Reading attitudes of UiTM Penang students : An exploratory study / Leele Susana Jamian and Emily Jothee Mathai

Reading is a vital behavioural factor in a knowledge-based society. Positive reading attitudes particularly
in English would lead to a higher level of proficiency. A study by Gan Say Eng (2000) revealed
that students with poor reading habits and attitudes reflect low levels of proficiency in the language.
Within this context, a study on reading attitudes in English was conducted among 250 students at
UiTM, Penang Branch pursuing BEL250, which is a proficiency course. The objective of the study
was to examine students' perception of their reading attitudes. The study revealed that these students
were aware of the importance of good reading attitudes. However, results also indicated that reading
in English is not a priority among the students. Their reading attitudes in English remain largely
intensive. They perceived reading in English as important but somehow they lack time due to their
busy schedule related to their studies. It is hoped that the findings on students' reading attitudes
would provide significant information where English proficiency is concerned