THE STUDENTS’ DIFFICULTIES IN COMPREHENDING ENGLISH TEXTS RELATED TO ISLAMIC SUBJECT
Keywords:
Difficulties, comprehending English textsAbstract
This study examines the challenges encountered by students at STAI Al-Kifayah Riau in understanding English literature pertaining to Islamic topics. Using a quantitative study design, information was gathered from 142 students using a structured questionnaire. The findings underscore notable difficulties, such as language hurdles, cultural and environmental hindrances, and interpretive subtleties. More precisely, 68% of students encountered difficulties with specialist vocabulary, while 62% faced challenges with complicated sentence constructions. In addition, a majority of students, namely 57%, encountered issues comprehending historical events and cultural customs. Similarly, 54% of students struggled with the varying interpretations found within different Islamic schools of thought. The students' academic performance was significantly affected by these challenges in understanding, with 71% reporting that it had a detrimental influence on their grades and their level of engagement with the course material. In order to tackle these difficulties, the study proposes focused vocabulary training, contextualized teaching of historical and cultural allusions, and the cultivation of critical thinking abilities. Utilizing scaffolded reading strategies and collaborative learning activities can assist students in developing their comprehension skills and boosting their confidence.
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