Metacognitive Online Reading Strategies of Adult ESL Learners Using a Learning Management System

Abstract

In managing online learning, most educational institutions utilize Learning Management Systems (LMS). It is a learning platform that allows the administrators of the institution to manage and monitor learners, teachers and content of courses. Learners of this online learning environment have access to a variety of online learning tools and features that allow them to communicate with peers as well as instructors. Hence, these learners need to be equipped with appropriate learning strategies, particularly metacognitive strategies to help them manage their learning. As for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, employing appropriate metacognitive strategies may help them regulate, plan, manage and monitor their learning. The study aims to investigate the metacognitive online reading strategies of adult learners of an ESL course at Universiti Technology MARA, Malaysia. A survey was used to gather information of these adult learners in semester one and two. The survey is adapted from the online survey of reading strategies or OSORS developed by Anderson (2003). The results of the survey reveal that the learners mostly used global reading strategies followed by problem solving strategies and support reading strategies. Also, independent t-test reveals that there is no significant difference between semester one and semester two students in using global reading strategies, problem solving strategies and support reading strategies. As indicated by the results of this study, it can be concluded that the learners have learning goals and purpose since they used mainly global reading strategies, but they do not effectively utilize online learning tools and features that are available in the LMS.