The Effect of Using Interest-based Materials on EFL Learners' Performance in Reading: Focusing on Gender Differences

Interest plays a key role in education and language learning. This study investigated if selecting and using interest-based instructional materials could impact learners' performance in L2 reading. It also examined whether there were meaningful differences between male and female learners' performance, concerning the use of interest-based materials. Sixty first-grade university students participated in the study. To answer the research questions, a quantitative method using the 'interest survey questionnaire' and the 'achievement test,' was employed. The collected data were compared and analyzed using t-test, and through SPSS. The results revealed that the use of Interest-Based Language Teaching (IBLT) made a significant contribution to the improvement of learners' performance in L2 reading. They also revealed some interaction of interest and gender, not at significant level though, with respect to the learners' performance in learning. Thus, language teaching researchers, teachers, and particularly material developers are suggested to notice the use and importance of applying interest-based materials in L2 teaching. They should be aware that such materials can lead to better performance in L2 learning.