Research article    |    Open Access
International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications 2014, Vol. 5(4) 232-241

The Contribution of Reading Lessons on Students’ General or World Knowledge

Hulya IPEK

pp. 232 - 241

Publish Date: October 31, 2014  |   Single/Total View: 0/0   |   Single/Total Download: 0/0


Abstract

The aim of English language teaching programs is primarily to improve students’ English language proficiency. The general knowledge or background knowledge students bring to the lessons are important in building language proficiency and for reading comprehension. Also, content or topics covered in language course books have important effects on the learner, such as increasing, motivation, interest, and comprehension. Besides improving language proficiency, language programs can add to the general knowledge of learners by incorporating topics that are new or interesting to the learners. Therefore, this study investigates whether the content of an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading course contributes to the general or world knowledge of students. The data were collected through open ended questions about the topics in the reading books used in the reading lesson. 48 EFL students at an English Language Preparatory School participated in the study. Subjects were at the beginner and elementary level of language proficiency. Participants were asked questions on the topics covered in the units of the reading course book. The results revealed that students already some general knowledge on certain topics before taking the reading course and that most of the topics in the reading lesson added to the students’ general knowledge and.

Keywords: Reading comprehension, world knowledge, general knowledge


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
IPEK, H. (2014). The Contribution of Reading Lessons on Students’ General or World Knowledge. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 5(4), 232-241.

Harvard
IPEK, H. (2014). The Contribution of Reading Lessons on Students’ General or World Knowledge. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 5(4), pp. 232-241.

Chicago 16th edition
IPEK, Hulya (2014). "The Contribution of Reading Lessons on Students’ General or World Knowledge". International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications 5 (4):232-241.