READING HABITS OF SIXTH FORM STUDENTS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Strand: Teacher Professionalism
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Abstract
Research indicates that reading extensively is a significant mediator of academic achievement, in addition to having a positive influence on aspects of social life and economic prosperity. Therefore, it is important to develop reading interests among students, and a first step towards this is to look into their reading habits and motivations for reading. The study investigated the reading habits of 658 students in two Six Form Centres in Brunei Darussalam through an online descriptive survey. Using descriptive statistics analysis, the data indicated a majority (86.6%) of students read for pleasure and dedicate at least 1-2 times a week for reading. In terms of reading preference, learners prefer reading books in English, and works of fiction, particularly comics. School work was cited as a key motivation for reading, followed by enjoyment, and to gain knowledge. The survey also revealed that reading for pleasure declined during COVID-19 pandemic school closures. Through the results provided in this study, the paper offers practical suggestions for teachers to encourage reading for pleasure in their classrooms. Additionally, the data collected from the survey provides vital information for stakeholders looking to implement reading programmes or interventions that will bring about pedagogical and curriculum innovations.
KEYWORDS
reading habits, reading motivation, reading for pleasure, adolescent reading
Siti Zuliana Haji Masri
Education Officer
PTE Meragang
Zuliana holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Exeter and has been teaching Literature in English and English subjects in government schools for more than 15 years. She is currently a part-time graduate student pursuing MA in English Literature (by Research) at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Ewana holds a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature (University of Manchester) and MA in English Language Studies and Methods (University of Warwick). She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the National Institute of Education, Singapore, specializing in teaching English. Her doctorate study, from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, focused on improving reading comprehension and reading engagement among young learners in Brunei. Her interest in reading pedagogy stems from her 15-year experience of teaching English.