Application of Gender Difference and Topic Preference to Promote Students' Motivation for Online EFL Learning

The focus of this paper is to apply the analysis of gender difference and topic preference to enhance and motivate online EFL learning shown by Taiwanese students enrolled in Freshman English Aural Training courses for English majors in a university in central Taiwan. Online learning for EFL students has been a worldwide trend. Hundreds of websites are accessible for EFL students to learn English linguistically and culturally. Many websites are free for users to learn autonomously; however, in order for EFL students to learn English effectively, it is essential for EFL teachers to create a pedagogical design to increase students' motivation to learn. Gender difference has been a controversial issue. Scientists have found that the brain structure of men and women are different (Rogers, 1999, Sax, 2005). While this is true, the influence of culture on EFL students' preference for different topics to learn online cannot be underestimated. This paper will present the preferences shown by both male and female Aural Training students' choices toward Voice of America (http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/) online listening articles in the following topics: Science, Technology, Education, Entertainment and Economy. The analysis of the data shows that gender difference in choosing topics online for EFL learning is applicable to EFL pedagogical design and thus suggests that EFL teachers take these two factors in consideration when planning materials for the male and female students in their EFL classes. (Contains 2 charts and 2 figures.)