STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARD THE USE OF WATTPAD IN READING COMPREHENSION

This study attempts to seek what components of reading are affected by reading Wattpad and how the students' attitudes towards the use of Wattpad for reading. This research used a descriptive qualitative method. This research is also supported by the theory of reading attitude proposed by McKenna, et.al. The data for this study were collected from two sources, namely a close-ended questionnaire to 20 English Literature students of Universitas Sumatera Utara and supported by interview with 5 out of 20 selected respondents. The results of this study indicate two main things, namely: (1) Vocabulary is the component of reading that is most affected. As many as 40% of respondents chose vocabulary as the most affected reading component, 35% of respondents chose comprehension ability, 15% of respondents chose reading fluency and 10% of respondents chose phonemic awareness. (2) It was found that 10 respondents were judged to show a positive attitude towards the use of Wattpad, 6 respondents showed a neutral attitude and 4 respondents showed a negative attitude towards the use of Wattpad.

O (nie tylko estetycznych) pożytkach z lektury fantastyki naukowej

The article is devoted to the potential benefits of a variety of natures from reading science fiction. They are divided into aesthetic and non-artistic, related to the functioning of this phenomenon in the congregational imagination, which models and at the same time is modelled by it. Given the properties of science fiction and its role in the reading circuit, one can conclude about the importance of science fiction as an artistic formula that approximates both the future and the dilemmas of the present, hidden in a futuristic stack of props (this is evident especially when reading socio-political fiction). At the same time, the reading experience contradicts such a high rating of science literature, most often – above – aspiring only to readily attractive “adventurials in space/cyberspace”. Indeed, if there are any advantages of reading science fiction, it must be realised, first of all, that they depend mainly on the expectations of the audience; their reading attitude (that is whether they will treat science fiction as a manifestation of literary escapism, or perhaps a medium of important socio-civilizational issues). However, readers who treat novels in an escapist way can be contrasted with those who equate it with the specific language of discourse over the present day. Therefore, it is important how the author will treat the chosen convention: as an excuse to present further “adventure in space”, or as an opportunity to look at the present from a special perspective, which is provided by the narrative future of action time of science fiction novels. Only then will it be possible to speak of the benefit of reading science fiction, which is more or less indirectly linked to the life of the reader.

Modular Approach: Its Effect on Learners’ Reading Attitude and Proficiency in the New Normal

In March 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced schools in the Philippines to stop face-to-face learning activities and abruptly shift to modular approach. In practical sense, the modular approach situates Filipino students to learn in the comfort of their homes. Reading attitude is the feeling that results in the adoption or avoidance of positive reading habits. Along this line of thinking, the study was conducted to determine the effects of modular approach on the reading attitude and reading proficiency of Grade 3 learners in Mindanao State University- Integrated Laboratory School. The research employed a descriptive correlational research design. A standardized test questionnaire was used to gather data and distributed to 128 both learners and parents in Grade 3. Results divulged that majority of the respondents aged 10 years old. Majority of respondents’ parents’ educational attainment was high school graduate. Further the relationship between the learners’ profile and perceived effect of modular approach and their profile showed that the learners’ perceptions are not significantly related to their profile. However, the modular approach does not affect their reading attitude and reading proficiency. To address the modular approach problem encountered by the respondents, an Enhanced English Reading Module is hereby recommended.

Understandings the Reading Habit and Reading Attitudes Among Students in Research University Library in Malaysia

Reading is one of the activities known to give a lot of benefits to readers. In the context of university students, reading can improve their academic performance. However, literature indicated that students read-only to pass their examination and not for pleasure and acquiring knowledge. The study reported in this paper investigated the reading habit and reading attitudes among students in the research university library in Malaysia. It is believed that positive reading attitudes towards education materials or non-education materials lead to positive reading experiences, which also lead to higher academic performance. A descriptive study used questionnaires as an instrument of a quantitative method. Convenience sampling was employed and 400 respondents from four research university status libraries were selected. Moderate levels of reading attitude were obtained from the result of the study, in which several variables produced a significant relationship in the reading attitude (education background and favorite activities during leisure time). The findings of this study have shown the behavior of academic library users in terms of reading habits, reading attitudes, and selection of reading materials. Several suggestions such as providing a variety of reading material (sense of humor and humanities, public figures and tv personalities) and reading encouragement activities have been suggested. This study provides useful inputs to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in constructing effective strategies to cultivate reading habits among reluctant readers in public universities.

An Investigation of the Teaching Techniques, Assessment Strategies and Students’ Attitude towards Reading English and their Impact on Learners’ Performance in Pakistan

Effective teaching learning of English has got a prominent position in all the educational plans and policies of Pakistan. To ensure the effectiveness of English, efforts have been taken to enhance the teaching learning strategies, assessment techniques and reading attitude of students. Considering the importance of English, a survey, regarding the teaching techniques, assessment strategies and learners’ reading attitude and their impact on learners’ performance, has been conducted. The sample, comprising 535 students and 26 teachers, from target population delimited to Hyderabad, had been selected using random stratified technique of sampling. The findings clarified that earners’ reading attitude, assessment strategies and teaching techniques (independent variables) were strongly correlated to the performance of learners. However, the poor performance of students in English raised a question on assessment strategies, teaching techniques and learners’ attitude. The teachers and students mutually believed that conservative and unproductive teaching and assessment techniques employed by higher secondary school teachers failed to attract and motivate the students in order to enhance their performance. Even the teachers having vast teaching experience were incapable to use modern techniques and AV aids in their classroom teaching and assessment. They were incapable to develop and employ the modern standardized assessment tests. Rather than to focus on learners’ skill development, teachers focused on memorization and rote learning. Consequently, students’ interest toward classroom learning process did not flourish. Their attitude towards learning English was dismal. The research paper is rounded off with suggestions at the end.