Value and Self-Concept: A Study on Reading Habits among Primary School Students in Sarawak

Abstract

This study analyses the extent to which students" value of reading and self-concepts as readers affect their motivation to read. The participants included 45 students from a rural primary school in Malaysia aged 8 to 10 years old. They completed the Motivation to Read Profile-Revised (MRP-R) designed by Malloy et al. (2013) which consists of a survey and conversational interview to shed light on students" attitudes towards reading. The results from the survey demonstrated that the students held high self-concepts of themselves as readers and were able to use reading comprehension strategies. Overall they found reading enjoyable, and preferred collaborative reading tasks and books with visuals. Additionally, students were motivated by engaging classroom activities and trips to the library, and many students preferred digital text. However, the students found reading in another language to be challenging. Through these results, the role of the teacher is highlighted as essential in motivating students to read. By providing opportunities for students to read a variety of texts at students" reading levels and on different topics, in both students" native languages and target language. Students may gain reading motivation when they can choose what to read and when instructors create engaging activities that encourage not only independent reading, but incorporate a social aspect as well. Schools may also consider using technology to motivate young readers, and a reading culture should be supported in the students" homes to further encourage lifelong reading habits. Contribution/ Originality:This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the extent to which the value of reading and self-concept affect reading motivation a rural primary school in Malaysia. This is one of very few studies which have investigated reading motivation within this context and student responses may inform instruction.

Konsep diri membaca dan minat baca pada siswa sekolah dasar

“…Anak-anak yang memiliki konsep diri membaca yang positif akan sangat berperan penting dalam meningkatkan kegemaran serta perilaku membaca. Mujan et al (2019) dalam penelitiannya menjelaskan bahwa dengan adanya konsep diri yang positif dalam membaca, siswa akan semakin sadar akan pentingnya melakukan kegiatan membaca dengan minat dan dorongan yang tinggi sehingga perilaku membaca menjadi sebuah rutinitas bagi siswa.…”