Utilizing the deep Approach to Learning for Developing EFL Higher-order reading skills among Engineering students

Abstract

Academic reading skills are very vital for university students. This paper aimed at investigating the role of the deep approach to learning in utilizing English ESP higher-order reading skills among engineering students. Sixty three participants from first year students at Benha Faculty of Engineering were randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group (n=33) and a control group (n=30). Two main instruments were used: an academic reading pre-test, and an academic reading post-test. Quantitative data analyses were conducted. Using T-test to compare the mean scores of the control group and the experimental group in the pre-post application. Results showed that the experimental group students have developed their EFL higher-order reading skills. It was concluded that the “the deep approach to learning” was effective in utilizing ESP higher-order reading skills of the participants. It was also recommended that the deep approach to learning is very effective in developing language learning in general and in developing EFL higher-order reading skills in specific. The deep approach to learning should be integrated into ESP higher-order reading skills approachs.