Comparing language learning strategies among the more and less successful EFL learners in Iran

Hassan SoodmandAfshar
Allameh Tabataba'i University, Iran
Mahsa Bayat
Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran
Maryam Jalili Kia
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Our study examined the language learning strategies of successful and less successful Iranian EFL learners. The sample comprised 1608 junior and senior EFL students who completed the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), and 30 randomly selected participants in semi-structured interviews. The results from descriptive statistics revealed that: (a) Iranian EFL learners primarily used cognitive strategies while compensation and memory strategies were used the least; (b) successful learners preferred metacognitive strategies most and cognitive strategies least; (c) less successful learners benefited from cognitive strategies most, with minimal use of metacognitive and memory strategies; and (d) both successful and all learners were found to be medium strategy users though less successful learners reported lower strategy usage overall. Chi-square analysis results further highlighted significant differences between successful and less successful learners in their strategy use frequency.
[ PDF full text for this article ]

Authors: Dr Hassan SoodmandAfshar is a Full Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Persian Literature and Foreign Languages, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. He has published extensively in international journals including System, Journal of English for Academic purposes, Thinking Skills and Creativity, Research Papers in Education, Studies in Educational Evaluation, Evaluation and Program Planning, Reflective Practice, Language Learning Journal, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, The Qualitative Report, Issues in Educational Research, e-FLT, IJLTR, RALS, and various local journals. He is also the President and a member of the Board of Directors of TELLSI (Teaching English Language and Literature Society of Iran) since 2012. Currently he is the acting editor-in-chief of TEL: Journal of Teaching English Language and Literature Society of Iran [A HREF="http://www.teljournal.org">http://www.teljournal.org]. His research interests include language learning strategies, learner psychology, ESP and teacher education, and mixed-methods research. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1070-0249 Email: h.soodmand@atu.ac.ir Ms Mahsa Bayat, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, holds an MA in TEFL from Bu-Ali Sina University. Her main field of interest is language learning strategies. She has already published and presented on the topic. Email: bayat_mahsa1990@yahoo.com Dr Maryam Jalili Kia, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, holds a PhD in applied linguistics from Ferdowsi University. Her research interests include language learning strategies, teaching methodology, identity, and mixed-methods research. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8921-6164 Email: m.faribi69@yahoo.com Please cite as: SoodmandAfshar, H., Bayat, M. & Jalili Kia, M. (2025). Comparing language learning strategies among the more and less successful EFL learners in Iran. Issues in Educational Research, 35(3), 1241-1264. http://www.iier.org.au/iier35/soodmand-afshar.pdf