Skimming and Scanning Instruction through Blogs to Improve Reading Comprehension Skills in Intermediate Adult Learners

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find out to what extent skimming (reading for gist) and scanning (reading for specific details) instruction through blogs improved participants’ reading comprehension and to explore students’ perceptions and difficulties in the use of blogs for reading intentions. The present research was conducted at a public institute located in la Troncal, Ecuador. The sample consisted of five adult learners of the fourth semester in the computing career. The study followed an action research design. To collect data, both quantitative and qualitative instruments were used. The researcher applied tests (pre and post), surveys (pre and post) and interviews. Results indicated that skimming and scanning instruction through blogs improve participants’ reading comprehension (Cohen’s d = 1.98). It also showed they had good viewpoints about the use of these tools. Some pitfalls of the study were related to sample size, the pandemic, the duration of the intervention, and institutional issues. This research intended to contribute to the educational realm and be the basis for other teachers to innovate, redefine their practices, and improve their students’ English proficiency