Year 2024 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING NGUYEN TRAI UNIVERSITY --- STUDENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECT PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AWARDS FOR THE 2023-2024 ACAD
INTRODUCTION
Rationale for the Study
Globalization and industrialization have heightened the necessity for foreign language proficiency in trade and international relations English has emerged as the global language, drawing in a growing number of learners who seek effective communication with international partners or aim to study abroad In 2022, over 1.5 billion people were using English, highlighting its significance in the global landscape.
With 750 million people globally using English as a second or foreign language, the Ministry of Education in Vietnam is actively enhancing the quality of foreign language education through various innovations and pilot programs, as outlined in Circular 24/2021/TT-BGDĐT.
In Vietnamese universities, English remains the most popular foreign language among non-language majors, with over 65% of first-year students at Nguyen Trai University opting to study it This preference stems from the fact that most students have already undergone 10 to 12 years of English education, leading them to believe that their prior experience will facilitate learning at the university level and enhance their academic performance Furthermore, students recognize that fluency in English can significantly broaden their international communication skills and open up numerous job opportunities, motivating them to dedicate time and effort to mastering the language.
An analysis of the midterm SC2.2 exam results for first-year students at Nguyen Trai University revealed that their reading comprehension scores were notably low.
1 https://www.statista.com/statistics/266808/the-most-spoken-languages-worldwide/
2 https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Giao-duc/Thong- - tu 24 -2021- TT -BGDDT-sua-doi-Thong- tu-23-
In the 2017 midterm exam, students faced challenges with reading comprehension exercises aligned with the A2 level of the CEFR framework, which corresponds to Elementary Level 2 Many struggled with understanding short paragraphs and selecting contextually appropriate vocabulary This difficulty may be attributed to a lack of focus on enhancing reading comprehension skills, which are crucial for success in university coursework.
Dreyer and Nel (2003) found that many South African students enter university unprepared for the extensive reading demands of higher education, which can hinder their academic progress due to poor reading comprehension Their research highlighted the significant improvement in both scores and practical skills among students taught reading comprehension strategies compared to those who were not Similarly, Grabe and Stoller (2002) emphasized the necessity of implementing strategies like adjusting reading goals to enhance reading abilities This underscores the critical need for effective reading instruction in university programs.
In 2004, research confirmed that employing effective reading comprehension strategies can eliminate obstacles to reading, enabling learners to grasp content more swiftly and efficiently The authors will explore these widely acknowledged strategies in the Theoretical Basis chapter.
Recognizing the significance of reading comprehension skills, the research team aimed to explore the challenges faced by non-language majors at Nguyen Trai University in enhancing these skills This investigation was conducted through an analysis of midterm exam results and a survey of the students Based on their findings, the authors will recommend effective practice strategies to assist students in improving their reading comprehension abilities.
Research Objectives
The objectives of this study are to survey the current state of reading comprehension ability of first-year non-language majors at Nguyen Trai University
The midterm exam results for the Elementary 2.2 course, aligned with the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), alongside a survey assessing students' perspectives on reading comprehension skills, aim to elucidate first-year students' views on the significance of these skills Additionally, the study explores the strategies students are employing to enhance their reading comprehension abilities.
The research team collected the midterm exam results of Elementary 2.2 students to create a database for analyzing their reading comprehension abilities.
Then, based on the results obtained, the research team will propose solutions to improve English reading comprehension skills for non-language majors Nguyen atTrai University.
Research Goals
This study is designed achieve the following goals: to
- Survey the current state of students' reading comprehension ability through the Elementary 2.2 midterm exam - roughly equivalent to the A2 level;
- Survey students' awareness of the importance of reading comprehension;
- Survey students' actual reading comprehension practice methods;
- Propose more appropriate reading comprehension skill development methods for students
This research thesis is structured into five chapters, with the current chapter highlighting the concerns surrounding the topic, the rationale for its selection, and the objectives to be achieved Chapter 2 delves into the significance of reading comprehension skills, examines the factors influencing reading passion, identifies potential challenges in developing these skills, and discusses various methods suggested in both domestic and international studies that focus on enhancing reading comprehension strategies.
This chapter outlines the data collection methods used to assess the reading comprehension quality of Nguyen Trai University students, specifically through the Elementary 2.2 Reading Comprehension midterm exam, which aligns with the A2 level of the CEFR framework Additionally, the research team details the process of gathering data via surveys to understand the students' perspectives and techniques for practicing their reading comprehension skills.
Chapter 4 explores the data and presents the results to make assessments of the current state of reading comprehension skills of the group of first-year non- language majors at Nguyen Trai University and propose solutions to help them improve this skill The final chapter summarizes the results obtained during the research process and analyzes the research objectives a multi-dimensional way in
In addition, the limitations of the study are also objectively listed in this chapter.
Structure of the Thesis
Reading is a vital receptive language skill that significantly influences the development of productive skills like writing and speaking Mastering reading is essential for success in learning a foreign language, as it offers valuable insights into vocabulary, phrases, and various grammatical structures.
Regular reading not only enriches readers' knowledge of life but also significantly enhances their vocabulary, improving their ability to articulate ideas effectively in both writing and speaking.
This chapter highlights the significance of reading comprehension skills for foreign language learners and identifies common challenges that impede their development Additionally, it explores strategies to enhance these skills, laying a theoretical foundation for the recommendations presented in subsequent chapters.
2.1 The Importance Reading Comprehension and Factors Influencing of
Understanding written texts is crucial for success in education, the workplace, and daily life According to the National Reading Research (NRP) in the United States, reading comprehension is a multifaceted process that requires the integration of decoding skills, vocabulary knowledge, and textual information to develop new insights Beyond recognizing individual words, readers must synthesize information and infer meanings from the text's language and structure.
RESEARCH OVERVIEW AND THEORETICAL BASIS
Factors Influencing Reading Engagement
Language proficiency is essential for effective reading and comprehension of English texts Limited knowledge of English can create obstacles for students, such as unfamiliar topics, challenging vocabulary, and complex grammar For example, the idiom "It's raining cats and dogs," which means heavy rain, may be misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with it, potentially leading to a misunderstanding of the author's intent Understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for grasping the true meaning of texts.
Perfetti (2007) highlighted the crucial role of vocabulary in enhancing reading comprehension, noting that a robust vocabulary allows students to understand texts more effectively Research consistently shows that vocabulary is a key factor influencing variations in reading comprehension scores (Stanovich, 1986; Stahl).
As learners read extensively and encounter new words in context, they naturally expand their vocabulary and improve their language comprehension This beneficial cycle strengthens over time, as proficient readers often engage in more reading due to the enjoyment they find in understanding content Increased reading exposes them to a wider array of vocabulary, enabling them to tackle more complex texts and ultimately achieve better reading comprehension outcomes.
Grammatical knowledge significantly impacts reading comprehension, as highlighted by Mokhtari & Thompson (2006), who studied the link between syntactic awareness and reading fluency A learner's ability to identify sentence structures—such as subjects, predicates, adjectives, and adverbs—affects their reading speed and improves the accuracy of their understanding.
Cain and Oakhill (2007) emphasized the critical role of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge in reading comprehension Their research identified key factors associated with reading difficulties, including limited vocabulary, inadequate grammatical understanding, and weak information processing skills These deficiencies adversely affect reading comprehension, resulting in lower academic performance and reduced motivation to read Additionally, challenges in grasping text cohesion and story structure further complicate comprehension.
Text cohesion is vital for storytelling, as it highlights the meaningful connections between structural elements of the plot Understanding these connections is essential for effective reading comprehension However, research indicates that some individuals struggle with grasping these cohesive structures, which negatively impacts their ability to comprehend information from the text.
Research by Yuill & Oakhill (1991) revealed that children often struggle with reading comprehension, particularly in following story sequences, which hampers their ability to retell narratives or answer questions accurately Similarly, Cain & Oakhill (2006) identified that difficulties in making connections between events can lead to misinterpretations and a poor understanding of the main idea Furthermore, Van den Broek (2012) emphasized the impact of individual cognitive factors on reading comprehension, noting that differences in processing information and creating coherence among story events significantly affect comprehension quality.
Perfetti & Adlof (2012) introduced a comprehensive reading comprehension model that highlights the importance of making inferences about future events in a story, which aids in maintaining story coherence and improving comprehension quality Recognizing the connections between sentences and paragraphs is essential for understanding the overall meaning of the text Additionally, challenges in motivation can impact reading comprehension.
Motivation is a key factor that drives individuals to actively seek out and absorb information from text Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong link between reading motivation and reading comprehension ability
Grabe and Stoller (2002) highlighted the importance of nurturing reading motivation in learners, as motivated readers are more likely to engage deeply in the reading process, resulting in improved information retention Additionally, research conducted by Seymour and Walsh supports this notion, indicating that motivation plays a crucial role in effective reading strategies.
Research by Morgan & Fuchs (2006, 2007) shows that highly motivated readers actively pursue effective reading strategies, which enhances their comprehension of academic texts Additionally, students with strong reading motivation are more inclined to develop their reading skills further.
Ahmadi (2013 & 2016) highlighted the crucial relationship between motivation and reading comprehension Motivated readers exhibit improved focus, enhanced memory, and more effective information processing, resulting in a deeper understanding of texts Conversely, low reading motivation contributes to comprehension challenges, as unmotivated individuals often display passivity and disinterest, which hinders their ability to absorb and understand the material.
Understanding the content of a reading passage a complex cognitive process that is relies on various factors, including memory Adams al (2018) identified the role et of working memory in:
• Decoding words: Working memory enables us to sound out unfamiliar words and connect them to their meanings
• Integrating information: Working memory helps connect individual words to form the overall meaning of the text
• Drawing inferences: Working memory allows us to link what we are reading our existing knowledge make inferences and understand to to the bigger picture
In essence, working memory serves as a temporary storage for information processing during reading
Adams & Shahnazari-Dorcheh (2014) found that a higher working memory capacity enhances second language reading comprehension by supporting the cognitive load needed for processing unfamiliar vocabulary and grammar Similarly, Shehu (2015) highlighted that challenges in memorizing vocabulary and grammar impede comprehension, underscoring the crucial role of memory in storing and accessing language knowledge for effective reading.
Research identifies four key obstacles that impede learners' reading comprehension Firstly, limited vocabulary and grammar knowledge hinder their understanding of texts and the author's message Secondly, difficulties in grasping text cohesion and story structure affect their ability to extract and construct meaning from information Additionally, a lack of motivation reduces their engagement with reading, resulting in inefficient information retention and comprehension challenges Lastly, low working memory capacity restricts their ability to process information, complicating the storage and retrieval of essential vocabulary and grammar for effective understanding.
Strategies for Enhancing Reading Comprehension Skills
Effective reading comprehension is essential for language learning, yet it presents challenges for foreign language learners Research indicates that enhancing reading skills can be achieved through three main strategies: developing background language, improving background knowledge, and adopting effective reading approaches.
Limitations in language proficiency, such as restricted vocabulary and insufficient grammatical knowledge, significantly impede foreign language learners' comprehension of texts Schmitt (2000) emphasized that vocabulary knowledge is crucial for achieving communicative competence and mastering a second language Learners with a robust vocabulary can swiftly understand sentences, paragraphs, and entire passages Additionally, Nation (2001) and Maximo (2000) highlighted that expanding vocabulary is vital for mastering a foreign language and is a fundamental aspect of learners' ability to create complete spoken and written texts.
According to Nation (2001), several effective vocabulary development strategies include:
• Contextual guessing: Inferring the meanings of unknown words based on clues within the text
• Using flashcards: Employing flashcards actively learn vocabulary to
• Analyzing word structure: Breaking down compound words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes to aid in memorization
Foreign language learners must not only build their vocabulary but also develop a strong understanding of grammar to enhance the accuracy and coherence of their texts To address grammar-related inquiries, learners can consult grammar reference books or reliable websites Additionally, they can improve their grammatical knowledge through various effective methods.
• Contextual grammar analysis: Analyzing the usage of grammatical structures in real-world reading passages to grasp their functions and meanings (Ellis, 2006)
• Reading high-quality books and articles: Regularly exposing themselves to accurate and coherent written language acquire natural grammar usage (Nation, to
By combining these strategies and practicing regularly, foreign language learners can gradual improve their grammatical knowledge and use language accurately, ly flexibly, and effectively b Enhancing Background Knowledge
Background knowledge, as defined by Huang (2009), is a learner's existing understanding of the world, shaped by experiences both inside and outside the classroom Carrell (1983) found that having rich background knowledge related to a reading topic enhances learners' ability to make predictions, fill knowledge gaps, and achieve a deeper comprehension of the text Furthermore, Smith et al (2021) analyzed 23 studies and concluded that readers with substantial knowledge of a topic can easily grasp related texts, while those unfamiliar with a subject struggle to understand it To strengthen background knowledge, learners should participate in discussions on various subjects, including current events, culture, history, and science (Sheha, 2014).
Effective reading comprehension strategies leverage a reader's background knowledge and life experiences to enhance understanding and make inferences Initially, readers activate their prior knowledge related to the topic, using elements like the title, images, and prompting questions to anticipate the main idea and key points Throughout the reading process, they continuously verify their predictions against the actual text, adjusting and refining them as necessary to align with the content Techniques such as skimming, scanning, and pre-reading questioning are integral to this strategy, facilitating a deeper engagement with the material.
Reading comprehension strategies emphasize the development of decoding skills, starting from the smallest language units, such as letters, and progressively advancing to larger units like words and sentences (Gough, 1972; Carrell and Eisterhold, 1983) This approach involves identifying individual characters to form words and then recognizing those words within the context of sentences Effective techniques in this strategy include using context clues to infer word meanings, annotating unfamiliar vocabulary, and analyzing sentence structure to enhance understanding.
Top-down and bottom-up reading approaches work in tandem, enhancing reading comprehension Readers utilize bottom-up processing to decode text and verify initial predictions formed through top-down processing Background knowledge plays a crucial role, aiding in understanding new vocabulary and complex grammar By effectively integrating these two strategies, readers can significantly boost their comprehension skills and acquire new knowledge more effectively.
Mastering reading comprehension in a foreign language is a challenging yet achievable skill that demands dedication and effort from learners By implementing effective strategies to build vocabulary, expand background knowledge, and engage in reading comprehension practices before, during, and after reading, learners can steadily enhance their understanding This approach enables them to confidently navigate a rich array of resources in the target language.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Approach
The authors utilized a mixed-methods research design to explore the reading comprehension skills of non-English majors, focusing on their common challenges and coping strategies By integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of reading comprehension among this group.
• Survey of students' reading comprehension skills through a standardized test
• Survey of the strategies students employ in response to specific reading comprehension situations
• Survey students' perceptions the difficulties they encounter of of in reading comprehension tasks
• Survey of the methods students currently use to enhance their reading comprehension skills
The mixed-methods approach was selected for its ability to combine the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research, allowing for a more thorough understanding of the research problem Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, the researchers offered solutions and recommendations aimed at helping students enhance their reading comprehension skills.
Research Instruments
This research aimed to investigate the current state, identify the challenges faced by students reading comprehension tasks, and propose methods improve in to
This study focuses on the English reading comprehension skills of first-year non-English majors at Trai University Researchers employed a survey questionnaire to gather data, alongside an analysis of mid-term exam results for the Elementary 2.2 level.
The authors aimed to gain an objective understanding of students' reading comprehension skills by obtaining permission from the English Department of Nguyen Trai University to utilize the mid-term exam results from the Elementary 2.2 Basic English course.
The mid-term English exam for this level has the following structure: Listening (10 questions), Vocabulary - Grammar (10 questions), and Reading Comprehension
This research concentrated on assessing reading comprehension skills by analyzing results from 10 questions across two sections Section 1 required participants to read a paragraph and answer questions, while Section 2 involved selecting the most contextually appropriate word from another paragraph Following the exam, the researchers gathered the correct answers from both sections and imported the data into Microsoft Excel for thorough analysis and processing.
Surveys are a valuable tool for researchers to gather data on various topics, as highlighted by Kelley et al (2003) They offer convenience for participants, who can easily express their opinions by selecting options or providing brief written responses Furthermore, open-ended questions in surveys enhance this capability, allowing for more nuanced insights (Sandelowski, 2000).
Kelley (2003) and Evans and Mathur (2005) contend that surveys often fail to provide comprehensive information, particularly when researchers lack objectivity and struggle to balance various research objectives When subjective opinions heavily influence survey questions, it can lead to confusion and skew research outcomes However, the drawbacks of surveys are relatively minor when weighed against their advantages in terms of time efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of analysis, and data storage (Grimmer & Bialocerkowski, 2005).
Researchers developed a well-structured questionnaire featuring a mix of 6 closed-ended and 2 open-ended questions to gather data on students' challenges in understanding English texts The survey focused on two primary areas: the difficulties students encounter while studying English and the strategies they employ to enhance their reading comprehension skills Examples of questions included in the survey illustrate these key themes.
Data Collection and Processing
Data Collection and Processing of Test Results
The research team analyzed students' answer sheets by coding the results into Excel for data processing They employed mean calculations to determine the average number of mistakes per test and across different reading comprehension formats Additionally, the mode calculation method was used to identify the most frequent number of incorrect answers in each class The findings for each class were organized and presented in a data table.
Data Collection and Processing of Survey Questionnaire
After finalizing the survey questionnaire on Google Forms, the authors requested English teachers from the K23 cohort to distribute the link to their respective classes To maintain objectivity, the teachers were instructed to clearly articulate the survey's purpose and research objectives, ensuring that students comprehended the content and intent of the questionnaire This approach aimed to elicit genuine and constructive responses from the students.
Due to incomplete responses from some students in the survey, the total results reflected fewer participants than the total surveyed After collecting the answers, the research team utilized Google Forms to analyze and visually present the data through pie charts, providing a comprehensive overview of the received responses.
Analysis Summary
After completing data analysis and processing, results will be classified by specific topics to address the research questions This study adhered to strict principles of security and privacy, ensuring that students' information security needs were met throughout the research process, from recruitment to data analysis All information and opinions gathered from interview and survey participants were kept confidential and utilized solely for research purposes.
By integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods, the research team gathered diverse data from multiple sources, leading to a thorough understanding of the research problem This approach enabled the team to formulate conclusions and recommendations of significant practical value, ultimately aiding in addressing real-world challenges in the education sector.
This study utilized statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, to process the collected data The findings were visually represented through tables and charts, providing descriptive data for the paper.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
The current status of reading comprehension skills based on test results
In the two reading passages analyzed, students exhibited a higher error rate in Reading Comprehension 2 (multiple choice) compared to Reading Comprehension 1 (question answering) This discrepancy may stem from the increased vocabulary and contextual understanding required for Reading Comprehension 2 Notably, the predominant type of error across both tests was identified as error mode 2, suggesting that students generally struggle with similar challenges in both assessments.
The reading comprehension test results indicate that students across all classes made errors in both test formats However, the average number of mistakes and the predominant types of errors differ among the classes.
Low scores in reading comprehension tests often stem from inadequate practice with the specific types of questions asked This lack of familiarity can result in confusion and mistakes, exacerbated by poor time management during the test Students may struggle to allocate their time effectively across sections, leading to insufficient time to complete the test or causing them to rush, which further increases the likelihood of errors.
Figure 2 Students' reading comprehension test results
4.2 Difficulties encountered by students the reading comprehension in process a Vocabulary difficulties
A recent survey revealed that a significant challenge for non-English majors is vocabulary comprehension when reading English texts, with 81.8% of students reporting difficulties related to vocabulary during reading comprehension exercises.
18.2% of students reported that the passage contained many new words
31.2% of students had difficulty dealing with phrases and idioms they had never encountered or used before
32.5% of students had difficulty when the passage contained polysemous words, leading to difficulty choosing the meaning appropriate for the context
Many students struggle with vocabulary, failing to meet necessary quality and quantity standards This lack of background knowledge often results in misinterpretations of passages, causing misunderstandings of context and difficulty in grasping word meanings In a recent survey, only 18.2% of students reported not facing vocabulary issues during reading comprehension exercises.
Chart 1 Chart of difficulties related vocabulary understand reading textto to b Grammar and text structure difficulties
Students face challenges in reading comprehension not only due to vocabulary issues but also because of difficulties with grammar and text structure Survey data indicates that many students struggle to understand passages when confronted with grammatical complexities and organizational patterns within the text.
A recent survey revealed significant grammar difficulties among students, with only 24.7% reporting no issues while reading Notably, 42.9% of students struggled with long sentences, which hindered their comprehension of the text This indicates that many students face challenges with compound and complex sentences, likely due to a lack of familiarity with advanced grammatical structures compared to their high school English curriculum Additionally, 15.6% of students found new grammatical structures in the passage challenging, and 16.9% had trouble identifying key sentence components like the subject and predicate.
A significant 40.3% of students demonstrated no difficulties with text structure, contrasting with grammar challenges However, 13% struggled to identify the topic sentence in paragraphs, largely due to inadequate instruction on recognizing main ideas and supporting details in reading comprehension Additionally, 16.9% faced challenges in grasping the connections between ideas, potentially stemming from limited vocabulary that led to misinterpretations Furthermore, 29.9% of students found it difficult to identify the main idea of entire paragraphs, likely due to insufficient exposure to passages that required a comprehensive understanding during high school.
A recent study reveals that first-year non-majors struggle significantly with grammar and text structure, impacting their reading comprehension Key grammar challenges include deciphering long, complex sentences and recognizing sentence components Additionally, students face difficulties in text structure, such as pinpointing the topic sentence, grasping the relationships between ideas, and identifying the main idea of paragraphs These challenges may stem from high school teaching methods that prioritize answering questions over fostering comprehensive reading skills.
Chart 2 Diagram of grammar-related difficulties in understanding reading passages
Chart 3 Diagram of difficulties related text structure to c Background knowledge difficulties
Survey results indicate that background knowledge significantly influences students' English reading comprehension skills The research team identified several issues linked to background knowledge that impede reading abilities.
A significant 6.5% of students struggle with understanding a passage due to a lack of background knowledge on the topic This gap in comprehension may stem from a disinterest in the subject matter or its irrelevance to their major, resulting in a lack of initiative to engage with the content.
A significant 27.3% of students lack sufficient background knowledge on the topic, primarily acquiring only general information passively from the internet or media This limited understanding hinders their ability to connect relevant background information with the text, ultimately impacting their capacity for deep and comprehensive comprehension of the material.
Cultural differences significantly impact comprehension, with 31.2% of students misinterpreting passages due to the disparity between Vietnamese and English cultures This misunderstanding often stems from a lack of initiative among students to learn about American-English culture, resulting in insufficient grasp of essential cultural details within the text.
Figure 4 Chart of difficulties related to background knowledge
Addressing knowledge background issues can contribute to improving students' English learning effectiveness, helping them achieve better results reading in comprehension and using the language d Challenges Related to Learning Awareness
The second research question was “At what level does students' learning awareness affect their current reading comprehension practices and attitudes in
The verification of students' learning awareness was represented by the question
In response to question number 5 of the survey, which asked participants about their weekly reading time for English texts, the research team analyzed the collected data and reached several key conclusions.
Approximately 59.7% of students allocate between 1 to 4 hours each week to reading English texts, highlighting their awareness of the significance of English reading comprehension This commitment may stem from a desire to enhance their skills or may simply be a means of preparing for upcoming English class assessments.
Reading Comprehension Strategies Employed by Students
Many students struggle with anxiety over understanding text meaning and face vocabulary deficiencies during English reading comprehension A survey revealed that seventeen students felt apprehensive about grasping the content, affecting their ability to answer questions accurately Furthermore, thirty students reported a lack of vocabulary, hindering their interpretation of terms and overall comprehension These challenges adversely affect students' psychological well-being and academic performance, highlighting the need for targeted support from instructors.
Apart from these primary concerns, students also expressed anxieties related to:
Mistranslating or failing to fully comprehend the passage
Encountering two answer choices with similar meanings
Inability translate specific words to
Encountering unfamiliar words or phrases
Inability to locate the information required to answer questions
Inability to identify the main idea
Failing fully grasp the meaning to of the passage
When the passage contains numerous advanced vocabulary terms
Inability to understand answer choices
The research team aimed to identify the reading comprehension strategies used by students by analyzing responses to survey question number 6, which asked, "What do you do when you encounter a passage you don't understand while reading?"
Chart 6 Chart showing methods of reading and understanding passages The survey results reveal that the majority of students (55.8%) utilize dictionaries to look up unfamiliar words This indicates their recognition of the significance of vocabulary in language learning and their active efforts expand their vocabulary to base However, 19.5% of students skip passages they fail to understand This strategy is ineffective as it can lead to misinterpretations of the reading's content Additionally, 16.9% of students translate the entire text into Vietnamese This approach is also not an efficient way to enhance English reading comprehension skills Notably, only 1.3% of students stop reading upon encountering new words This could be attributed to boredom or a lack of confidence in their ability to comprehend the text
Apart from these prevalent strategies, some students suggested alternative approaches:
Utilizing online translation tools like Google Translate
Inferring word meanings based on context
Identifying keywords and guessing their closest meanings
Drawing inferences based on known words
Engaging self-directed English practice in
Incorporating reading comprehension into English language games
Student feedback highlights a variety of effective strategies and approaches for improving English reading comprehension skills These strategies include:
Extensive reading is a vital strategy for enhancing vocabulary and improving comprehension skills It is important to encourage students to engage in active reading practices, such as asking questions, summarizing key points, and relating the material to their own experiences, which can significantly deepen their understanding of the text.
Expanding vocabulary is essential for students to enhance their reading comprehension To facilitate this growth, it's important to teach effective vocabulary learning strategies, including the use of flashcards, the creation of word lists, and the integration of new words into both writing and speaking activities.
Consistent practice is crucial for enhancing students' reading comprehension skills and building their confidence in reading tasks This regular engagement is vital for developing fluent and self-assured reading abilities Instructors should offer diverse reading opportunities, including graded readers, authentic materials, and online resources, to support this growth.
By incorporating these strategies into their study habits, students can effectively enhance their English language proficiency and reading comprehension skills.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Methodology Recommendations
5.1.1 Methods to Address the Current Situation
To address the current state of students' awareness of English reading comprehension, the following methods should be implemented: a Utilizing skimming and scanning techniques:
Research by King (2010) highlights that skimming and scanning techniques significantly enhance reading speed and comprehension, allowing readers to efficiently absorb information in both academic and professional environments.
Skimming: Helps students grasp the main idea of a text without having to read every word They can focus on headings, opening paragraphs, bold or italicized sections, and conclusions
Scanning: Used to locate specific information within a text Students will quickly search for keywords or important details b Expanding vocabulary:
Linguist Paul Nation (2001) highlighted that a robust vocabulary is crucial for developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills Effective communication and idea expression are hindered by a limited vocabulary In line with this perspective, a research team explored and suggests two strategies to assist students in enhancing their vocabulary.
Encouraging students to learn vocabulary in context is essential for understanding how to use words effectively in sentences Utilizing bilingual or English-English dictionaries allows them to explore meanings and see examples, enhancing their comprehension and retention of new words.
Utilizing vocabulary learning applications: Applications like Quizlet, Anki, or Duolingo can assist students in effective vocabulary acquisition through flashcards and practice exercises c Applying interactive learning methods:
Hannell (2008) introduced interactive reading strategies, such as sharing thoughts and engaging in group discussions, to enhance learners' comprehension and articulation, ultimately making reading a more engaging and effective experience Two interactive learning methods particularly beneficial for university students include collaborative discussions and peer feedback sessions.
Group discussion: Create opportunities for students to discuss the texts they have read in small groups to share their understanding and opinions
Reading and summarizing: Encourage students to read passages and then summarize the main points orally or in writing d Developing regular reading habits:
Extensive reading is a highly effective method for enhancing fluency and overall language proficiency, as noted by Day and Bamford (1998) By engaging in extensive reading, learners are exposed to new vocabulary and grammatical structures within context, facilitating better language acquisition and usage To cultivate consistent reading habits, students can create a structured reading plan.
Daily reading: Encourage students to dedicate time to reading in English every day, starting with short, easy- -understand texts and gradually to progressing to more complex materials
Reading about favorite topics: Help students choose materials on topics they enjoy to increase their interest and motivation to read e Receiving feedback and comments from teachers:
Teachers should prioritize tasks, procedures, and self-regulation strategies to enhance student learning, as highlighted by Brookhart (2008) Constructive feedback is essential for helping learners identify their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to recognize their progress By providing effective feedback, teachers can guide students in their next steps to improve reading comprehension skills.
Personalized feedback: Teachers should provide personalized feedback on each student's reading comprehension, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
Supplemental support: Offer additional tutoring or individual consultations for students facing particular challenges
5.1.2 Methods to Enhance Reading Comprehension Skills
To improve English reading comprehension skills for first-year non-English majors, it is essential to implement diverse and effective strategies Research has shown that active and interactive teaching methods significantly enhance students' awareness and learning attitudes, making them more engaged in the learning process.
Research by Harmer (2015) highlights that interactive and communicative teaching methods, including project-based learning and problem-solving activities, significantly enhance active learning and improve students' reading comprehension skills These approaches foster greater student participation and facilitate a deeper understanding and practical application of acquired knowledge The research team has identified two effective methods for teachers to implement in the classroom.
Project-Based Learning enables students to collaborate in groups on projects that enhance their reading comprehension of English texts This approach not only allows them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios but also fosters the development of essential teamwork skills.
Discussion-based learning fosters deeper comprehension and enhances reasoning skills as students engage in conversations about the texts studied in class Additionally, this approach aids in the development of vocabulary and grammar, enriching students' language proficiency.
The connection between vocabulary and grammar was proposed by Swan (2005), who stated that grammar instruction should be integrated with reading activities
Analyzing grammatical structures in target texts allows learners to observe the application of rules in real-world communication, thereby improving their grammatical competence This approach fosters vocabulary and grammar development in English reading comprehension through direct instruction and extensive exposure to authentic language contexts By integrating these methods, students can effectively grasp and utilize vocabulary and grammar, while also enhancing their reasoning and analytical skills.
Reasoning and analytical skills are crucial for enhancing English reading comprehension, enabling readers to understand both the literal and deeper meanings of a text Developing these skills is vital for students aiming to improve their reading abilities Educators can implement effective strategies to guide students in honing these essential skills.
Text analysis is essential for students to effectively dissect the components of a text, including the topic, main idea, and supporting details By guiding them through this process, they can gain a clearer understanding of the text's structure and meaning, enhancing their overall comprehension and analytical skills.
Encouraging students to explore a diverse range of texts, including news articles, short stories, and academic materials, is essential for enhancing their reading skills This exposure helps them familiarize themselves with various writing styles and sentence structures, ultimately improving their comprehension and adaptability in different contexts Utilizing a variety of appropriate learning materials is key to fostering a well-rounded literary experience.
Researcher Rosenblatt (1978) highlighted the importance of selecting diverse and appropriate texts to create a meaningful reading experience When readers engage with various types of texts, they can connect their own knowledge and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding Access to a wide range of materials not only increases students' interest in reading but also expands their knowledge and improves their analytical and critical thinking skills The research team suggests two effective methods for teachers to implement in the classroom.
Choose materials appropriate for the level: Provide reading comprehension materials appropriate for the students' level, starting with simple texts and gradually increasing the difficulty
Use online resources: Encourage students to use websites like Newsela, BBC Learning English, or reading comprehension apps like ReadTheory to access a variety of readings
Suggestions for Further Research
Based on the above limitations, the following suggestions for further research are proposed:
Conduct long-term research: Conduct research over a longer period of time so that students have sufficient time to access, practice, and apply a variety of reading comprehension methods
Propose more methods: Provide more reading comprehension methods so that students have the opportunity to choose the method that suits them best
Use assessment tests: Add additional tests to ensure the objectivity of the research results
Expand the research subjects: Conduct research with students of different levels assess the impact to of level on reading comprehension activities and the application of reading comprehension strategies
NÂNG CAO KỸ NĂNG ĐỌC HIỂU TIẾNG ANH CHO SINH VIÊN
KHÔNG CHUYÊN TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC NGUYỄN TRÃI
(Enhancing English Reading Comprehension Skills for Non-English Majors at Nguyen Trai University)
Nghiên cứu này nhằm thu thập dữ liệu về thói quen luyện tập đọc văn bản tiếng Anh, các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến kỹ năng đọc và chiến lược xử lý vấn đề trong quá trình đọc Để đảm bảo tính chính xác của dữ liệu phục vụ cho mục tiêu nghiên cứu, xin quý vị vui lòng không tham khảo tài liệu khi tham gia khảo sát.
Nhóm nghiên cứu xin chân thành cảm ơn các bạn đã dành thời gian tham gia khảo sát này
This survey seeks to collect information on the English reading habits of non-English majors, exploring the factors that affect their reading abilities and the problem-solving strategies they utilize during reading.
To ensure the accuracy of the data collected for the research purpose, please refrain from consulting any materials during the survey
The research team sincerely appreciates your time and participation this survey in
Do you face challenges related to vocabulary when trying to understand the text? Many learners encounter numerous new words in the lesson, as well as unfamiliar phrases and idioms Additionally, some words may have multiple meanings, leading to confusion about which definition is applicable in the context However, some individuals may not experience any difficulties at all.
Many readers encounter grammar-related difficulties when trying to understand the text This is primarily due to the presence of numerous new grammatical structures, which can complicate comprehension Additionally, identifying the parts of a sentence, such as the subject and predicate, poses a challenge The text also contains several long sentences, further hindering the ability to grasp the overall meaning However, some readers may not experience these issues at all.
Question 3: Do you experience difficulties related to text structure when understanding the reading material? a Unable to identify the topic sentence in the paragraphs b Lack of understanding regarding the connections between ideas in the text c Cannot determine the main idea of the text d No.
When it comes to understanding a text, individuals may face several challenges related to their background knowledge Some may have never encountered the topic before, while others might lack sufficient knowledge related to the subject matter Additionally, cultural differences between Vietnamese and English can lead to misunderstandings of the text However, some individuals may not experience any difficulties at all.
How much time do you dedicate to reading English texts each week? Options include less than one hour, between one to four hours, or more than four hours.
When encountering a paragraph that is difficult to understand, there are several strategies you can employ First, using a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words can enhance comprehension Alternatively, you might choose to stop reading to reflect on the content Translating the entire paragraph into Vietnamese is another option for clearer understanding If the paragraph remains confusing, skipping it and continuing with the rest of the text can help maintain your reading flow Lastly, you may consider other methods that work best for you in such situations.
Câu 7 Vấn đề bạn lo lắng nhất khi làm bài đọc hiểu là gì? (What the problem is that worries you the most when doing reading comprehension exercises?)
Câu 8 Bạn nghĩ có thể làm cách nào để cái thiện kỹ năng đọc hiểu? What do you think are some ways to improve reading comprehension skills?
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