Using a Computer-based Scaffolding Strategy to Enhance EFL Preparatory Stage Students' Reading Skills and Self-Regulation

Abstract

he study aimed at investigating the effect of using a computer-based scaffolding strategy to enhance EFL Preparatory Stage Students' Reading Skills and Self-Regulation. The participants of the study were Sixty (60) first year preparatory School Students from Al-Zayaat preparatory school, New Damietta, Egypt. The study adopted the quasi-experimental research design. So, there were two groups: an experimental group (n= 30) and a control one (n= 30). To collect data, the researcher used multiple instruments: a reading comprehension skills checklist, a computer and Internet Skills Survey to choose the sample of the study, pre posttest of reading comprehension and Pintrich et al's (1991 & 1993) Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ). The researcher taught both groups: the experimental group was taught through using a computer-based scaffolding strategy while the control group was taught through the traditional way of teaching. The results of the study revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group and the control group in the reading comprehension skills in addition to self-regulation in favor of the experimental group. The effect size of using a computer-based scaffolding strategy was found to be high. The study recommends using a computer-based scaffolding strategy as a technique in teaching EFL skills and as a training approach in professional development programs of EFL teachers.