MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY LE THI NGOC ANH GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON DIFFICULTIES AND SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE ENGLISH READING SKILLS FOR FIRST- YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về những khó khăn và giải pháp nâng cao kỹ năng Đọc Tiếng Anh cho sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh tại Trường Đại học Phenikaa ENGLISH LANGUAGE Student : Le Thi Ngoc Anh Student ID No : 20010037 Course: 2020-2024 Field : English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor : M. Duong Thi Hong Thai Ha Noi – 2024 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON DIFFICULTIES AND SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE ENGLISH READING SKILLS FOR FIRST- YEAR ENGLISH MAJORS AT PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY Nghiên cứu về những khó khăn và giải pháp nâng cao kỹ năng Đọc Tiếng Anh cho sinh viên năm thứ nhất chuyên ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh tại Trường Đại học Phenikaa Student : Le Thi Ngoc Anh Student ID No : 20010037 Course: 2020-2024 Field : English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor : M. Duong Thi Hong Thai Ha Noi – 2024 i ABSTRACT This study investigates the challenges encountered by first-year English majors at Phenikaa University in improving their English reading skills and proposes effective solutions to address these difficulties. Through a comprehensive analysis of the current academic literature and empirical data gathered via surveys and interviews, the study identifies key obstacles such as vocabulary limitations, comprehension barriers, lack of motivation, and insufficient reading strategies.
The findings highlight the critical need for tailored interventions including the implementation of a rich reading program, targeted vocabulary development activities, explicit comprehension strategies, interactive reading sessions, and integration of culturally relevant literature. Additionally, leveraging educational technologies, providing timely feedback, fostering a supportive learning environment, and offering professional development opportunities for teachers are recommended to enhance students' reading proficiency effectively. By addressing these challenges and implementing the proposed solutions, Phenikaa University can significantly improve English reading skills among its first-year English majors, thereby fostering their academic success and competence in English language proficiency. ii DECLARATION I, Le Thi Ngoc Anh – 20010037, certificate that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgements and that the report is originally written by me under strict guidance of my supervisor.
Hanoi, 15th June, 2024 Supervisor Student M. Duong Thi Hong Thai Le Thi Ngoc Anh iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the first-year English majors at Phenikaa University who participated in this survey. Your invaluable input and honest feedback are essential for understanding the challenges in improving English reading skills. I am also thankful to the faculty and administration for their support and cooperation in facilitating this research.
Your assistance has been greatly appreciated and will contribute significantly to developing effective strategies for future students. Thank you once again for your time and effort. Sincerely, Le Thi Ngoc Anh iv TALBLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT. iii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.
vi LISTS OF TABLES AND FIGURES. Rationale for the Study. Aim and Objectives of the Study. Scope of the Study.
Significance of the Study. Methods of the Study. Design of the Study. 5 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW.
An overview of reading. Definition of reading. The importance of reading skills. Types of reading skill.
Difficulties in reading skills of students. Background knowledge problem. Reading method problem. Factors affecting reading difficulties.
Lack of motivation. Words “moving around on the page”. Skipping words and whole lines of text. 23 CHAPTER 2: DATA COLLECTIONS AND ANALYSIS.
Data collection procedures. Data analysis procedures. Sample Selection Method. Student’s background and students’ attitudes towards reading skills.
Students' attitudes toward the importance of learning reading skills. Students’ English reading level at Phenikaa University. Degree of difficulty of English reading skill. Time spent practicing english reading skill at home.
Reading difficulties of first-year English majors at Phenikaa university. Solutions to improve English reading skills for first-year English majors at Phenikaa university. xi vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS PKA : Phenikaa University L1 : First Language L2 : Second Language vii LISTS OF TABLES AND FIGURES Students' attitudes toward the importance of learning Chart 3.1 30 reading skill Chart 3.2 Students' English reading level at PKA 31 Chart 3.3 Degree of difficulty of English reading skill at PKA 32 Chart 3.4 Time spent practicing English reading skill at home 33 Table 3.5 Reading difficulties of first- year student at PKA 35 Difficulties related to unknown word of first- year student Table 3.6 37 at PKA Difficulties related to texts coverage of first- year student Chart 3.7 38 at PKA Difficulties related to background knowledge of first- year Chart 3.8 40 student at PKA Difficulties related to organization structure of first- year Chart 3.9 41 student at PKA Difficulties related to grammar of first- year student at Chart 3.10 42 PKA Difficulties related to motivation of first- year student at Table 3.12 Difficulties related to timing of first- year student at PKA 45 Difficulties related to strategies of first- year student at Table 3.13 46 PKA Difficulties related to materials of first- year student at Table 3.14 47 PKA Analysis of Strategies Usage Rates by first- year student Chart 3.15 48 at PKA Effectiveness Analysis of Methods Enhancing English Table 3.16 50 Reading Skills 1 INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale for the Study Reading is a fundamental skill for academic success, particularly for students majoring in English.
For first-year English majors at Phenikaa University, the ability to read and comprehend English texts is crucial not only for their coursework but also for their overall academic development and future career prospects. However, many students encounter significant challenges in this area due to a variety of factors, including limited vocabulary, complex sentence structures, lack of background knowledge, and concentration difficulties. Understanding these challenges is essential for several reasons. Firstly, identifying the specific difficulties faced by students can help educators tailor their teaching methods and materials to better support learners.
Secondly, it provides a basis for developing targeted interventions and resources that can enhance students' reading skills, thereby improving their academic performance and confidence. Lastly, addressing these reading difficulties can contribute to a more positive learning experience, fostering greater engagement and motivation among students. The rationale for this study is rooted in the need to bridge the gap between students' current reading abilities and the demands of their academic curriculum. By systematically investigating the reading difficulties encountered by first-year English majors at Phenikaa University and exploring effective solutions, this study aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for educators, administrators, and policymakers.
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the support mechanisms available to students, ensuring they can successfully navigate the challenges of reading in a second language and achieve their full academic potential. Aim and Objectives of the Study The general aim of this study is: • To find out the major difficulties in reading skill by of first year English major students at Phenikaa University 2 • To suggest some solutions for students to deal with their reading difficulties The researcher finds that study on difficulties in reading skills of students is necessary, helping them find out the difficulties in reading skills and its causes in order to improve the quality of reading skills for the English learning process. The researcher hopes fully this study will help students to better understand the importance of reading skills, solve problems to become more professional while working at the company. In order to achieve the goals mentioned above, the study will focus on the following questions: • What are the attitudes of first- year English majors at Phenikaa University toward reading skill? • What are common reading difficulties of first-year English majors at Phenikaa University? • What factors affect the difficulty in reading skill of first- year English majorsat Phenikaa University? • What are possible solutions to student’s reading difficulties? In order to achieve the goals mentioned above, this study sets out to accomplish the following objectives: • To identify the common difficulties faced by first-year English majors in reading English texts.
• To evaluate the current strategies and resources available to students for improving their reading skills. • To propose practical solutions and recommendations to address these reading difficulties. • To assess the effectiveness of the proposed solutions through feedback from the students. Scope of the Study This study focuses on first-year English majors at Phenikaa University.
It examines their reading difficulties, the effectiveness of current support mechanisms, and suggests improvements. The study covers various aspects of reading challenges, including vocabulary, comprehension, and concentration, and explores different strategies for enhancement, such as workshops, tutoring, and reading materials. Additionally, given constraints such as time, funding, facilities, and the researcher's level of experience, the study is limited to a sample of 120 first-year students from the English Faculty at Phenikaa University. It is hoped that this study will provide students with an overview of common difficulties in reading skills and offer necessary solutions to enhance their English reading proficiency.
Significance of the Study The significance of the study "A Study on Difficulties and Solutions to Improve English Reading Skills for First-Year English Majors at Phenikaa University" lies in its potential to address critical issues and contribute to the academic and professional development of first-year English majors. • Academic Performance Improvement: By identifying and addressing the specific challenges faced by first-year English majors in reading comprehension, the study can significantly enhance their academic performance. Improved reading skills will lead to better understanding of course materials, increased engagement in learning activities, and ultimately higher grades. • Language Proficiency Enhancement: Effective English reading skills are essential for language proficiency.
This study offers insights into the difficulties encountered by students in comprehending English texts, thereby facilitating targeted interventions to enhance their overall language proficiency. • Educational Policy and Curriculum Development: The findings of this study can inform educational policies and curriculum development at Phenikaa University and similar institutions. By understanding the unique challenges 4 faced by first-year English majors, educators and policymakers can implement tailored strategies to support student learning and success. • Personal and Professional Growth: Improved English reading skills have far- reaching benefits beyond academic success.
They enhance students' ability to access and critically evaluate information, communicate effectively in English- speaking environments, and succeed in their future careers. • Contribution to Research and Literature: This study adds to the body of research on language learning and teaching by providing empirical evidence and practical recommendations for addressing reading difficulties among first- year English majors. It contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse on effective pedagogical approaches and interventions in language education. In summary, the significance of this study lies in its potential to positively impact the academic, linguistic, and professional development of first-year English majors at Phenikaa University, as well as its contribution to educational research and practice.
Methods of the Study To complete this study, the researcher collaborated with teachers and students in the English department of Phenikaa University. A survey questionnaire was administered to 120 randomly selected first-year students from the English Faculty to collect data. The study involved collecting, classifying, and analyzing data, as well as describing the results. The questionnaire served as the primary research tool.
This method was chosen to present objective research results from each student's perspective and identify difficulties in reading skills among second-year students in the English Faculty at Phenikaa University. Upon collecting questionnaire data from the 120 students, the researcher calculated and converted the data into percentage form corresponding to each question in the survey. Following the data collection process, the researcher provided suggestions to improve English reading ability based on the findings.