Gender Differences in EFL Students’ Reading Motivation and Reading Achievement in the New Normal

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between male and female in terms of the students’ reading motivation and reading achievement in the New Normal in the first-year of Islamic junior High School. The sample of this research was 26 students of first-year MTs. Hasyim Asy’ari which the subjects are 13 male and 13 female. The researcher employed descriptive quantitative method. The instruments of this research were questionnaire and test. The findings research showed that students are low in reading English even next new normal. In reading motivation, female studdents tend to be more motivated in achieving goals at learning English than male students. However, students’ motivation in new normal is still relatively low because they can’t adapt to their environment after online course. Therefore, male and female students have differences in reading comprehension achievement. The result of their reading achievement show that female students achieved better in reading comprehension than males even after pandemic Covid-19 over. Some of them get above average score in the reading achievement. In addition, this study was expected to be useful for teachers to guide the way and role of motivation. Secondly, for the students, this study to be able to increase their antusiasm and knowledge in learning English especially in reading motivation and reading achievement. Furthermore, the future researher can thoroughly investigate students’ motivation and reaing achievement after online learning. Keywords: Reading Skills, Gender Differences, Reading Motivation, Reading Achievement, New Normal.