Empowering students with language learning strategies: A critical review of current issues

This article analyzes the body of research literature that has brought us to the state of our current knowledge regarding learning strategies in general and learning strategies instruction as they relate to second language acquisition (SLA). Three categories are discussed: (1) types of learning strategies, (2) learning autonomy and strategy training, and (3) other strategy-related factors such as metalinguistic development and internal/external variables related to the use of learning strategies (e.g., motivation). By conducting a critical review of the issues presented in the literature, the analysis arrives at the implications for language teaching and language learning, taking into consideration the perspective of both the instructor and the student.