Students' Attitudes Towards The Incorporation Of Reading As A Mandatory Module In The First-year

Abstract

Reading is a fundamental skill for academic success, particularly in the context of English language learning. This study aims to gauge the attitudes of first-year students in the Department of English at the University of El Oued, Algeria, towards the incorporation of reading as a mandatory module. It adopted a descriptive survey design within a quantitative approach. A structured attitudinal questionnaire was administered to a sample of 183 students to collect quantitative data, which were analysed descriptively. The results revealed that first-year students developed positive attitudes towards the newly incorporated module as it helped them enhance other vital skills, including critical thinking skills, reading comprehension skills, and writing abilities. The study recommends conducting experimental studies to determine and measure the amount of reading impact on specific language skills.