Visual Aids as a Part of Second Language Learning Strategies

Abstract

The article analyses the notion of implementation of visual aids as a part of second language learning strategies (SLLS). Moreover, the article highlights the implementation of visual aids via multimedia in teaching the second language at the Military Academy of Lithuania (MAL) by applying the questionnaire for English language teachers and learners involved in English language learning and acquisition at the MAL. For this purpose of the research, the diagnostic questions were developed by using validated and reliable questionnaires such as the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and the Learner-Teacher Motivation (STM) questionnaire in terms of the implementation of visual aids in the SL learning and acquisition curriculum process. The analysis of the advantages of this method implementation into learning process is presented in the article, as well as the requirements and recommendations for authentic audio-visual materials on the basis of multimedia applied for the realization of pedagogical case study in a regular academic curriculum content and the technology of methodological development of authentic video or audio material for the achievement tests. The objective of the research is presented and described on the basis of the research. The research showed the significance of effectiveness of implementation of visual aids methods into the second language learning for they economize teaching, learning and acquisition time and increase motivation of both teachers and learners necessary to stimulate and boost psychological traits of a learner, such as verbal memory, behavior, positive emotions and others indispensable for participating in the language learning process and acquisition. Thus, the object of the research is based on visual aids as a part of SLLS alleviating and facilitating SL learning and acquisition by implementing visual aids as a part of SL learning strategies.The aim of the research is to apply visual aids as direct strategy in the language learning process as a part of SLLS used in the acquisition of a SL. Based on the theoretical and methodological SL learning approach of direct and indirect learning strategies, the methods of visual aids were chosen as the best means to accomplish the aim: to achieve the best effect of the SL learning and acquisition via implementing visual aids as a part of the SL learning strategies. In order to conduct the already set objectives of the research and to test the hypotheses of the research, the questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Moreover, besides the questionnaire data, the data of log observation sheets, pull-out focus groups, checklists, achievement tests and surveys of learners were analyzed too.

The Importance of Developing Foreign Language Competences for Military Cadets

“…Rating Scale released the importance and need for the MAL cadets to require foreign language proficiency competences which divide, for example, English language proficiency into three stages and nine levels. The level of English language proficiency is divided into six aspects: language comprehension, language expression, pragmatic competence, language knowledge, translation competence and language use strategy (Jatautaite, Kazimianec , 2019).…”