Students' Engagement and Learning Strategies towards English: A Case Study in Togo, West Africa

Abstract

This paper sheds light on how students manage their own learning and how they engage in developing the knowledge and skills they acquire throughout the learning. It involves the researcher and participants working together to understand which best methods to achieve the learning goals. The 80 study participants are enrolled to an English upskilling programme designed to students at Lomé University. They are from a wide range of backgrounds. The programme encourages participants to become active and helps them build their knowledge and own understanding. At the beginning of the programme, the participants were provided with guidance and methodology on how to enhance their skills. The method used is based on qualitative research of a survey of 30 items. The results of the research gather in-depth insights into students’ learning strategies, assess their approaches to learning, how they regulate their learning processes and how they achieve their outcomes. The research is also based on systematic observation of students when they are learning. The research reports and analyses the results on how they reflect on their learning and experience. The study also assesses their willingness to improve their English skills. The results show the students’ approaches to the curriculum and how active they have become in their own learning.