The Development of e-Reading to Improve English Reading Ability and Energise Thai Learners’ Self-Directed Learning Strategies

Abstract

Technological education has changed lifestyles, and educational institutions need to prepare their learners with the necessary tools to be successful in real life. The objectives of the study are: 1) to explore learner’s achievements in reading comprehension with the use of e-Reading and traditional teaching methods, 2) to analyse the satisfaction of learners using e-reading and traditional teaching methods, and 3) to observe the effects of the learner’s reading comprehension while using eReading methods versus traditional teaching methods based on a standard 80/80 criterion. The participants were sophomore learners enrolled in English courses. Thirty learners were selected by nonprobability sampling and divided into two groups, the experimental and control. The experimental group received lessons using an e-Reading programme, the control group was taught using a traditional teaching method. The research tools were pre- and post-tests, lesson plans, learners’ perception questionnaires, and interviews. Data collected through quantitative means were analysed using a t-test standard and average deviation programme. The interview data were analysed using a content analysis method. Data from the pre- and post-tests show that reading comprehension improved in the experimental group, who used the e-Reading programme. They also showed a “positive” attitude regarding their learning satisfaction and self-directed learning. The learners’ satisfaction and self-directed learning were higher in the eReading programme. Standard 80/80 criteria were met with an efficiency of 81.6/82.3 in the e-Reading programme. This research could be used as reference for further study and application of the e-Reading programme.