Utilization of Printed Mass Media and its Impact on Students' Reading Motivation and Comprehension

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The use of various types of mass media by the educators for the students has been a debatable issue among teachers of foreign languages in particular. The idea of making use of newspapers and magazines in the classroom has undergone many controversies. This ongoing debate served as a starter point in preparing a questionnaire in relation to the degree of the actual usage of the print media ofthe learners of English language. The central purpose of this study was to assess the strengths of the evidence base to support the notion that newspapers and magazines can become a powerful tool in enhancing students' reading interest and comprehension.

METHODS

This action research used the evaluative method which evaluated the level of usage of newspapers and magazines by the respondents as well as their attitude towards the ability of these printed materials in improving reading interest and comprehension. It also employed the descriptive method which described "what is". It used descriptions on the extent of utilization of printed media, specifically newspapers and magazines in the teaching-learning process and how this affects learners' reading ability and interest.

RESULTS

All the respondents of the study used newspaper and magazines as sources of information. Majority of them preferred reading the sports and entertainment sections. A greater number showed more interest in reading entertainment and fashion magazines. Students' comprehension of English newspaper and magazines would not pose any problem since almost all of them found understanding of these media to be manageable or quite easy. Only a few found understanding newspaper or magazines difficult. Generally, the respondents perceived newspaper and magazines as tools by which they could be motivated to read, widen their horizon, enrich general knowledge, and enhance reading comprehension. They see these materials as a medium to create reading habits among the learners.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings of this study underscore the significant impact of the use of printed mass media in the classroom to the students' reading motivation. School administration and department heads can take this into consideration in planning for teachers' training. Seminars or training on a variety of strategies and activities that can be employed using printed mass media, like newspapers and magazines will definitely widen teachers' perspective and skills contributory to increasing student performance and achievement.