An Analysis on the Strategies Used by Language Learners in Digital Reading

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to review the digital reading strategies of students learning languages. This research was carried out using quantitative research design. Survey model was used in this study. The study group of the research consisted of foreign students in the Turkish preparatory class of Başkent University. 100 suitable students were chosen by sampling. A “survey” was used during collection of data. As a result of the analysis of the data in the research, it was determined that the students used the problem solving strategies the most, the general reading strategies second, and the support strategies the least. It has been observed that students' use of strategies specific to digital environments is also at a high level. When looking at the strategies individually, the most used ones are “browsing; purposeful reading; using select, copy and paste; paying attention; using an online dictionary and translation; rereading; using the scan or find function; analysis and evaluation; conducting research on a search engine or website; questioning the reliability and accuracy of the information”. The least used are “predicting the content of the text; note taking; underlining and highlighting; repeating the text; asking questions to themselves; finding information that is not presented on the basis of the text; summarizing the text”. As a result, it was seen that language learners use many strategies in digital reading and among the strategies, they use problem solving strategies more than the rest. In addition, it has been determined that students use strategies specific to digital environments at a high level.