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Effectiveness of Reading English Newspapers for Improving Vocabulary and Reading Skills of Students of Dhaka University

  • January 2016
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Raju Ahmmed at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University
Raju Ahmmed
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Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to investigate how reading English newspapers improves vocabulary and reading skills of Students of Dhaka University. The target population of this study ranges from first year to Masters" students of Dhaka University. The study was conducted on thirty students by means of questionnaire. A list of twenty words from "The Daily Star" on 21 November 2015 was provided to test how much vocabulary participants have learnt by reading English newspapers. On the basis of questionnaire and vocabulary list, the study focuses on the effectiveness of English Newspapers in improving vocabulary and reading skills. The study indicates that students" vocabulary and reading skills are gradually improving.
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The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
68
Effectiveness of Reading English Newspapers for Improving
Vocabulary and Reading Skills of Students of Dhaka University
Raju Ahmmed 1
1 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh
E-mail: rajudueng@gmail.com
Correspondence: Plot# 14/06-14/23, Pallabi Mirpur-12, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh.Tel: +8801727-542624
Received: October 24, 2016 Accepted: Octoberber 26, 2016 Online Published: October 29, 2016
Abstract
The aim of this research paper is to investigate how reading English newspapers improves vocabulary and
reading skills of Students of Dhaka University. The target population of this study ranges from first year to
Masters‟ students of Dhaka University. The study was conducted on thirty students by means of questionnaire. A
list of twenty words from “The Daily Star” on 21 November 2015 was provided to test how much vocabulary
participants have learnt by reading English newspapers. On the basis of questionnaire and vocabulary list, the
study focuses on the effectiveness of English Newspapers in improving vocabulary and reading skills. The study
indicates that students‟ vocabulary and reading skills are gradually improving.
Keywords: Improve skills, questionnaire, vocabulary, effectiveness.
1. Introduction
Newspaper articles are written clearly and directly, making them perfect for language learning. The language used
in newspaper is a day to day language. Reading English newspapers can help students learn a lot of vocabulary,
raise reading skills and increase reading speed because the contents of the English newspapers are rich and vivid.
Moreover, the language of the English newspapers is a very authentic one which students can use in their daily
conversations. Besides, English newspapers help students to enjoy reading, based on their interests. So, the
English newspapers can be learners‟ personal English classroom and can help students acquire higher level of
proficiency in English.The following research questions are designed to streamline of the study-
To what extent do the English newspapers improve the reading skills of students of Dhaka University?
To what extent is the students‟ vocabulary improving?
2. Literature Review
Previously many studies have been conducted in the field of newspaper reading habits. Researchers all over the
world have contributed through their findings and recommendations. According to Cheyney (1982) newspaper is
the textbook that provides up-to-date information on local, provincial, national and world affairs. Reading builds
vocabulary skills and background knowledge that strengthens reading skills and increases the enjoyment of
reading (Strommen and Mates, 2004). The practice of reading newspaper has been associated with improvement in
students‟ attitudes towards reading overall (Palmer, J.W. and Eriksen, L.B., 1999). In a recent study Bndaka (2007)
found that newspaper articles help to develop students reading skills in senior high school. Again Mylopoulos
(1985) says “Reading English newspaper gives educational support to language development”. Academic
American Encyclopedia (1989:171) describes newspapers as “an unbound publication issued at regular intervals
that seeks to inform, influence and entertain”. Newton (1993) says, “Reading newspapers improves literacy skills.”
So it is evident from the previous studies that reading English newspapers helps learners develop vocabulary and
reading skills. They can learn to read a text quickly and understand the key ideas.
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
69
3. Objectives of the Research
The objectives of this research are-
To find out whether reading English newspapers improves students‟ vocabulary.
To understand whether the habit of reading English newspapers improve students‟ reading skills.
To see whether the students can use the words learned from English newspapers.
To identify how much time students spend for reading English newspapers
4. Limitation of the Research
The number of participants was only thirty and the participants were not from one department and same year but
from several departments and different years. Although participants‟ knowledge of vocabulary was tested, their
reading skills were not tested through comprehension or some other techniques because it is time consuming and
participants may feel unwilling to spend much time for the research.
5. Methodology of the Research
5.1 Participants
The study was conducted on thirty students who are currently studying at Dhaka University. The participants
range from first year to Masters students and they were from several departments namely Arabic, Bangla,
English, Finance, History, Islamic Studies, Islamic History, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Political
Science, Public Administration and Peace and Conflict.
5.2 Sampling
The participants were selected by convenience sampling. The study was conducted on the students who are
available and willing to take part in the research.
5.3 Instrument
Data was collected by means of questionnaire. Five point likert scales was used and the research questionnaire
was close ended. Again, a list of twenty words from “The Daily Star” on 21 November 2015 was provided to test
students‟ knowledge of vocabulary. The collected data focused on whether the reading skills of the participants
are improving or remaining the same. It also focused on if participants‟ vocabulary is improving.
6. Data Analysis and Findings
6.1 Frequency of Reading English Newspapers
From the collected that it is noticed that the majority of the students read English newspapers regularly.14
participants (46.67%) said that they always read English newspapers whereas 8 participants (26.67%) read very
often. Again, 8 participants (26.66%) read the English newspapers sometimes. It is evident from the graph that
students try to read English newspapers regularly.
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
70
6.2 Duration of Reading English Newspapers
Table-1: Duration of reading English newspapers
From the collected data, it is noticed that 13 students (43.33%) have been reading English newspapers for more
than two years. Besides, 7 students (23.33%) have been reading for 6 months. Again, 4 participants (13.33%)
have been reading for one year and for two years respectively. However, 2 participants (6.67%) have been
reading for more than one year. It is very clear that a large number of students have been reading English
newspapers for more than two years and the reason behind it is that they want to improve their English by
reading English newspapers regularly.
6.3 Strategy of Dealing with Unknown Words
The participants were asked what they do when they find any unknown words in the newspaper. 18 participants
(60%) responded that they use the dictionary whereas 8 participants (27%) use both strategies (using dictionary
and associating with other words). However, one participant (3%) said that he uses only one strategy
(associating with other words) and 3 participants (10%) guess the meaning and continue reading without looking
up the words from the dictionary. Using the dictionary and the associating with other words are the two major
strategies that students mostly use.
6.4 Usefulness of Keeping a Diary
Table-2: Usefulness of keeping a diary
Duration
Frequency
Percentage (%)
6 months
7
23.33
1 year
4
13.33
More than 1 year
2
6.67
2 years
4
13.33
More than 2 years
13
43.33
Opinions
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Strongly agree
13
43.33
Agree
15
50
Uncertain
2
6.77
Disagree
0
0
Strongly disagree
0
0
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
71
Students who want to develop their vocabulary by reading English newspapers keep a diary to note down the
meanings of the unknown words. Then, in their free time they try to learn the words. The students were asked
what they think about the benefits of keeping a diary. 13 students (43.33%) strongly agree and 15 students (50%)
simply agree about the usefulness of keeping a diary to note down the meanings of unknown words. The
majority of the participants have positive views about keeping a diary because it helps them to learn and
remember the new words better.
6.5 Improvement of Students’ Vocabulary
The respondents were asked whether they think that they their vocabulary is increasing day by day because it is
assumed that reading English newspaper helps develop students‟ vocabulary. 17 students (57%) strongly agree
that their vocabulary is improving by reading English newspapers whereas 13 students (43%) simply agree about
their improvement. All participants agree that their vocabulary is gradually improving and none of the
participants denies about this improvement.
6.6 Word Lists for Testing Participants’ Knowledge of Vocabulary
Table-3: Students‟ knowledge of vocabulary
Sl.
I know the
meaning
I don‟t know the
meaning
Can‟t remember
now
1
15
6
9
2
30
0
0
3
27
3
0
4
30
0
0
5
27
1
2
6
18
10
2
7
28
1
1
8
30
0
0
9
25
3
2
10
28
1
1
11
29
0
1
12
20
7
3
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
72
13
28
2
0
14
28
2
0
15
28
1
1
16
28
1
1
17
28
2
0
18
24
3
3
19
28
0
2
20
27
0
3
After analyzing the word list and the participants‟ responses it is seen that words like „contest‟, „municipal‟ and
„resolution‟ were known to all participants. On the other hand words like „contender‟, „vie for‟ and „siege‟ were
unknown to many participants. However, most of the words taken from “The Daily Star” on 21 November 2015
were known to the participants and only a few participants did not know or could not remember the meanings of
those words. This data clarifies that most of the participants have enhanced their vocabulary by reading English
newspapers.
6.7 Use of Words Learned from English Newspapers
Many learners have a good store of words but it is often seen they can‟t use their memorized words when the
situation demands. So, the participants of this research were asked whether they can use their learned words in
their real life situations. 6 students (20%) said they always use the words learned from English newspapers. 11
students (37%) use the learned words sometimes whereas 11 students (37%) use them very often. The rest 2
students (7%) rarely use them. It is noticeable that students are being able to use words learned from English
newspapers.
6.8 Recognizing the Meanings of Headlines
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
73
Sometimes many good readers find difficulties to understand the meanings of the captions of the newspapers. To
understand this problem, students were asked how often they can recognize the meaning of the words from the
headlines. 12 students (40%) said that they always recognize the meanings of headlines at the first reading and so
they can be categorized as very good readers. Again, 11 students (36.67%) said that they recognize the meaning
of the captions very often and this means that their reading skills are improving but they need to develop more.
On the other hand, 7 students (23.33%) said that they recognize the meanings of headlines sometimes and this
indicates that their reading skills and vocabulary have not developed much. It is also clear that most of the
students try to understand the meanings of headlines at the first reading.
6.9 Improvement of Reading Skills
It is believed that reading English newspapers improves learners‟ reading skills. The respondents were asked
whether their reading skills are improving or remaining the same.13 participants (43%) strongly agree whereas
13 participants (43%) simply agree about their improvement of reading skills. Again, it is evident that no
participants deny this improvement. Therefore, it is evident that the reading skills of all the participants are
improving day by day.
6.10 Getting the Main Idea of a News Article
The participants were asked how they get the main idea of a news article. 17 participants (57%) said that they
read line by line to understand the theme whereas 10 participants (23%) read by skimming. 3 participants (10%)
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
74
can understand the main idea by reading the article twice. Again, 2 students (7%) read the same news in a Bangla
newspaper and the rest 1 respondent (3%) says that he takes help from others.
7. Recommendation
Students who want to improve their English can read English newspapers regularly and develop their proficiency
in English. They can improve their reading, writing, and vocabulary. English language teachers can also bring a
recent news article to the class and can teach vocabulary and reading skills. In fact, newspaper articles are
considered authentic materials to be used for class room purpose.
8. Conclusion
By reading English newspapers students can have knowledge about their country as well as about the world.
Again, reading English newspapers widens students‟ outlook and enriches their knowledge. Reading English
newspapers can be supplementary to texts books. Students who want study and learn outside of their syllabus
can read English newspapers regularly. They can enjoy reading the articles which they like most. Besides,
reading English newspapers is very helpful for learning new words, idioms phrases and sentence structures. It
also helps them to learn how to take out the meaning of the sentences. To sum up, English newspapers help
students to become better learners.
References
Academic American Encyclopedia 1989. Retrieved from
http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-o
ccupations/grolier-inc
Bndaka E. (2007). Using newspaper articles to develop students‟ reading skills in senior high school. The
Reading Matrix, 7 (1), 166-175. Retrieved from http://www.readingmatrix.com/articles/bndaka.pdf
Cheyney, A. B. (1982). Teaching reading skills through the newspaper. New York: International Reading
Association.
Mulopoulos, Chryss (1985). Trends in multicultural programming. Canadian Library Journals, 42(1), 23-25.
Newton J. (1993). Task based interaction among adult learners of English and its role in second language
development. Unpublished PhD thesis, Victoria University of Wellington. Retrieved from
http://researcharchive.vuw.ac.nz/handle/10063/1201?show=full
Palmer, J.W. and Eriksen, L.B. (1999). Digital Newspapers Explore Marketing on the Internet. Communication
of the ACM, 42(9). 33-42. Retrieved from
http://ce.uoregon.edu/aim/DesignTrends06/digitalnewspapers.pdf
Strommen, L.T., & Mates, B.F. (2004). Learning to love reading: Interviews with older children and teens.
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 48 (3), 188–200.
Appendix
Appendix A
Questionnaire
The objective of this questionnaire is to find out the effectiveness of reading English newspapers in developing
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
75
vocabulary and reading skills of Students of Dhaka University. Please circle the options or put tick marks.
Subject Department
1. I read the English Newspapers-
Always
Very often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
2. I have been reading the English newspapers for-
6 months
1 year
More than 1 year
2 years
More than 2 years
3. I deal with the unknown words by-
a) Using the dictionary b) Associating with other words
c) Both of the above d) Guessing it e) Skipping it
4. I think keeping a diary for noting the meanings of the unknown words is useful.
Strongly agree
Agree
Uncertain
Disagree
Strongly disagree
5. My vocabulary is gradually improving.
Strongly agree
Agree
Uncertain
Disagree
Strongly disagree
6. I try to use the words that I learn from the English newspapers.
Always
Very often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
7. I recognize the meaning of the headlines at the first reading.
Always
Very often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
8. I think my reading skill is improving.
9. I get the main idea of a news article by-
a) Skimming b) Reading line by line c) Reading twice
d) Reading the same news in a Bangla newspaper e) Taking help from others
Appendix B
Please put a tick mark under the columns that you think appropriate for you.
Words
I know the meaning
I don‟t know the
meaning
Can‟t remember
now
1
Contender
2
Contest
Strongly agree
Agree
Uncertain
Disagree
Strongly disagree
The Millennium University Journal; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2016
ISSN 2225-2533
Published by The Millennium University
76
3
Grass root leader
4
Municipal
5
Rivals
6
Vie for
7
Aspirants
8
Resolution
9
Forge
10
Eradicate
11
Execution
12
Siege
13
Trapped
14
Assault
15
Hostage
16
Troops
17
Expansion
18
Gallows
19
Intensify
20
Applaud
Copyrights
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal.
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Learning to Love Reading: Interviews With Older Children and Teens
Article
Students in sixth and ninth grades were surveyed to determine attitudes toward reading and identify factors in the lives of older children and teens associated with the development of a love of reading. A group of 14 students who love to read, as well as an equal number of students who prefer not to read, were then interviewed about their reading habits and preferences. Findings show that family culture predominates as an influence in developing a love of reading. In particular, students who choose reading as a form of recreation see themselves as members of a community of readers who interact socially around books and share a love of reading with at least one family member. The report concludes with a discussion of implications for educators and parents who hope to encourage reading as a significant activity in the lives of children. Demonstrating the pleasure reading affords, making age- and interest-appropriate books easily available, providing a model for children to emulate, scheduling time for family reading, and encouraging interest through conversations about the books family members read are cited as factors that foster a love of reading. The need for parents or other family members to be actively invested in the process is stressed.
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Trends in Multicultural Programming
Article
  • Jan 1985
Outlines basic principles and philosophy behind library multicultural programs and provides brief overview of development of such programs in Canadian libraries. Programing themes (cultural identity, contribution of ethnocultural groups to Canadian society, interpretation of multiculturalism as social policy) and suggestions for integrating multicultural programing into mainstream library programing are noted. (EJS)
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Digital Newspapers Explore Marketing on the Internet.
Article
  • Sep 1999
Digital newspapers explores Internet as a new medium of marketing. Marketing on the Internet presents an interesting challenge for those experimenting with the digital newspaper format since the interaction with the customer is computer-mediated. It is possible that newspaper organizations will use Internet technology to apply new marketing approaches in their efforts to promote themselves. The different approaches that digital newspapers uses for marketing are, traditional revenue forms for newspapers, combined with new revenue forms made possible by the digital document. Forms are traditional advertising and subscription rates, digital document enabled filtering and retrieval, enhancing of the distribution chain and market-making. An implication for designers and developers of digital newspapers is that the technology must be in place to support information retrieval and the customized packaging of information content. Once the technological sophistication matures, there will likely be a shift, as digital newspapers look to the content as means to generate additional opportunities.
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Task-Based Interaction Among Adult Learners of English and Its Role in Second Language Development
Article
The role of classroom interaction in second language acquisition (SLA) has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the claimed superiority of communication tasks involving required information exchange (split information tasks) over tasks involving optional information exchange (shared information tasks) on the basis of how much negotiation of meaning learners produce when performing each type of task. The study also sought to analyze qualitative aspects of negotiation and to assess the theoretical claims made for negotiation in the light of the analysis. Subjects for the study included eight adult students from an English proficiency course who were assigned to two groups each containing four subjects. Over a period of six days the groups performed four communication usks of which two were split information tasks and two were shared information tasks. Full transcriptions of the task performances provided data for the study. Results confirmed that significantly more negotiation and repetition occurred in split information tasks. There was a small movement towards more even distribution of negotiation among interlocutors in split information tasks although the consistency of the differential contributions of specific interlocutors was noticeable across both types of task. The qualitative analysis distinguished six main types of negotiating questions in the data, some of which were shown to be more effective than others in generating comprehensible modifications to input or in extending the language output of the subjects. ln addition, negotiating questions dealt with five broad dimensions of meaning: the form of the message, grammatical and lexical meaning, content, opinions, and procedures. Of these five dimensions, only the first and second sometimes involved new or unfamiliar linguistic features in the input, thus fulfilling a requirement of the interaction hypothesis suggested by Ellis (1991). Significant post-test gains in the subjecrs' knowledge of vocabulary embedded in the tasks suggested that the negotiation of lexical meaning results in measurable learning of new words. Overall however, negotiation dealt more with non-target language features of output than with unfamiliar input and it was this which provided the more promising interactional route to language development. An investigation of other features of interaction revealed no significant difference in the amount of talk produced in split and shared information tasks. Talk was more evenly distributed among interlocutors in the split information tasks although inequalities persisted, with panicular interlocutors dominating interaction across all tasks. In the shared information tasks, turns and utterances were significantly longer, and conjunctions were used more frequently. Prepositions on the other hand were used more frequently in the split information tasks. These results suggest that the greater need to express links between propositions in the shared tasks results in discourse of grearer synracric complexiry. While the study supported the claim that split information tasks produced more negotiation than shared information tasks, a qualitative analysis of the negotiation, and of other aspects of interaction, suggested that more negotiation does not necessarily provide superior conditions for language development,
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Teaching reading skills through the newspaper
  • Jan 1982
  • A B Cheyney
Cheyney, A. B. (1982). Teaching reading skills through the newspaper. New York: International Reading Association.