Language learning strategies in focus: exploring their utilization by college student-athletes

Abstract

This study explores the specific language learning strategies (LLS) employed by student-athletes in Higher Education institutions in Taiwan. Given these student-athletes’ challenges in balancing academic and athletic commitments, understanding their adoption of LLS provides valuable pedagogical insights. This quantitative research gathered 150 responses, considering variables such as academic year, gender, duration of English study, and athletic specialization. Our findings indicate a moderate overall LLS usage, with a pronounced preference for metacognitive strategies. Strategies such as watching English shows and actively engaging in conversations were particularly favored. Conversely, kinesthetic and mnemonic approaches were less popular, such as acting out words or using rhymes. Delving deeper into the data, there were limited gender-based differences in LLS adoption. However, athletic specialization significantly influenced LLS preferences. Especially, martial arts or combat sports athletes had the highest LLS mean scores across all categories. These results highlight the distinct LLS preferences among Taiwanese student-athletes and suggest potential pedagogical adaptations to enhance their language learning experiences.