The Difference of Language Learning Strategies Between Male and Female

Language learning strategies refer to the methods or actions undertaken by students to facilitate the learning process. By employing suitable language strategies, students can improve their proficiency in learning. Both male and female students are quietly different in behavior and thought, as are the variations in language learning strategies between genders. This research aims to find out the differences of language learning strategies between male and female students. It was conducted at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, where the participants in this research were third- and fourth-year students of the English Language Education Department. This study used a qualitative method, and the data was collected through an in-depth interview with four male and four female students, selected using purposive sampling. The interview data was analyzed using a qualitative approach through interview transcripts and coding. The results of this research show that male and female students tend to use cognitive and compensatory strategies in the direct strategy, while the indirect strategy shows students using affective and social strategies. In addition, male and female strategies have differences in reading preference, learning process, and language performance.