Background Information

1. Name of School
2. Email address
3. Form-filling Date (month/day/year) / /
4. Age
5. Sex   Male   Female
6. Mother Tongue
7. Language(s) you speak at home
8. Major
9. Class rank freshman   sophomore   junior   senior   Masters  PhD  Other
10. Hong long have you been studying Chinese? years, months
    
    
11. What do you think your strengths and weaknesses in your Chinese learning are?
    Strengths:
    
    
    Weaknesses:
    
    
    
12. What are your goals of learning Chinese?
    
    
    
13. How do you rate your overall proficiency in Chinese as compared with the proficiency of other students in your class?
    Excellent   Good   Fair   Poor
    
    
14. How do you rate your overall proficiency in Chinese as compared with the proficiency of native Chinese speakers?
    Excellent   Good   Fair   Poor
    
    
15. Have you been to Taiwan or China?   Yes  No   If yes, for how long? years, months
    
    
16. How important is it for you to become proficient in Chinese?
    Very important   Important   Not so important
    
    
17. Why do you want to learn Chinese? (check all that apply)
    [1] interested in the language
    [2] interested in the culture
    [3] have friends who speak the language
    [4] understand my heritage
    [5] required to take a language course to graduate
    [6] need it for my future career
    [7] need it for travel
    
    
18. Do you enjoy language learning? Why or why not?
    
    
    
19. What other languages have you studied? For how long?
    Language  For years, months
    Language  For years, months
    Language  For years, months
    
    
    
20. What has been your favorite experience in language learning?
    
    
    

The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (Oxford, 1990; adapted Chen, 1995) is designed to gather information about how you go about learning Chinese. Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

Part A:

When learning a new word...

1. I create associations between new materials/vocabulary and what I already know.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
2. I put the new word in a sentence so I can remember it.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
3. I place the new word in a group with other words that are similar in some way (for example, words related to clothing, or measure words).
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
4. I associate the sound of the new word with the sound of a familiar word.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
5. I remember the word by making a clear mental image of it or by drawing a picture.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
6. I visualize the character/pinyin of the new word in my mind.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
7. I use a combination of sounds and images to remember the new word.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
8. I list all the other words I know that are related to the new word and draw lines to show relationships.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
9. I remember where the new word is located on the page, or where I first saw or heard it.
   (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
   
   
10. I use flashcards or a folded over sheet of paper to study vocabulary and test myself.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
11. I physically act out the new word.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
12. I write down the new word in character several times.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
13. When learning new material/vocabulary, I review often.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
14. When learning new material/vocabulary, I scheduled my reviewing so that the review sessions are initially close together in time and gradually become more widely spread apart.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
15. When learning new material/vocabulary, I go back to refresh my memory of things I learned much earlier.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    

Part B

Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

16. I say or write new expressions repeatedly to practice them.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
17. I imitate the way native speakers talk.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
18. I read a story or dialogue several times until I can understand it.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
19. I revise what I write in Chinese to improve my writing either on my own or after it has been corrected by my teacher.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
20. I practice the sounds or pinyin of Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
21. I incorporate idioms or set phrases (i.e. greetings) in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
22. I use familiar words in different combinations to make new sentences.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
23. I initiate conversations in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
24. I watch TV shows or movies or listen to the radio in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
25. I try to think in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
26. I attend and participate in out-of-class events where Chinese is spoken.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
27. I read for pleasure in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
28. I write personal notes, messages, letters, or reports in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
29. I skim the reading passage first to get the main idea, then I go back and read it more carefully.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
30. I seek specific details in what I hear or read.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
31. I use reference materials such as glossaries or dictionaries to help me use Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
32. I take notes in class in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
33. I make summaries of Chinese language material in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
34. I apply general grammatical rules to new situations when using Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
35. I find the meaning of a word by dividing the word into parts which I understand (such as radicals).
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
36. I look for similarities and contrasts between Chinese and my own language.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
37. I try to understand what I have heard or read without translating it word-for-word into my own language.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
38. I am cautious about transferring words or concepts directly from my own language to Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
39. I look for patterns in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
40. I develop my own understanding of how Chinese works, even if sometimes I have to revise my understanding based on new information.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    

Part C

Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

41. When I do not understand all the words I read or hear, I guess the general meaning by using any clue I can find, for example, clues from the context or situation.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
42. I read without looking up every unfamiliar word.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
43. In a conversation I anticipate what the other person is going to say based on what has been said so far.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
44. If I am speaking and cannot think of the right expression, I use gestures or switch back to my own language momentarily.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
45. I ask the other person to tell me the right word if I cannot think of it in a conversation.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
46. When I cannot think of the correct expression to say or write, I find a different way to express the idea; for example, I use a synonym or describe the idea.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
47. I make up new words if I do not know the right ones.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
48. I direct the conversation to a topic for which I know the words.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    

Part D

Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

49. I preview the language lesson to get a general idea of what it is about, how it is organized, and how it relates to what I already know.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
50. When someone is speaking Chinese, I try to concentrate on what the person is saying and put unrelated topics out of my mind.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
51. I decide in advance to pay special attention to specific language aspects; for example, I focus on the way native speakers pronounce certain sounds or certain tones.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
52. I try to find out all I can about how to be a better language learner by reading books or articles, or by talking with others about how to learn.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
53. I arrange my schedule to study and practice Chinese consistently, not just when there is the pressure of a test.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
54. I organize my physical environment to promote learning; for instance, I find a quiet, comfortable place to review.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
55. I organize my language notebook to record important language information.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
56. I plan my goals for language learning; for instance, how proficient I want to become or how I might want to use Chinese in the long run.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
57. I plan what I am going to accomplish in language learning each day or each week.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
58. I prepare for an upcoming language task (such as telling a story in Chinese) by considering the nature of the task, what I have to know, and my current language skills.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
59. I clearly identify the purpose of the language activity; for instance, in a listening task I might need to listen for the general idea or for specific facts.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
60. I take responsibility for finding opportunities to practice Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
61. I actively look for people with whom I can speak Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
62. I try to notice my language errors and find out the reasons for them.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
63. I learn from my mistakes in using Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
64. I evaluate the general progress I have made in learning Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    

Part E

Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

65. I try to relax whenever I feel anxious about using Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
66. I make encouraging statements to myself so that I will continue to try hard and do my best in learning Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
67. I actively encourage myself to take wise risks in learning Chinese, such as guessing meanings or trying to speak, even though I might make some mistakes.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
68. I give myself a tangible reward when I have done something well in my learning of Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
69. I pay attention to physical signs of stress that might affect my learning of Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
70. I keep a private diary or journal where I write my feelings about learning Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
71. I talk to someone I trust about my attitudes and feelings concerning the language learning process.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    

Part F

Read each statement and mark the response (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) that tell how true the statement is in terms of what you actually do when you are learning Chinese.

(1) Never or almost never true of me
(2) Generally not true of me
(3) Somewhat true of me
(4) Generally true of me
(5) Always or almost always true of me

72. If I do not understand, I ask the speaker to slow down, or clarify what was said.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
73. I ask other people to verify that I have understood or said something correctly.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
74. I ask other people to correct my pronunciation or tones.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
75. I work with other language learners to practice, review, or share information.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
76. I have a regular language learning partner.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
77. When I am talking with a native speaker, I try to let him or her know when I need help.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
78. In conversation with others in Chinese, I ask questions in order to be as involved as possible and to show I am interested.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
79. I try to learn about Chinese people and Chinese culture.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5
    
    
80. I pay close attention to the thoughts and feelings of other learners of Chinese and/or Chinese people when I interact with them in Chinese.
    (1) 1     (2) 2     (3) 3     (4) 4     (5) 5