Using different techniques and strategies to improve English reading skills: A review of literature

Authors

  • Chanthoeun Yung National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia
  • Pisith Chin National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia
  • Thach Ban National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia
  • Sereyrath Em Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 3000, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69496/cjess.v1i1.13

Keywords:

Effective strategies, Reading skills, Scanning, Skimming, Techniques

Abstract

This article explores the various strategies employed by effective readers throughout the stages of skimming, scanning, prediction-making, questioning, pre-reading, reading, and post-reading in language learning classrooms. The study aims to discern the techniques utilized in learning and teaching effective English reading skills. It emphasizes the importance of learners mastering techniques for efficiently skimming and scanning texts, as well as making accurate predictions and posing insightful questions. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of teachers' strong understanding of the procedures required to teach reading skills and create comprehensive lesson plans to improve English reading skills. Ways to improve could include incorporating a range of reading materials to meet various learning styles, promoting a supportive learning environment that motivates interaction with texts, and offering plenty of guided practice and feedback opportunities.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Chanthoeun Yung, National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia

Mr. Chanthoeun Yung steps into the position of principal at Tactic International School, where his leadership plays a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of academic success and overall student growth. In 2017, he completed his studies with excellence, obtaining a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Bachelor's Degree from Western University, Kampong Cham campus, initiating his academic pursuit in education. Mr. Chanthoeun Yung showed his dedication to improving his teaching skills by earning a Master's Degree in Education Sciences from the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear (NUCK), Kampong Cham campus in 2021. Unfazed by the responsibilities of his position, he is currently dedicating himself to a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the renowned NUCK, Kampong Cham campus again. Mr. Chanthoeun Yung's diverse academic experiences and continuous efforts to improve professionally demonstrate his dedication to improving educational methods and creating a dynamic learning atmosphere at Tactic International School.

Pisith Chin, National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia

Mr. Pisith Chin is the executive director at the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear (NUCK), Kampong Cham Campus. His natural leadership skills have greatly improved the institution's reputation and popularity with students. Mr. Pisith Chin has successfully navigated the educational sector for twenty years, smoothly transitioning from teaching to key leadership roles at NUCK, demonstrating a deep grasp of academic administration complexities. His ability to plan ahead and effectively manage operations has established NUCK as a leading institution in education, drawing attention and praise from academics. Mr. Pisith Chin began his academic journey by obtaining a Master's Degree in Business Administration from NUCK in 2009, after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Management from the National Institute of Management in 2003, showing dedication to scholarly inquiry and professional advancement. In addition to his academic studies, Mr. Pisith Chin received specialized training as a higher education teacher in Economics and Geography at the National Institute of Education (NIE) from 2003 to 2004, enhancing his teaching skills. Currently engaged in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Science at NUCK, Mr. Pisith Chin's academic influence goes beyond the boundaries of typical academia, with around 11 articles published and co-written in respected educational journals. His dedication to promoting knowledge and encouraging academic discussions in the educational field is evident through his easily accessible contributions on online platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

Thach Ban, National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, Kampong Cham Campus, Cambodia

Mr. Thach Ban holds the prestigious position of Vice-Executive Director at the Kampong Cham Campus of the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear (NUCK), contributing significantly to the institution's academic mission and strategic goals. At the same time, Mr. Thach Ban is deeply involved in demanding doctoral studies, working towards a Ph.D. in Educational Science at NUCK. His research interests involve a strong concentration on English Language Teaching (ELT) and higher education, showing his deep dedication to exploring new teaching methods and addressing important issues in the education field. Mr. Thach Ban's various responsibilities as a university administrator and committed researcher highlight his steadfast commitment to academic excellence and his valuable contributions to the academic discussions on ELT and higher education.

Sereyrath Em, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 3000, Thailand

Dr. Sereyrath Em is a Cambodian government teacher of English with a higher education degree, a visiting lecturer at the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear (NUCK) and some other universities, and an Editor at the Cambodian Journal of Educational Research (CJER). He is also the founder and the Editor-in-Chief of the Cambodian Journal of Educational and Social Sciences (CJESS). Prior to this, he was a secondary school teacher of English and Khmer languages. In 2017, he graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL) from Human Resource University (HRU), and in 2019, he graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the National Institute of Education (NIE) with the support from Cambodia International Education Support Foundation (CIESF), and he earned his MBA from the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NIEI) in 2023. Then in late 2023, he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Science from Khemarak University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From 2020 until now, he has studied and become a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Cambodia too. He was also trained at the Regional Language Center (RELC) two times between early 2020 and early 2021 concerning teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing. He also attended a seminar on Green Energy Development for Cambodia in Beijing, China in September 2024. His research interests include English language teaching, teaching methodology, educational management and science, educational leadership, learning and teaching motivation, and learning and teaching challenges. Currently, he is also a Ph.D. student specializing in Cooperative Education at the Institute of Social Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand.

References

Abdelrahman, M. S. H. B., & Bsharah, M. S. (2014). The effect of speed-reading strategies on developing reading comprehension among the secondary students in English language. English Language Teaching, 7(6), 168-174. https://ideas.repec.org/a/ibn/eltjnl/v7y2014i6p168.html

Ahmmed, R. (2016). Effectiveness of reading English newspapers for improving vocabulary and reading skills of students of Dhaka University. The Millennium University Journal, 1(1), 68-76. http://www.themillenniumuniversity.edu.bd/journal/index.php/TMUJ/article/view/8

Aziza, I. N. (2020). The importance of the English language. International Journal on Orange Technologies, 2(1), 22-24. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/333378-the-importance-of-english-language-2c7b6d03.pdf

Baleghizadeh, S., & Zakervafaei, H. (2020). Analyzing post-reading comprehension questions and task types in "Four Corners". MEXTESOL Journal, 44(1), 1-11. https://mextesol.net/journal/public/files/e7a4bc946ea8459b0c048a49543ce29d.pdf

Banditvilai, C. (2020). The effectiveness of reading strategies on reading comprehension. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 10(2), 46-50. https://www.ijssh.net/vol10/1012-CH06.pdf

Bojovic, M. (2010). Reading skills and reading comprehension in English for specific purposes. The International Language Conference on the Importance of Learning Professional Foreign Languages for Communication between Cultures, 23(9), 1-6.

Cartwright, K. B. (2012). Insights from cognitive neuroscience: The importance of executive function for early reading development and education. Early Education & Development, 23(1), 24-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2011.615025

Chan, H. (2018). Cambodian EFL students' investment in learning English: Perspectives and practices. Teflin Journal, 29(1), 45-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.15639/teflinjournal

Coxhead, A. (2005). Reading skills for success: A guide to academic texts. Reading in a Foreign Language, 17(1), 74-77. https://www.proquest.com/openview/25b25478712cf3f8eaafedc7fa2f746d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2031868

Dunlosky, J. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266

Em, S. (2022). Challenges of English language learning and teaching in Cambodia: A case study of Kith Meng Brasat high school. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 62-80. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2022.02.01.04

Em, S. (2023). Encouraging English language study in Cambodian higher education institutions: A case study of Takeo province (2012-2022) [Doctoral dissertation, Khemarak University]. English Academic Essay (EAE). https://englishacademicessay.org/2023/12/27/encouraging-english-language-study-in-cambodian-higher-education-institutions-a-case-study-of-takeo-province-2012-2022/

Em, S., & Khampirat, B. (2024). Exploring the motivation for English reading among Cambodian university students: A cross-sectional study. SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4816648

Em, S., & Mao, Y. (2022). English for Cambodian high school exams. English Academic Essay (EAE). https://englishacademicessay.org/2022/08/15/english-for-cambodian-high-school-exams/

Em, S., & Nun, N. (2022). Cambodian grade-12 students’ perceptions of public English textbook and exam papers. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 5(4), 909-917. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v5i4.p909-917

Em, S., Yun, M., Dorn, B., Sao, V., & Sin, P. (2022). Cambodian students’ motivation in learning the English language: A small-scale survey at a private high school in Phnom Penh. Journal of Research on English and Language Learning (J-REaLL), 3(2), 104-113. http://dx.doi.org/10.33474/j-reall.v3i2.16764

Griffiths, G. G., & Biancarosa, G. (2012). Technology tools to support reading in the digital age. The Future of Children, 22(2), 139-160. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23317415

Güzel, S. (2022). The importance of reading activities in reading comprehension. Disiplinlerarası Yenilik Araştırmaları Dergisi, 2(1), 29-34. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/dyad/issue/82658/1429055

Heng, D., Pang, S., & Em, S. (2023). Challenges of teaching mixed-ability EFL classes: A study of two private schools. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 6(3), 591-604. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v6i3.p591-604

Houn, T., & Em, S. (2022). Common factors affecting grade-12 students’ speaking fluency: A survey of Cambodian high school students. Jurnal As-Salam, 6(1), 11-24. https://doi.org/10.37249/assalam.v6i1.360

Indriyana, B. S., & Kuswandono, P. (2019). Developing students' higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in reading: English teachers' strategies in selected junior high schools. Journal of English Teaching, 5(3), 204-216. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1266185

Iwai, Y. (2016). Promoting strategic reader: Insights of preservice teachers’ vice teachers’ understanding of metacognitive reading strategies. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2016.100104

Jufri, J. (2018). Teaching reading by making predictions at senior high school. Journal of English Language Teaching, 6(1), 252-261. https://doi.org/10.24036/jelt.v6i1.9692

Keo, P., Yoeurn, S., Prom, M., Chin, P., & Em, S. (2022). Cambodian Buddhist monk students’ motivation in learning English: The case of Hun Neng Buddhist primary school, Kampong Cham Town. Jurnal As-Salam, 6(2), 105-121. https://doi.org/10.37249/assalam.v6i2.405

Khaki, N. (2014). Improving reading comprehension in a foreign language: Strategic readers. Journal of Education, 14(2), 186–200. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1046935

Khamraeva, G. I. (2016). Benefits of implementation of pre-, while, and post-reading activities in language learning. International Scientific Journal, 4 (1), 45-46. https://www.inter-nauka.com/uploads/public/14623432554507.pdf

Kheang, T., Chin, P., & Em, S. (2024). Reading motivation to promote students’ reading comprehension: A review study. SSRN. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.25641.81766

Kilpatrick, D. (2015). Essentials of assessing, preventing, and overcoming reading difficulties. John Wiley & Sons. https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/admin/Files/20201207143722_Book_Study_Facilitator_Guide.pdf

Kim, D. (2020). Learning language, learning culture: Teaching language to the whole student. ECNU Review of Education, 3(3), 519-541. https://doi.org/10.1177/2096531120936693

Küçükoğlu, H. (2013). Improving reading skills through effective reading strategies. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 70, 709-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.01.113

Le, H. V., Nguyen, T. A. D., Le, D. H. N., Nguyen, P. U., & Nguyen, T. T. A. (2024). Unveiling critical reading strategies and challenges: a mixed-methods study among English major students in a Vietnamese higher education institution. Cogent Education, 11(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2326732

Moore, M.A, A. L. (2015). Reading comprehension. A research review of cognitive skills, strategies, and interventions [Manuscript submitted for publication]. https://cdndownload.learningrx.com/reading-comprehension-research-paper.pdf

Muddin, A., & Rahayamtel, R. (2018). Improving students’ reading skills by using the skimming technique at the second-year students of SMA Negeri 4 Kota ternate. International Journal of Education, Information Technology, and Others, 1(1), 10-22. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1420318

Mulatu, E., & Regassa, T. (2022). Teaching reading skills in EFL classes: Practice and procedures teachers use to help learners with low reading skills. Cogent Education, 9(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2093493

Neau, V. (2003). The teaching of foreign languages in Cambodia: A historical perspective. Language Culture and Curriculum, 16(3), 253-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/07908310308666673

Phann, S., Em, S., & Tep, S. (2023). Cambodian Buddhist monks’ motivation in learning English: Grade level analysis. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 6(1), 164-175. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v6i1.p164-175

Pourhosein-Gilakjani, A. (2016). How can students improve their reading comprehension skills? Journal of Studies in Education, 6(2), 229-240. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/jse.v6i2.9201

Rao, P. S. (2019). The importance of speaking skills in English classrooms. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal (ACIELJ), 2(2), 6-18. https://www.acielj.com/Papers/vol2issue2/1.ACIELJ%20-Srinu%20sir%20(1-12)%20OK.pdf

Sari, D. K., Pratiwi, E., & Thereana, A. (2019). Effective reading strategies for reading skills. Esteem Journal of English Education Study Programme, 2(2), 112-120. https://doi.org/10.31851/esteem.v2i2.2429

Short, D. J. (1994). Expanding middle school horizons: Integrating language, culture, and social studies. TESOL Quarterly, 28(3), 581-608. https://doi.org/10.2307/3587309

Sor, S., Chorn, S., Dean, S., & Em, S. (2022). Cambodian high school students’ motivation toward learning English. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 5(6), 1258-1269. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v5i6.p1258-1269

Syakur, A., & Azis, R. (2020). Developing a reading learning model to increase reading skills for animal husbandry students in higher education. Britain International of Linguistics Arts and Education (BIoLAE) Journal, 2(1), 484-493. https://doi.org/10.33258/biolae.v2i1.220

Syatriana, E. S. (2024). University students' metacognitive knowledge on reading technique and academic success. Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler ve Eğitim Dergisi, 6(10), 169-190. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/usbed/issue/80998/1396146

Tercanlioglu, L. (2004). Postgraduate students’ use of reading strategies in L1 and ESL contexts: Links to success. International Education Journal, 5(4), 562–569. http://orga.blog.unq.edu.ar/wp-content/uploads/sites/72/2017/07/paper-inicial-resaltado-clase-3-1.pdf

Thamrin, N. S. (2014). Scanning technique in developing students' reading comprehension. Kreatif, 15(1), 31-35. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/289935118.pdf

Tindale, J. (2005). Navigating to read: Reading to navigate. National Centre for English Language Teaching & Research (NCELTR).

Utku-Osensoy, A. (2021). The effect of critical reading skill on academic success in social studies. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 93(2021), 319-337. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1299621

Wichadee, S. (2005). The effects of cooperative learning on English reading skills and attitudes of the first-year students at Bangkok University. BU Academic Review, 4(2), 22-31. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=51e0e964f7cbeb2027c57a48d0decc29062fa0fe

Downloads

Published

2024-06-19

How to Cite

Yung, C., Chin, P., Ban, T., & Em, S. (2024). Using different techniques and strategies to improve English reading skills: A review of literature. Cambodian Journal of Educational and Social Sciences (CJESS), 1(1), Pages: 37–48. https://doi.org/10.69496/cjess.v1i1.13

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>