Using Web-Based Resources in Reading Comprehension in a Rural Primary School

Abstract

The study investigated the use of web-based resources to motivate students in reading comprehension. It was also aimed at finding out students’ responses and perceptions to the use of web-based resources in reading comprehension. Thirty Year 5 students in a rural primary school were investigated in this study. Observations and focus group interviews were employed to collect data. Eight classroom observations were carried out using observation forms while fifteen students were selected from the class for the interviews. The observation data were analyzed based on the categories and items found in the observation form. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed into themes emerged from the transcription. Three themes, namely positive attitude, active learning and student- centred emerged from the study. The results for both methods of data collection showed that students were motivated when exposed to web-based learning experience. Based on the findings, the study recommends that ESL educators adopt web-based resources to teach reading comprehension as well as other language skills.