The Characteristics of a Good Language Learner

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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNER A number of researchers have drawn up lists of the characteristics of good language learners. I have referred to some of these in filling out the following list produced by Wenden(*1). 1. Good language learners find a style of learning that suits them. They are self aware ie they know themselves.. When they are in a learning situation which they do not like, they are able to adapt it to their personal needs. They believe they can always learn something, whatever the situation. They also know how they prefer to learn and choose learning situations that are suited to their way of learning. 2. Good language learners are actively involved in the language learning process. They take responsibility for their own learning. Besides regular language classes, they create opportunities to use the language. They know practice is very important. They are willing to take risks, to appear foolish if necessary. 3. Good language learners try to figure out how the language works. They try to come to grips with the language as a system. They pay attention to form and look for patterns. They develop good techniques for improving their pronunciation, learning grammar and vocabulary. They welcome mistakes as a way of learning more about the language. 4. Good language learners know that language is used to communicate. They pay attention to meaning. They have good techniques to practise listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In the early stages of their language learning they do not worry about making mistakes. They speak and try to become fluent. They look for opportunities to speak with native speakers. 5. Good language learners are like good detectives. They are always looking for clues that will help them understand how the language works. They make guesses and ask people to correct them if they are wrong. They compare what they say
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