An investigation into the effectiveness of computer-assisted language learning in improving reading comprehension among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. The case of first-year EFL students at Biskra University

Abstract

One of the most important skills in the English language is the reading skill, which plays a crucial role in enhancing students' knowledge and developing other skills. However, the traditional theoretical teaching method of reading module often leads to comprehension difficulties among EFL learners. Hence, in the current study, we suggested the integration of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) as a teaching strategy to improve EFL learners' reading comprehension. The study hypothesise that if CALL is used in EFL classes, the learners' reading comprehension skills will be improved. To check out the validity of our suggested hypothesis we opted for a mixed-methods approach, and one data collection tool was used in order to investigate the students' attitude toward the implementation of CALL in EFL classrooms to improve reading comprehension. The used tool is a students' questionnaire administered to a sample of 61 EFL students of first-year at Biskra University. The data analysis is done through statistical methods relying on SPSS for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. After the analysis and interpretation of the collected data, the findings show that the students face difficulties in reading comprehension through the traditional teaching method in the reading module. Moreover, the results reveal that the use of CALL programmes helps in improving EFL learners' reading comprehension. As a result, the suggested hypothesis is confirmed.