is a
factor which needs to be taken into consideration by teachers. Teachers should be
aware that before planning their teaching process and assessment in classroom.
They should consider first this diversity factor. Teachers must create the right
ambience with learners’ academic achievement and their needs, so that, various
learning experience structure are assignable to all learners. As the example, the
teacher diversed learning style such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Based on the explanations and classifications of learning styles above, it can be
inferred that learning styles refer to the concept that we, as individuals, process
and perceive information in different ways. There are three categories of learning
styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners think in pictures and learn
best in visual images, auditory learners gain knowledge from reading out loud in
the classroom and may not have a full understanding of information that is
written, and kinesthetic learners learn best with an active “hands-on” approach or
physical world. However, one or more of these receiving styles is normally
dominant. This dominant style defines the best for a person to learn new
information by filtering what is to be learned.
2.4.Reading
Reading is an active process of guessing and deriving meaning of information
stated in the printed materials. Nuttal (1985) defined reading as the meaningful
interpretation of printed or written verbal symbols. Furthermore, Silberstain
instantaneous association of those symbols with the reader’s existing knowledge.
These mean that reading is a result of the interaction between the perception of
graphic symbols that represent language and the reader’s language skills,
cognitive skills and the knowledge of the words. In this process the reader tries to
recreate the meanings intended by the writer.
On the other hand, reading can be defined as the ability to make sense of written
or printed symbols to guide the recovery of information from his or her memory
and subsequently use this information to construct a plausible interpretation of the
written message. That statement means that reading is the ability of getting
information from printed material. In order to get and to comprehend the
information, the reader background knowledge is needed. However, reading is an
active process used by readers to gain the message of current information on
printed or written text through relating what they have already known to what they
want to know. Readers process deeply the information from the discourse, so that
readers can make a meaningful interpretation of the information provided. From
all the explanations above, they can be concluded that reading is an active process
to gain the meaning of current information by relating readers’ background
knowledge to the information provided on printed text.
2.5.Learning Strategies in Reading
Learning strategies properly can be trained in four language skills, for example
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By applying learning strategies in
more efficiently and effectively. This study concerns on learning strategies in
reading skill. Through some learning strategies provided in reading, the learners
can solve the problem of getting the message of the text given. As Nuttal (1985:
5-6) cited that a reader may have difficulty in comprehending a passage due to some
problems like unfamiliar code in which the text is expressed, the amount of
previous knowledge that the readers bring to the text, the complexity of the
concepts expressed, and vocabulary knowledge. In learning reading, learners may
use three kinds of strategies: cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies.
In learning reading, the use of strategies is important to help the learner in
enhancing their understanding. As Fedderholdt (1997: 1) mentioned that the
language learners who are capable of using a wide variety of language learning
strategies appropriately can improve his/her language skills in better way.
Moreover, every learner has their own strategies in mastering reading. Some of
learners like to summarize to understand what they have read, some others like to
recheck their understanding by reading again what they have read, than the others
like to do reading task by discussing with their friends.
Fedderholdt (1997) stated that learning reading by using cognitive strategies
usually use connection. The readers connect what they know with what they are
reading. The readers s o m e t i m e s think about what is going to happen and
make predictions based on what they know and what they have read. The
learners may also ask themselves questions before, during, and after reading to
notice the way the author uses language to get his or her ideas across, identify
the most important ideas and restate them in their own words, and think about
the text’s big idea or message and why it’s important. However, cognitive
strategy instruction develops the thinking skills that will make learners strategic,
flexible learners. Good reading comprehension requires that learners monitor their
understanding while reading a passage.
At the point of performance--when a student picks up a text and prepares to
read--there are 3 crucial phases that improve comprehension (Pressley and
Wharton-McDonald, 1997): pre-reading (the reader creates a reading plan), reading (the
reader monitors his or her understanding of the text while reading and applies
strategies to clarify understanding of the text), and post-reading (the reader
continues to think about the passage after reading and encode key details into
long-term memory). While, Williams and Burden (1997: 148) state that cognitive
strategies are seen as mental processes directly concerned with the processing of
information in order to learn, that is for obtaining, storage, retrieval or use of
information.
On the other hand, O’Malley and Chamot (1990) stated that in learning reading,
the learner may use four steps of metacognitive learning strategy. By considering
the components of metacognitive strategy, namely planning before learning,
managing the learning process, monitoring the learning process, and evaluating
what learners has learned. Those four steps have been described further as the
curriculum in reading skill, therefore, it contains determining the main idea,
finding the detail, reference, inference, and vocabulary. Furthermore, the first step
of metacognitive strategies in reading passage is planning before learning. It
means that in the earlier before reading a passage, learners are able to mention
what they should and want to know about the information stated on the passage.
On this step, learners are also expected to make a guessing about the content of
the passage that given. The second step is managing the learning process. In this
case, the learners manage their own learning in comprehending the text provided.
As an example, it can be done by relating the cognate words or looking at the
previous sentences when learners find the difficulty to understand the unknown
words.
The next step of metacognitive is monitoring the learning process. This step is
actually the activity that focuses on learners’ prediction and their comprehension
in reading a passage. Learner can confirm if their prediction about the content of
the text is similar to what is being stated on the passage after they have read the
text given. Learners’ prediction can be a monitor to check whether the learners
have comprehended the text given or not. When the learners realize that their
previous prediction exists in the text, the learners have successfully comprehended
the passage. The last but not least of metacognitive is evaluating step. The learners
are required to evaluate what they have learned. The learners should know
whether they have understood and comprehended the meaning of the whole
passage or not. Besides, the strategies used in reading passage should also be
Furthermore, in learning reading learners may use social strategies. O’Malley
(1985: 582-584) stated that social strategies are related to social-mediating activity
and transacting with others. Cooperation and question for clarification are the
main social strategies. Learners may cooperate with other learners to solve reading
task or understanding about text. Besides, learners can study reading by involving
in social activities like discussing or working together with peers.
From all the theories mentioned above, it can be concluded that in learning
reading, the use of strategies is important to help the learner in enhancing their
understanding. In learning reading, learners may use three kinds of strategies:
cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies. Cognitive strategy instruction
develops the thinking skills that will make learners strategic and flexible learners
in comprehending reading task. Besides, through those four steps of metacognitive
strategy, the researcher can conclude that there has an influence of the learning
strategies used by learners in their achievement and independency in facing the
reading passage. Then, learners can study reading by involving in social activities
like discussing or working together with peers.
2.6. Rule of Learning Styles in Using Reading Learning Strategies
Teacher has to use proactive and responsive education approaches on target group.
With different education approaches, teacher as educator should be able to give
opportunities and experiences to learners of different backgrounds of learning
styles. Learners have distinctive learning styles, so any system that is built based
(1998) drew a distinction between learning styles and learning strategies by
focusing in what way they are distinct from each other. She refers to learning
styles as “internally based characteristics, often not perceived or consciously
used by learners, for the intake and comprehension of new information”, whereas
learning strategies are defined as “external skills often used consciously by
learners to improve their learning”. It can b e inferred from the definition is
that since learning styles are „internally based characteristics,’ they explain a
learner’s preference to a learning situation.
In learning process, people use different strategies. Some people learn best by
reading texts or writing down notes from what they read. Learners need writing
materials to take down points they think important from what they read, hear or
see. The read/write style has the advantage of making them more self-dependent
because with their note taking, they can learn much by themselves. However, they
face the disadvantage of not being able to learn easily where the only medium of
instruction is visual or audio, or where they do not have access to writing
materials (Reid, 2005). Moreover, some people prefer to learn by hearing what
they want to learn. Theirs is the auditory learning style. To learn, such people will
prefer listening to discussions, talking matters over, reading out of texts or making
use of e-courses containing audio recordings. One special advantage of this style
is that you assimilate and retain information without having to see it in texts or
pictures. However, the difficulty of learning among silently reading learners -- in a
library for example -- is one disadvantage (Reid, 2005). In addition, some people
prefer interactive learning, learning through practical challenges and hands-on
experience and taking in information as they move from one place to another.
Kinesthetic learners are therefore not comfortable sitting in a place for long.
The kinesthetic learning style has the advantage of exposing learners faster to
practice and evidence: learners learn as they practice and practice what they learn;
they see the evidence of what they had digested with difficulty from texts or
discussions. However, where there are no places to move to for such live
experience and nobody to interactive with, you are at a disadvantage (Reid, 2005).
Learners with different learning styles have different strategies in learning
reading. Some of visual learners use color to highlight important points in a text,
take notes or ask your teacher to provide handouts, study in a quiet place away
from verbal disturbances, read illustrated books, and visualize information as a
picture to aid memorization. Moreover, auditory learners use a tape recorder
during lectures instead of taking notes, read text out aloud, or discuss the ideas
verbally in learning reading. While, kinesthetic learners move around to learn new
things (for example read while on learning cooking), use bright colors to highlight
reading material, and skim through reading material to get a rough idea what it is
about before settling down to read it in detail.
2.7. Theoretical Assumption
Referring to the previous discussion, it showed that learners with different styles
had different strategies in learning reading. The use of strategies could be
important to make English teachers creative and effective in choosing the learning
strategies in learning activity. Therefore, the use of learning strategies correlated
with learners’ learning styles especially in English reading. Each of learning styles
had different strategies in learning English reading. Some of visual learners used
color to highlight important points in text or take notes or asked the teacher to
provide handouts. Moreover, auditory learners read text out aloud or discussed the
ideas verbally in learning reading. While, kinesthetic learners moved around to
learn new things, used bright colors to highlight reading material, and skimmed
through reading material to get a rough idea what it was about before settling
down to read it in detail. Referring to them, this present study was aimed at
finding out learners’ learning styles and the strategies used by learners with
different learning styles in learning English reading as EFL at the first grade of
SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung.
2.8. Hypotheses
Concerning to the concept and theoretical assumption above, the researcher
decided to formulate two hypotheses as follows:
1. Ho: There are no fixed types of learners’ learning styles at the first grade
of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung.
Ha: There are types of learners’ learning styles at the first grade of SMAN
3 Bandar Lampung.
2. Ho: There are no fixed types of reading learning strategies used by learners
with visual learning style, auditory learning style, and kinesthetic learning
Ha: There are types of reading learning strategies used by learners with
visual learning style, auditory learning style, and kinesthetic learning style
III. RESEARCH METHOD
This chapter provides an overview of research design, population and sample, data
collecting techniques, steps in collecting data, research instruments, validity and
reliability, data analysis, and hypotheses testing applied in this research.
3.1. Research Design
This research was a quantitative study. The design of this research was ex post
facto, since the data were collected after the fact. The researcher used one group
and took the data in one time without giving treatment (Setiyadi, 2006: 133).
Whereby, in collecting data, the researcher gave two kinds of questionnaires. The
first questionnaire (T1) was about learning styles. This was conducted to find out
the learners’ style whether they belonged to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. After
that, the second questionnaire was about learning strategies in reading (T2) in
order to know which learning strategies used by the learners in learning reading,
whether they used cognitive, metacognitive, or social strategy. The design of this
research is illustrated as follows:
T1 : Learning styles
T2 : Learning strategies in reading
(Setiyadi, 2006:132)
3.2. Population and Sample
The population of this research was the first grade of SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung
in academic year 2014/2015. There were seven classes of the first grade in that
school. The number of the learners of each class was about 32 learners. In
determining the sample, the researcher used simple random sampling by using
lottery. Then, the researcher chose one class as the sample. So those all the first
grade classes had the same chance to be the sample. Since the first grade learner in
SMAN 3 Bandar Lampung was not stratified class, there was no priority class. It
was applied based on that consideration that every class in the population had the
same chance to be chosen and in order to avoid the subjectivity in this research.
3.3. Data Collecting Techniques
In collecting the data, the researcher used two kinds of questionnaires. There were
lists of statements and questions to be answered by learners to measure the
learners’ learning styles and the learner’s used of learning strategies in learning
English reading as EFL. The questionnaires used were close-ended questionnaires
where the answer was limited (Setiyadi, 2006: 54).
3.4. Steps in Collecting the Data
In collecting the data, the researcher used following steps:
3.4.1. Determining the Sample of the Research
In determining the sample, the researcher used simple random sampling by using
3.4.2. Conducting the Questionnaire
There were two kinds of questionnaire given to the learners. The first
questionnaire was given to learners in an attempt to investigate learners’ learning
style. The learners’ answer classified into three types of learning styles such as
visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The second questionnaire was given to get data
about the learning strategies used by learners in reading, whether they used
cognitive, metacognitive, or social strategy.
3.4.3. Analyzing the Data
After distributing questionnaire tests, the researcher analyzed the answers of the
tests. In analyzing the data, the researcher used One way ANOVA. There were
three kinds of learning styles, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic style. The styles
were compared with the means of the three kinds of learning strategies, cognitive,
metacognitive, and social strategies in order to determine whether each main
effect and the interaction effect were statically significant. Furthermore, the
researcher classified the learners into three types of learning styles, visual,
auditory and kinesthetic. After that, the researcher identified which learning
strategies in learning English reading of EFL used by the visual learners, auditory
learners, and kinesthetic learners.
3.4.4. Making a Report and Discussion of Findings
After having gained all the data, the researcher made a report and discussion on
language and the way of learners with different learning styles used learning
strategies in learning English reading as EFL.
3.5. Research Instrument
It was lists of some statements