Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Vol 2, No 8 (2012), 1614-1620, Aug 2012
doi:10.4304/tpls.2.8.16141620

Exploring the Gender Effect on EFL Learners’ Learning Strategies

Simin Zeynali

Abstract


Various studies have discerned gender differences in language learning strategy (LLS) use. In most of the studies in which gender differences emerged, the results demonstrated that females reported using language learning strategies more often than males. However, some studies demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between genders in the use of LLS. Still others showed that male learners use more LLS than female learners do in certain taxonomy (Oxford, 1990). Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate whether or not differences exist between female and male Iranian learners in the use of language learning strategies. A total of 149 learners at Institute in Tabriz, Iran participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted and modified from SILL (Oxford, 1990). The findings show that there is a significant gender difference in the use of language learning strategies as a whole. Female learners also have tendency to use overall language learning strategies more often than males. There are important differences between genders in the use of social/ affective strategies with females using them more often.


Keywords


language learning strategy; gender

References


 

[1] Alderson, J.C. & Banerjee, J. (2001). Language testing and assessment (Part 1) State of-the-Art Review. Language Testing 18, 213-236.

[2] Abraham, R.G. and Vann, R.J. (1987). Strategies of two language learners: a case study. In A. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.). Learners strategies in language learning, pp. 85-102. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

[3] Al-Otaibi, G.(2004). Language learning strategy use among Saudi EFL students and its relationship to language proficiency level, gender and motivation. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

[4] Bacon, S. M. (1992). The relationship between gender, comprehension, processing strategies, cognitive, and affective response in foreign language listening. The Modern Language Journal 76, pp. 160-178.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1992.tb01096.x

[5] Brown, A. L., Bransford, J.D., Ferrara, R.A, & Campione, J.C. (1983). Learning, remembering and understanding. In P. Mussen & J.H. Flavell (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology: cognitive development. Vol. 3. New York: Wiley.

[6] Brown, H. D. (2000). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. (Fourth Edition) New York: Longman.

[7] Bryman, A. & Cramer, D. (2005). Quantitative data analysis with SPSS 12 and 13. London: Routledge.

[8] Chamot, A.U. (1987). The learning strategies of ESL learners. Dlm. A. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.). Learner strategies in language learning, pp. 71-83. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

[9] Chang, S. (1990). A study of language learning behaviors of Chinese learners at the University of Georgia and the relation of those behaviors to oral proficiency and other factors. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Athens, University of Georgia.

[10] Chang, Y.P. (2003). Factors affecting language learning strategy choice: a study of EFL senior high school learners in Taiwan. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Texas A&M University.

[11] Chou, Y. (2002). An exploratory study of language learning strategies and the relationship of these strategies to motivation and language proficiency among EFL Taiwanese technological and vocational college learners. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Iowa.

[12] Coakes, S.J. (2005). SPSS version 12.0 for windows analysis without anguish. Australia: National Library of Australia.

[13] Cohen, A.D. & Aphek, E. (1981). Easifying second language learning. Studies in Second Language Acquisition 3, pp. 221-236.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100004198

[14] Ehrman, M.E. & Oxford, R. L. (1989). Effects of sex differences, career choice, and psychological type on adult language learning strategies. The Modern Language Journal 73 (1),pp. 1-13.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1989.tb05302.x

[15] Ellis, R. (1994). The study of second language acquisition. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.

[16] Field, A. (2005). Discovering statistics using SPSS (and sex, drug, and rock n roll). London: Sage Publications.

[17] Ghani. M. (2003). language learning strategies employed by L2 learners. Journal of Research (Faculty of Languages & Islamic Studies) 4,2003.

[18] Green, J.M. & Oxford, R.L. (1995). A closer look at learning strategies, L2 proficiency, and gender. TESOL Quarterly 29 (2), pp. 261-297.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3587625

[19] Griffiths, C. (2003). Language learning strategy use and proficiency: The relationship between patterns of reported language learning strategy (LLS) use by speakers of other languages (SOL) and proficiency with implications for the teaching/learning situation. Unpublished doctoral thesis. University of Auckland.

[20] Hashemi, M. (2012). The impact of gender on language learning strategies of Iranian EFL learners. International Journal of Academic Research, 3(2),280-285.

[21] Hosenfeld, C. (1977). A learning-teaching view of second-language instruction: the learning strategies of second language learners with reading-grammar tasks. Unpublished Ph Dissertation. Ohio State University, Colombus.

[22] Shukri, K., Rahimi, N.Y, Embi, M.A & Zamri, M. (2008). Penggunaan strategi pembelajaran bahasa berdasarkan tahap pencapaianBahasa Arab Komunikasi, Proceedings of 3rd International Language Learning Conference, pp. 209-222.

[23] Shukri, K, Rahimi, N.Y, Embi, M.A & Zamri, M. (2009). Proceedings of Seminar Pendidikan Serantau Kali Ke-4, pp. 469-476.

[24] Kaylani, C. (1996). The influence of gender and motivation on EFL learning strategy use in Jordan. In R. Oxford (Ed.), Language learning strategies around the world: Cross-cultural perspectives. (Technical Report #13) Honolulu: University of Hawai'i, Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Center.

[25] Lan, R. L. (2005). Language learning strategies profiles of EFL elementary school learners in Taiwan. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Maryland.

[26] Larsen-Freeman, D., & Long, M. (1991). An introduction to second language acquisition research. London: Longman.

[27] Macaro, E. (2001). Learning strategies in foreign and second language classrooms. London and New York: Continuum.

[28] Maccoby, E.E & Jacklin, C.N. (1974). The psychology of sex differences. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

[29] McMillan, J. & Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in education: evidence-based inquiry. Boston: Pearson Education Inc.

[30] Embi, M.A. (2000). Language learning strategies: a Malaysian context. Bangi: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

[31] Mohd Nazali, H. A. B. (1999). Strategy pembelajaran bahasa Melayu di kalangan pelajartingkatan empat: satu tinjauan. Latihan Ilmiah Sarjana Muda. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

[32] Nunan, D. (1999). Second language teaching and learning. Massachusetts: Heinle & Heinle Publishers.

[33] O’Malley, J.M. & Chamot, A.U. (1990). Learning strategies in second language acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

[34] O’Malley, J.M., Chamot, A.U., Stewner-Manzanares, G., Kupper, L. & Russo, R.P. (1985). Learning strategies used by beginning and intermediate ESL learners. Language Learning 35(1), pp. 21-46.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1985.tb01013.x

[35] Oxford, R.L. (1989). The use of language learning strategies: a synthesis of studies with implications for strategy training. System 17 (2), pp. 235-247.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0346-251X(89)90036-5

[36] Oxford, R.L. (1993). Instructional implications of gender differences in second/foreign language learning styles and strategies. Applied Language Learning 4, pp. 65-94.

[37] Oxford, R.L. (1990). Language learning strategies: what every teacher should know. New York: Newbury House.

[38] Oxford, R.L. & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by university learners. Modern Language Journal 73 (3), pp. 291-300.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1989.tb06367.x

[39] Politzer, R.L. & Mc Groarty, M. (1985). An exploratory study of learning behaviors and their relationship to gain in linguistic and communicative competence. TESOL Quarterly 19, pp.103-123.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3586774

[40] Politzer, R.L. (1983). An exploratory study of self reported language learning behaviors and their relation to achievement. Studies in Second Language Acquisition 6, pp. 54-68.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100000292

[41] Punithavalli, K.M. (2003). Strategi pembelajaran bahasa oleh pelajar-pelajar menengahrendah dalam mempelajari bahasa Inggeris sebagai bahasa kedua. Unpublished MA thesis. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

[42] Rubin, J. (1975). What the good language learner can teach us. TESOL Quarterly 9 (1), pp. 41-51.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3586011

[43] Sekaran, U. (1992). Research methods for business: a skalal building approach. 2nd ed. NewYork: John Wiley & Sons.

[44] Slavin, R.E. (1997). Educational psychology: theory and practice. 5th ed. MA: Allyn and Bacon.

[45] Sheorey, R., (1998). The state of English and English language teaching in India. TESOL Matters, 8 (4), 1, 19.

[46] Wenden, A.L. (1991). Learner strategies for learner autonomy. New York: Prentice Hall.

[47] Wharton, G. (2000). Language learning strategy use of bilingual foreign language learners in Singapore. Language Learning 50, pp. 203-243.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/0023-8333.00117

[48] Zamri, M. (2004). Strategy pembelajaran bahasa Melayu di kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.


Full Text: PDF


Theory and Practice in Language Studies (TPLS, ISSN 1799-2591)

Copyright @ 2006-2012 by ACADEMY PUBLISHER – All rights reserved.