Improving Korean university EFL program instruction through language learning strategy research

A university in Seoul investigated how student gender and proficiency predict language learner strategy (LLS) usage in order to improve its English as a foreign language (EFL) program. Regarding gender, males employed more strategy usage than females, which corresponded to previous research in Asia, but the difference was not significant. The associations between proficiency and LLS usage, however, were positive, significant, and moderate to strong. From these results the program: 1 - gave lower proficiency students extra instruction on LLS usage; and 2 - implemented LLS usage interventions exclusively for female students. The areas that this paper offers guidance for future/similar studies are: 1 - using simple internal reliability values to select the most appropriate LLS measurements; 2 - innovatively measuring proficiency without costly formal assessments; and 3 - making informed policy decisions using observed LLS findings.