Reading intensively: What do the students really need?

Dzurriyyatun Ni'Mah,Fitri Awaliyatush Sholihah

doi:10.30659/e.7.1.16-31

Dzurriyyatun Ni'Mah, Fitri Awaliyatush Sholihah

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30659/e.7.1.16-31

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Abstract

Intensive reading plays a great role in enhancing students� reading comprehension. Effective teaching materials are the best assistance for students. Often, in intensive reading class, lecturers neglected the students� needs and preferences regarding the reading texts and topics being discussed. The materials only come from the lecturers� perspectives. This study explores the students' needs and lecturers' perceptions toward the effective teaching materials of intensive reading. A questionnaire, delivered to 71 English Department students who have completed the Reading 1 course, is used for analysing the students' needs and preferences on intensive reading materials. Moreover, two English lecturers who experienced in teaching intensive reading for five years were interviewed to get detailed information about the students' needs and effective materials on intensive reading. The data were then analysed using a quantitative and descriptive qualitative approach. The result showed that the reading materials which offer various genres and topics, lists of new vocabularies, clear explanations about reading and vocabulary skills, as well as complete exercises to test the reading comprehension were viewed proper for both teachers and students. This research finding gives important information to develop effective reading materials for both sides.

Highlights

English is the most popular foreign language nowadays
Students' perception of intensive reading materials Related to the student's perception of intensive reading materials, most students (54.9%) stated that intensive reading is important to improve their reading skills and 40.8% of them agreed that textbook is needed in intensive reading class since 62% of students are in intermediate level of reading achievement
The current research finding indicated that most students need reading materials to support the intensive reading activities since more than half of students are in the intermediate level

Summary

Introduction

English is the most popular foreign language nowadays. People have many reasons to learn English in this globalized era. Going to other countries for studying, traveling, doing business, and having more opportunities to get a better job are some of the reasons. Learning a foreign language especially English at a higher education level is required (Andrés, 2020). Among four skills to master English ability, reading is the most valuable and encouraging skill. Reading as a receptive skill helps students to comprehend and respond to the text they read. As a source of information, reading will enhance students' knowledge and trigger critical thinking skills to reveal the implicit idea in a text (Safaeia & Bulca, 2013). Reading is considered crucial since it is a technique for expanding one's linguistic expertise as well as obtaining information (Mohibu & Ismail, 2021).

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