Correlates of the reading interest of Chinese high school students in international schools

Abstract

Reading builds and shapes a man's life as part of the society he chooses to belong. It is an essential tool for learning especially for young students who should possess a level of interest in reading to enable them to understand and appreciate materials and tools for learning. The study underscores the significance of reading interest in one's learning process and analyzes the different correlates that affect it and their extent. It brings to fore important features of independent and variable factors that function as correlates. To do this, a survey was conducted of a group of Chinese third year high school students in an international school in Makati City, Philippines. On the independent factor, which is the personal profile of the respondents, the study involved more males than females. They are young and come from average income families. They belong to the average and high average students in their English classes. Majority prefer to join groups than be alone. On the variables, which are the external factors, the data showed that parents and teachers influence them to a very great extent while classmates and friends affect them only to a great extent. Majority expressed that their home environment is generally conducive and reading materials are available. In presenting its findings, the study finally attempts to show how they apply to our subject -- the Chinese high school students in international schools in general.