THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES IN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CLASSES IN BRAZIL

Resumo

School failure is a problem, along with many others, which has surrounded our schools, and it has been related to learning difficulties. The present article aims at reporting on a study investigating the effects of the teaching of LLS (Language Learning Strategies) on the learning process of EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners with learning difficulties. Also, it introduces the Language Learning Strategy Instructional Program (LLSIP) devised for the purposes of the study and discusses the importance of the explicit teaching of LLS in AL classes. There were 16 participants in the study: six in the experimental group, and ten in the control group. The analysis of the data collected through 46 90-minute classes observed, questionnaires, learner diary pages, and interviews showed that (1) participants had difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, (2) most participants in the control group remained with the difficulties identified in the beginning of the course, and (3) after attending the LLSIP, the experimental participants had changes mainly in regard to their attitude towards English, since they became more willing to participate in class, seemed to be more motivated and to believe they could overcome their difficulties. These results strengthen the importance of teaching LLS to students with learning difficulties and suggest the inclusion of LLS in the Brazilian AL classes.