Gender Based Learning Style Preferences in English at Intermediate Level in District Poonch AJK, Pakistan

Abstract

Educational research has postulated the learning styles variation from  individual to individual. All the students do not have same learning style.  Present study highlights the extent to which students’ learning style preferences differ on the basis of gender. The study investigates students’  learning style preferences in English at Intermediate level in district Poonch AJK, Pakistan. The study employs qualitative method. Data are collected through five point likert scale questionnaire. Data are analyzed by using SPSS software to see students’ learning style preferences with respect to gender. The study arrives at the conclusion that 66.6% learning style preferences of the students of both genders are similar and 33.4% are dissimilar. The analysis reveals that students of both genders prefer to learn in friendly environment, by different techniques, by relating lesson with real life, when cultural knowledge is shared, learn the structure better by solving exercises, by discussion in pairs and groups, by doing or solving, when teachers respond politely, clarify concepts confidently when teachers encourage them and they cannot respond properly when teachers behave rude. Moreover, the study concludes that male students feel comfortable when lecture method is used, do not use cramming technique to score, do not feel fear of being scolded and prefer working with others in assignments and projects, while female students use cramming technique to score, feel fear of being scolded, do not prefer assignments or projects and prefer working alone.