Examining the Relationship between Iranian EFL learners’ Language Learning Strategies, their Self-efficacy Beliefs and their English Proficiency

This study was an attempt to examine the use of language learning strategies (LLSs) by Iranian EFL learners. Particular attention was paid to determine if the English proficiency level and general self-efficacy beliefs of the learners were significant predictors of the use of LLSs. To this end, Oxford Placement Test (version 2007), the Persian Adaptation of General Self-efficacy Scale developed (Nezami, Schwarzer, and Jerusalem, 1996) as well as Oxford’s (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (version 7.0) were employed as the instruments of the study. Based on the performance of the available participants on the Oxford Placement Test (2007), fifty intermediates (20 male and 30 female EFL learners) and forty upper-intermediates (12 male and 28 female EFL learners) were recruited. Having administered the questionnaires, the data obtained were fed into SPSS (Version 19). The results of partial regression coefficients indicated that proficiency level and self-efficacy beliefs significantly predicted the use of LLSs. The findings of the current study provided further evidence to support the link and justified the substantial role of positive self- efficacy as one of the major contributors to the use of LLSs and consequently L2 success.

Keywords:

EFL Learners , Strategy , Self-Efficacy beliefs , English proficiency