English As A Foreign Language Reading Research Articles

A Holistic Needs Analysis for Developing Critical Reading Material to Enhance EFL Reading Proficiency

This study delves into the development of critical reading material for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading classes through a comprehensive need analysis. Employing the Four D model encompassing defining, designing, developing, and disseminating, the research process unfolded in distinct phases. The initial phase involved a preliminary investigation at the English Language Education Department of Muhammadiyah Purworejo University to discern students' challenges within real-time learning contexts. Subsequently, a prototype of the needs analysis was formulated based on the findings from the preliminary study. Validation of this needs analysis occurred through consultation with two experts and field testing to ascertain the questionnaire's efficacy. The validation process revealed a high feasibility rate (85%) in assessing students' needs. Additionally, a preliminary field test involving 30 students from the English Language Education Department at Muhammadiyah Purworejo University was conducted to evaluate the questionnaire's practicality. The outcomes of the needs analysis served as a foundational framework for the development of critical reading materials, subsequently utilized in EFL reading classes.

A Discourse Analysis of the Ideological Knowledge of EFL Learners in Reading Skills

This research aims to help English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers prepare for the actualizing of the basic methodologies used in teaching EFL reading skills. The current research set out to accomplish three goals. First, it intended to explore Iraqi EFL students’ perspectives on the use of basic critical thinking strategies in scholastic reading. Second, it set out to analyze the students’ views towards using basic mindfulness methods in EFL reading lessons. Third, it attempted to show whether or not logical reasoning and thinking were gender-related. As a result, the current investigation attempted to encourage student perception using inventive models dependent on the fundamentals of basic reading skills and basic speech assessment to highlight the standards of language mindfulness. In presenting reading entries, the knowledge and critical thinking of the students motivated them to better understand the writings presented in the research. Students who participated in this research stressed the need to learn different methods to improve their comprehension and appreciation of English reading material. Thus, the aftereffects of the examination demonstrated that the students liked to be taught using a basic way that presented them the option of improving their basic perception and understanding of the viewpoints and belief systems behind the writings. They added that improving their cognizance would prepare them to have the option to allow them to comprehend the significant implications of the writings.

Direct and Indirect Contributions of Three Aspects of Morphological Knowledge to Second Language Reading Comprehension

Growing attention has been devoted to the contribution of morphological knowledge to reading comprehension. Because of the complex nature of morphological knowledge, more fine-grained approaches are sought on this topic by exploring multiple aspects of morphological knowledge and multiple pathways through which each aspect contributes to reading comprehension. This study measured three aspects of affix knowledge (form, meaning, and use) and vocabulary breadth and examined how each aspect contributes to EFL (English as a foreign language) reading comprehension by modeling direct and indirect effects with vocabulary as a mediator. The participants were 211 Japanese university students. All variables were measured using standardized tests. Direct effects of meaning, use, and vocabulary and indirect effects of meaning and use via vocabulary were significant. However, form displayed no significant effect. The lack of significant effects for form may be due to the design of this study, which did not include word reading (a variable that may mediate form’s effect). In sum, although the form aspect did not show any effect, semantic and syntactic aspects demonstrated direct and indirect contributions. Overall, this study endorsed the criticality of a more fine-grained approach, shedding light on what and how morphological knowledge supports L2 reading comprehension.

The moderating effect of multilingualism on the relationship between EFL learners’ grit, enjoyment, and literacy achievement

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: The study investigated the relationship between the L2 grit, domain-general grit, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), multilingualism, and self-reported literacy achievement of students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in public upper-secondary schools in Norway. Specifically, the study sought to identify predictors of students’ EFL reading and writing achievement and examine the moderating effect of multilingualism on the relationship between L2 grit, FLE, and such achievement. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 181 upper-secondary school students learning EFL in southeastern Norway (one participant’s responses were discarded because they were incomplete). Data and Analysis: Paired and independent sample t-tests and moderated multiple regression were used to analyse the collected data. Findings/Conclusions: The study found that the perseverance component of L2 grit and daily language use (one of two aspects of multilingualism used in the study) positively predicted both reading and writing achievement (the consistency of interest component of L2 grit only positively predicted writing achievement). In addition, daily language use was found to negatively moderate the relationship between the perseverance component of L2 grit and reading and writing achievement, with the moderating effect dissipating as additional languages were used daily. Originality: The study is among the first to explore the interplay between grit and multilingualism in the Nordic region and examine the relationship between multilingualism, grit, FLE, and achievement globally. Significance/Implications: The study’s findings underscore the need for researchers to develop and use more comprehensive multidimensional measures of multilingualism when investigating its effects on language learning in formal contexts, design scales for grit that target specific language skills, and broaden grit-related research to cover the learning of multiple language and non-language subjects concurrently.

Synthetic Phonics: A Glimpse on its Effectiveness in Teaching Young Learners to Read in English as a Foreign Language

Developing reading skills from an early age of schooling seems to be of paramount importance for acquiring proper literacy. As reading proves to be a complex skill to learn, the spotlight has been put on different approaches that teach young learners to read, especially in English-speaking countries. One of these approaches is Synthetic Phonics, which seems to be the most beneficial program in reading instruction. However, little research has been carried out in terms of its effectiveness to teach to read in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This paper examines the benefits of implementing synthetic phonics in teaching learners of EFL to read. The main purpose of this investigation is to assess the effectiveness of this approach in teaching EFL learners to read in English, improving reading skills such as fluency and accuracy. For this purpose, 11 students attending Year 1 in a non-denominational co-ed bilingual school in the city of Hurlingham participated in this qualitative study. This group of students took part in a screening check to identify the sounds that were not being correctly decoded. Six remedial sessions were carried out in order to work on these specific sounds and students were tested again. Findings indicate that synthetic phonics was beneficial and, as a result, the students showed a significant increase in accuracy when decoding. The conclusion reached supports the implementation of this programme in EFL reading instruction.

Unveiling the Role of Explicit Metadiscourse Instruction, Language Proficiency, and Content Familiarity in EFL Reading Comprehension: A Comprehensive Review

This review comprehensively explores the integral role of explicit metadiscourse instruction and language proficiency and content familiarity in the context of reading comprehension among learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Drawing upon a wide-ranging analysis of empirical studies spanning two decades (2003-2023), the review illuminates the intricate dynamics between these key components. It underscores how metadiscourse markers, as vital linguistic devices, significantly impact the learners' processing, comprehension, and retention of information. The importance of language proficiency emerges as a decisive factor, shaping the degree to which EFL learners can effectively utilize metadiscourse markers to enhance their reading comprehension skills. Moreover, the review accentuates the critical synergistic relationship between content familiarity and the efficacy of metadiscourse instruction, shedding light on how prior knowledge can optimize learning outcomes. It identifies significant gaps in existing research, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach that simultaneously considers metadiscourse instruction, language proficiency, and content familiarity. The review concludes by advocating for greater emphasis on explicit metadiscourse instruction in EFL pedagogy, positioning this work as a synthesis of current knowledge and a guidepost for future research and instructional innovation in EFL reading comprehension.

Implementing Active Reading Strategies in Virtual Settings: High School Students’ Experience During Remote Learning

This quantitative study aimed to analyze the impact of using active reading strategies on students’ learning in virtual settings during remote learning, which has special relevance after the Covid-19 pandemic. The participants included 273 English as a foreign language (EFL) students from Ecuadorian high schools located in 22 provinces. The age range of the participants was 12 to 14 years, and their language proficiency level aligned with the A1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A quasi-experimental design was employed. A pre-test, post-test, and online survey were administered to collect data. Furthermore, four reading workshops based on active reading strategies, such as predicting, using graphic organizers, summarizing, brainstorming, and scanning, were offered through Zoom meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings demonstrate that active EFL reading strategy implementation in virtual settings improved students’ reading skills. Students perceived that the strategies used were motivating and enhanced their reading comprehension during remote learning instruction. Certainly, the effective implementation of active reading strategies and inspirational stories during remote learning instruction motivated students to continue fostering their reading habits in the future.

Reading Motivations and Metacognitive Strategies of Chinese English Majors

Reading in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has received a great deal of attention in foreign language teaching, and EFL reading is still crucial in most countries. This study aimed to assess the reading motivations and metacognitive strategies used by sophomore English majors in three universities in China to find out how the variables differ and relate. This research involved 429 respondents from three different universities. 429 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Findings show that there are significant differences in Chinese English majors’ reading motivations in terms of sex, types of university, and home location. And there exists strong relationship between reading motivations and metacognitive strategies.

Exploring the relationship between extramural English, self-efficacy, gender, and learning outcomes: A mixed-methods study in a Norwegian upper-secondary school

This article reports on a mixed-methods study regarding the extent to which the extramural English (EE), external attributions, self-efficacy (concerning EFL reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills), and gender of 42 students, learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in a Norwegian upper-secondary school, predicted their EFL learning outcomes. Data on participants’ EE (receptive and productive), external attributions, and self-efficacy were collected through a questionnaire and language diaries, while their learning outcomes were measured through a language proficiency test, mock exam, in-depth project, and receptive and productive vocabulary tests. The data revealed several interesting findings, including participants’ receptive EE statistically significantly and negatively predicting their productive vocabulary test scores, whereas their writing self-efficacy and attributions to specifically literature, TV, and film statistically significantly and positively predicted them. Moreover, neither receptive nor productive EE was found to mediate the relationship between self-efficacy, external attributions, and learning outcomes.

IMPLEMENTATION OF FLIPPED MODEL IN EFL READING CLASSROOMS

Among many technology-enhanced teaching strategies, flipped classroom is one that gained popularity in recent years. This approach supports a more student-centered and communicative learning environment in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. Although this approach is getting popular in the field, little research has examined the incorporation of flipped classroom approach in EFL classrooms. To address this gap, this study presented some tools to provide teachers an idea of how to flip a language classroom and make the learning process more active and communicative. Also, flipped classroom was examined through the eyes of EFL students. The data were collected through a learning experience questionnaire, focus group interviews and teacher observations. Descriptive statistics was used to demonstrate the mean scores of the questionnaire items. Content analysis was utilized for the interview data. The results revealed that EFL students had positive attitudes towards flipped classroom. Additionally, online assignments and discussion tasks were found to be useful for the implementation of flipped classroom in EFL reading classroom courses.

Incorporating Computer-Mediated Communications in EFL Reading

Purpose: The incorporation of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been widely used in recent English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching and learning due to the rapid advancement of technology. Despite the prevalence of online CMC communications, previous research has yielded mixed results, and empirical evidence on how online communications affect student reading comprehension is limited. This study compares the effects of online asynchronous and synchronous communications on EFL reading comprehension in a Taiwanese collaborative learning context. Method: Ten reading comprehension tests and an online questionnaire survey were administered to 100 university students enrolled in two senior reading classes in Southern Taiwan. Independent-sample t-tests, descriptive statistics, and Pearson product-moment correlation analyses were computed to investigate the differences and relationships between perceived asynchronous and synchronous communication use on EFL reading comprehension performance. Results: The findings revealed that participants used the synchronous communication mode more frequently than the asynchronous mode. The reading score obtained through the synchronous group was slightly higher than that obtained through the asynchronous group; no statistically significant difference was found. As students practiced more in asynchronous and synchronous communication modes, their reading comprehension ability improved significantly. Conclusion: Although learners generally accept both online communication modes, the open-ended question results reveal several disadvantages and advantages of online communication environments. The study's limitations, as well as the implications for instructional pedagogy and future research, are presented and discussed.

Using eye-tracking and retrospective verbal reports to explore the cognitive processes of banked gap-filling: a case study featuring methodological triangulation

This study made triangulated use of eye-tracking and retrospective verbal reports (RVRs) to compare the banked gap-filling processes of two same-scorers and those of a top scorer and a bottom scorer. The two same-scorers differed in their cognitive effort on global and local processing, fluency of choice making, and strategy use when completing the task and half of the mutual correct responses. Contrary to findings from previous studies, the top scorer exerted much greater effort on global and local processing than the bottom scorer, in her pursuit of perfection, and she reported much less use of syntax analysis as a strategy. The findings of this study increase our understanding of individual differences in the cognitive processes of English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) reading and test-taking and prove the value of in-depth, multi-faceted process research. Featuring the use of heatmaps, eye-tracking metrics, choice-making graphs, gaze plots, and RVRs, this study also responds to an emergent concern in language assessment about how the enormous process data can be handled effectively. Implications for testing and learning EFL reading are further developed.

Using Motivational Strategies to Develop University EFL Students’ Reading Skills

This study aims at examining the effectiveness of motivational strategies in promoting the reading performance of Saudi female students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Two university EFL classes were randomly selected. One class, the experimental group, was taught reading through motivational strategies. Another class, the control group, had regular reading instruction. Results showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on the post-test in overall reading performance as well as in each reading skill after the implementation of the teaching strategy based on motivational strategies. It can be concluded that motivation is vital in learning EFL reading comprehension through making students positive and enthusiastic in their classrooms. Teaching motivational strategies should have its place in Saudi EFL reading classes. EFL teachers should devote sufficient time and make their efforts to exploit these strategies with their different types.

Distinctions between mobile-assisted and paper-based EFL reading comprehension performance: reading cognitive load as a mediator

Previous research has documented that students’ reading comprehension performance in learning English as a foreign language (EFL) differs greatly between mobile-assisted and paper-based reading. The present study extends previous work by investigating whether reading cognitive load differs between mobile-assisted and paper-based EFL reading processes and exploring whether cognitive load mediates the relationship between reading medium and EFL reading comprehension performance. The instruments used are reading comprehension tests and questionnaire surveys administered to a sample of 191 first-year college students. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that cognitive load is significantly greater for mobile-assisted EFL reading than for paper-based EFL reading. In addition, structural equation modeling analyses indicate that cognitive load fully mediates the relationships between medium and reading comprehension performance; these mediation effects are independent of the level of English language proficiency. These results imply that cognitive load is a pivotal factor influencing students’ reading comprehension across media. Reasons for differences in reading cognitive load and its role as a mediator are discussed. Recommendations for promoting students’ reading experience on mobile phones are provided.

Constructivism‐based drama activities in EFL reading classes

Lack of interest in classroom activities, difficulty in understanding reading texts, and unfamiliarity with using reading strategies are the three major problems that negatively impact students' achievements in English as a foreign language (EFL) reading classes. This article considers integration of drama activities into EFL reading classes, looking particularly at the constructivist foundations of this approach to (1) motivate students to read and participate in class, (2) facilitate understanding and meaning construction, and (3) develop students' reading strategies and skills. Incorporation of drama activities grounded in cognitive and social constructivist learning theory is especially effective as these theories accentuate prior knowledge, student‐centered learning, social interactions, cooperative learning, and engaging and stimulating classroom activities as well as teachers' scaffolding. Two sample activities are presented to illustrate the practical implementation of such drama activities in EFL reading classes. Drama activities based on constructivism are recommended as an effective approach to encourage students to learn, increase understanding, and sharpen reading strategies in EFL reading classes.

Design of a dual-hierarchy scaffolding board game-based learning activity for EFL reading comprehension

Promoting English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ reading comprehension, improving their reading motivation, and reducing their anxiety have always been the focus of EFL researchers. Educational board games have gradually received attention from educators. Various studies have found that board game-based teaching can improve students’ learning performance, motivation, and classroom engagement, and contribute to increasing discussion. However, there are few discussions on board games in the field of EFL, so further discussion is necessary to fill the research gap of board games in EFL reading comprehension. This study developed a dual-hierarchical scaffolding board game activity framework integrating game-based learning (GBL) and scaffolding strategies, and used card board games as teaching materials to promote EFL students’ reading comprehension. The game activity framework provides a scaffolded language learning environment with dual-hierarchy concepts to support students in building successful reading strategies. Moreover, the verbal and visual representations are displayed together on the cards game component. Game mechanics can help students to link verbal and image information. On the other hand, this framework emphasizes allowing students to first use the group discussion and collaborative reading mode to conduct self-directed and game-based learning activities with the dual-hierarchy scaffolding strategy. Then the teacher guides the students to use the concepts learned in the game activities to analyse and read the text so that they can understand the text content. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in a high school English reading course to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The experimental results showed that the proposed framework not only significantly promoted the EFL students’ reading comprehension and learning motivation and decreased their learning anxiety, but also helped them maintain a high level of learning motivation in the process of the activities. It is expected that the proposed structure can lead to better EFL teaching practices.

Assessing and validating young Kazakhstanis’ reading skills in English, the impact of classroom climate, and their engagement on reading skills

Improving reading skills in English for young Kazakhstani learners is a challenging process, but it was unfortunate that teachers in Kazakhstan do not frequently apply and implement assessments in the context of a school or classroom. Following a pilot study conducted in 2018, a continuous assessment was considered necessary to highlight the errors and challenges related to such unfortunate condition. This study performed validation and assessment of reading skills in English as a foreign language (EFL) within a classroom climate and in relation to the engagement of students in grades 6 and 8 in Kazakhstan. The participants were chosen randomly from seven secondary schools in a major city. The first language of all the participants (N = 1,206) was either Kazakh or Russian. Data from 906 students following data screening were analyzed. EFL Reading comprehension tests and a questionnaire regarding the students’ classroom climate and engagement were administered via the eDia online assessment platform. The analysis involved an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, and an internal consistency test using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and construct validity. To determine the effects of factors detected from the background variables on students’ reading results in EFL, a regression analysis was conducted. As results, no gender differences were found for either grade. However, in grade 6, students whose first language was Kazakh performed better than the students whose first language and/or language spoken at home was Russian. In grade 8, the differences between Kazakh and Russian students were negative but non-significant. Nevertheless, despite the weak relationship between the latent factors and reading skills, both grades showed a good model fit to the data and good factor loadings. Implication of the study and further research are also discussed.

Scaffolding design to increase reading comprehension for learners of English through online strategy training

This study explored the effects of reading strategy training delivered online through an experimental scaffolding tool in comparison to similar training delivered by a teacher, and a control condition. The instructional design of the tool followed scaffolding design guidelines, reciprocal teaching model, and principles of multimedia design. The training provided metacognitive reading strategy instruction to improve reading comprehension through multiple strategies using multiple texts. The participants were 87 college students studying English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at an English medium university in Turkey. At pretest, the control group had scored significantly higher in reading comprehension based on a standardized measure. Both of the experimental groups significantly improved their reading comprehension and metacognitive strategy awareness, while the control group’s reading and engagement scores decreased. The in-class experimental group also improved on the engagement scale. No significant difference was found between the experimental groups or compared to the control group in reading comprehension. The findings have implications regarding institutional policies for teaching reading in EFL and online reading strategy design at the tertiary level.

Promoting a Multidimensional Literacy Framework through Texts and Tasks for EFL Reading Class

Generally, the teaching of reading for English as a foreign language (EFL) learner is only focused on developing learners’ English language competence. Little had been done to stimulate learners to develop Kucer’s (2014) multidimensional literacy that consists of four stages: linguistic, cognitive, sociocultural, and developmental. The teaching of reading should be aimed beyond the classroom context. It should not only evoke learners’ linguistic and cognitive ability, but should also elicit them to go further into sociocultural and developmental aspects. Thus, this study is aimed at proposing a multidimensional framework of literacy through texts and tasks so that they will be beneficial for learners’ actual use of literacy in their everyday life. This paper proposes a modified model of Kucer’s multidimensional literacy which is combined with principles in reading texts selection and reading tasks. The framework suggests that the degree of text difficulty and unfamiliarity should be gradually increased as well as the level of tasks challenge and variety.

Understanding EFL reading anxiety in relation to learning motivation, attitudes and strategies for Chinese and Spanish undergraduates

The present study explored the relationships between English as a foreign language (EFL) reading anxiety and learning motivation, attitudes, and strategies in two groups of EFL learners with different first language (L1) backgrounds. Thirty-five Chinese EFL undergraduates and thirty-seven Spanish EFL undergraduates participated in this study via a questionnaire. Quantitative analyses indicated different types of relationships between EFL reading anxiety and the abovementioned factors between these two groups of learners. While learning attitudes had a predictive effect on EFL reading anxiety for both Chinese and Spanish EFL undergraduates, the predictive effect of learning motivation and strategies were significant only among Spanish undergraduates. In addition, with learning attitudes as a mediator, learning motivation had an indirect effect on Chinese undergraduates’ reading anxiety. These findings expand previous studies by exploring the relationships between EFL reading anxiety and these correlates among EFL learners with different L1 backgrounds and provide reference and basis for the intervention of FLRA throughout the language learning process.