Questionnaire development for strategic English learning: processes and outcomes

This paper reports on the four-stage construction of the English Language Learning Strategy Questionnaire (ELLSQ), employed in a research study on language learning strategies (LLSs) among Vietnamese tertiary students. Firstly, a needs analysis for the questionnaire development is provided. Secondly, various steps in the adaptation and initial development of the ELLSQ are described in detail, including the review of relevant literature, consultation with survey experts, and focus group discussions with target learners. Thirdly, the refinement of the ELLSQ is addressed through the conduction of informal expert reviews; and finally, its validation through field pre-tests is reported. The reliability and validity of the ELLSQ was undertaken through a pilot test with participation of 97 students, who were part of the target population of the formal study. The main purpose of this pilot test was to ensure the workability of the instrument and to establish reliability, face and content validity of the questionnaire. Practical implications for future attempts are embedded regarding the construction of reliable and valid questionnaires in a new research discourse.