Reading levels and attitudes towards reading among Malaysian secondary school students of Esl
Reading is one ofthe most important language skills because it is the foundation of learning. Acquiring the ability to read effectively and eficiently is a great challenge to many English as Second Language (ESL) learners. This study investigated the reading levels of secondary school E...
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| Format: | Article |
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Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2010
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/3526/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/3526/ |
| Summary: | Reading is one ofthe most important language skills because it is the foundation
of learning. Acquiring the ability to read effectively and eficiently is a great
challenge to many English as Second Language (ESL) learners. This study
investigated the reading levels of secondary school ESL students and their
attitudes towards reading. The assessment instruments included a diagnostic
reading test adaptedfrom the Malaysian Ministry of Education and the
Mikulecky Behavioral Reading Attitude Measure. A total of 37 Form Four
students were selected for the study. The results of the diagnostic tests revealed
that 72% (n=27) of the students were at the elementary level. 27% (n=IO)
were at the intermediate level, and none of them at the advanced level. Despite
oftheir low reading levels, these students showed above average attitudes
towards reading. Early diagnosis of students' reading skills is an initial step
for teachers to select, arrange, and plan their teaching approaches in reading.
Using multidimensional and diverse pedagogies based on students 'interest as
well as their abilities may motivate and help students develop a morepositive
view towards reading in English. eventually improving their reading.
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