Spotting the Differences in Learning Styles Preferences among 3rd Year EFL Learners at the Department of English - Khenchela University: A Gender-based Approach
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UNIVERSITÉ ABBAS LAGHROUR KHENECHELA
Abstract
Abstract
This research sheds light on the learning styles preferences among English as a foreign language (EFL( learners at the department of English based on their gender. More specifically, the study seeks to identify the differences in the language learning styles among male and female students. In order to meet the research objectives, a mixed-method research (combining both quantitative and qualitative data) has been adopted. Using convenience sampling, data was collected from 3rd Year groups of EFL students representing both genders. Quantitative data was gathered using Reid’s (1987) Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSPQ), which then was analyzed through the independence samples t-test for comparing the means. Likewise, qualitative data was collected by means of a devised in-depth interview, which ulitimately was analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis (QCA). The results of the study indicated that both genders exhibit slight differences towards visual and auditory learning techniques, while males, rather than females, showed a preference for kinesthetic and tactile learning methods. Besides, the study also revealed that both genders exhibited a similar inclination towards individual learning styles. The findings of this study yielded several salient pedagogical implications and application. Paramount among these is that learners are encouraged to pinpoint their major learning styles and match them to learning processes for optimal academic attainment. Further, teachers are recommended to identify the diverse learning styles of their students in order to maximize the efficacy of their pedagogical objectives within the language learning domain.
Keywords: EFL Learners, gender, learning styles, PLSPQ, preferences.