Addressing diverse challenges in teaching reading comprehension: Voices among Indonesian university teachers

Budianto, Langgeng ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3512-2054, Yuniar, Rendhi Fatrisna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9887-8668 and Rohmana, Wahyu Indah Mala (2025) Addressing diverse challenges in teaching reading comprehension: Voices among Indonesian university teachers. Journal on English as a Foreign Language (JEFL), 15 (1). pp. 54-80. ISSN 2502-6615

Text 23525.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike. Download (405kB)

Abstract

Many students struggle with reading comprehension due to limited vocabulary and lack of background knowledge, often leading to insufficient understanding of texts. While research has extensively explored reading comprehension at primary and secondary levels, challenges in higher education, particularly in Islamic-based institutions, remain underexamined. This study investigates the difficulties faced by Indonesian university teachers in teaching reading comprehension within such a context. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined qualitative data from non-participatory observations and semi-structured interviews with quantitative survey data. Participants included three English teachers teaching reading comprehension at a university in Malang, Indonesia, selected through purposeful sampling for their direct classroom engagement and ability to provide first-hand insights. Data analysis involved data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions to identify recurring themes and patterns, combined with descriptive statistics to summarize survey results of the identified challenges. The findings reveal multifaceted challenges of teaching reading, stemming from both instructional and student-related factors, such as limited vocabulary mastery, low motivation, and inadequate resources. These findings emphasize the need for better professional development, resource management, and strategic intervention to support students and teachers. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers to improve instructional practices in Indonesian higher education.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	ELT; Indonesian higher education; Islamic higher education; reading comprehension; teachers’ problem; teaching strategies; vocabulary mastery
Subjects:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2003 Language Studies > 200302 English Language 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2003 Language Studies
Divisions:	Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teaching Training > Department of English Language Education
Depositing User:	Rendhi Fatrisna Yuniar
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2025 11:43

Downloads

Origin of downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item