Abstract

In order to have a clear understanding of the differences between tuition-free students and non-tuition-free students in the strategies they employ and to prepare for the conduction of the Language Learning Strategy Course to the two groups of students, the author decided to conduct a survey as to the students’ current use of language learning strategies. The instrument used in this study is a questionnaire designed by Wenden (1991). Besides the questionnaire, students’ scores in the college entrance examination and the end-term exams are also collected for the sake of comparing their progress with the non-tuition-free students and with their performance before entering the university. Through analyzing the questionnaire and test results, the author has got the following findings: 1) In most courses, students in both classes have performed equally well. Only in listening, there exist some differences, which may indicate that tuition-free students are more capable of adjusting to college study and they are more able to deal with the new course of listening. 2) As to the strategy use of the two groups, there are some similarities between them due to the enduring influence of middle school teaching and examination system in China as they both pay more attention to language knowledge and skills. Their difference lies in the perception of their learning style and the ability to regulate their emotions.  

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