Reading Habits and Preferences of Efl Post Graduates: A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract:In recent years, more emphasis has been given on the role of the learner in the language learning process considering that language learning is primarily a learner's oriented activity. Thus, learners' needs and interests should be taken into consideration for effective language learning and teaching to take place. One significant area where learners' preferences influence their learning can be seen in reading. In any academic or higher learning context, reading is perceived as the most prominent academic language skill for all second and foreign language learners. It is through reading that these learners learn new information and become able to synthesize, evaluate and interpret in order to learn more about their subject matter. Pursuing a postgraduate study requires extensive reading practices which will enable the learners to extend their literacy development. The present study examines the reading habits and preferences of a group of EFL graduate students. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. The findings will report on: i) the types of reading materials preferred ii) reasons for reading and iii) the preferred language for reading. To conclude, the paper will further discuss the implications of the findings in terms of instructional materials development within an EFL context. Key words: EFL learners, reading habits, reading preferences, reading behaviourAbstrak: Beberapa tahun ini, lebih banyak perhatian ditujukan pada peranan pemelajar dalam proses belajar mengajar yang menganggap bahwa pembelajaran bahasa pada hakikatnya adalah aktivitas yang berorientasi pada pemelajar. Oleh sebab itu, kebutuhan dan minat pemelajar harus dipertimbangkan bagi pembelajaran dan pengajaran yang efektif. Salah satu area yang signifikan dimana pilihan pemelajar mempengaruhi pembelajaran mereka adalah membaca. Didalam konteks pembelajaran akademik atau lanjut manapun, membaca dianggap sebagai keterampilan bahasa yang paling penting bagi semua pemelajar yang mempelajari bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa asing atau bahasa kedua. Dengan membaca, pemelajar mampu mendapatkan informasi baru, mengsintesis, mengevalusi dan mengintepretasikan sumber belajar. Pendidikan di Sekolah Pascasarjana menuntut para mahasiswanya untuk membaca secara ekstensif agar kemampuan literasinya 1 Noorizah Mohd. Noor is a faculty member of School of Language Studies and Linguistics Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

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Extensive Reading (ER) Practices and the Development of Language Fluency

“…This evidence can imply that the students now have a wide range of materials to select to read as they have many accesses to the wide variety of reading materials. According to Calkins (1996), as cited in Noor (2011), learners who do a varied amount of voluntary reading demonstrate positive attitudes toward reading and that these readers are considered the best readers.…”

Reading Habit and Students’ Attitudes Towards Reading: A Study of Students in the Faculty of Education UiTM Puncak Alam

“…Fundamentally, reading habit refers to the behaviour which conveys the likeness of reading of individual preference of reading materials and tastes of reading (Sangkaeo, 1999). A good reading habit is very much needed for one's healthy intellectual growth as it provides the reader with a sense of values which help him to gradually develop the capability to understand instead of condemn (Mohd Noor, 2011). Also, for one to attain practical efficiency and a healthy intellectual growth, a reading habit is crucial.…”

“…Hence, as future leaders, university students ought to improve their reading habits by making use of the technology. Also, the education system needs to prepare these students to adjust to social and technological changes that are occurring (Mohd Noor, 2011).…”