This study has three main goals. First, it aims to explore Saudi EFL learners’ use
of reading strategies (before reading, while reading, and after reading). Second, the study
investigates the relationship between the use of reading strategies and reading
comprehension. Finally, the study investigates the Saudi students’ perceptions of other
factors that might affect their EFL reading comprehension. The uniqueness of this study
lies in utilizing a new scale in measuring reading strategies use. The current study
utilizes a new psychometric and cumulative scale that targets the learner trait of self-
regulatory capacity. The questionnaires used in most strategy studies consist of specific
statements that focus on specific strategic behaviors. In the L2 field, the most frequently
used instrument for assessing learning strategies is the Strategy Inventory for Language
Learning (SILL). Developed by Oxford (1990), it consists of six scales: (a)
“Remembering more effectively” (memory strategies); (b) “Using your mental
processes” (cognitive strategies); (c) “Compensating for missing knowledge”
(compensation strategies); (d) “Organizing and evaluating your learning” (metacognitive
strategies); (e) “Managing your emotions” (affective strategies); and (f) “Learning with
others” (social strategies).
SILL items involve five-point rating scales ranging from “never or almost never
true of me” to “always or almost always true of me” (Oxford, 1990). These items are
specific to one or more language learning strategies. They focus on specific strategic
behaviors, and the scale descriptors indicate frequencies of strategy use (ranging between
never to always). Thus, these items are not cumulative, and computing mean scale scores
is not justifiable psychometrically. Therefore, we cannot assume a linear relationship
between the individual item scores and the total scale scores (Tseng, et. al, 2006). In
contrast, items of the Reading Strategies Questionnaire (RSQ) used in this study ask
respondents to generalize their actions across situations rather than referencing singular
and specific learning events. They are general declarations or conditional relations
focusing on general and prominent facets of the learning process. Since RSQ items are
general inclinations, they can be assumed to be in a linear relationship with the
corresponding learner traits.
Finally, the study will provide more insight into the factors affecting Saudi EFL
reading comprehension. Based on the researcher’s personal experience and contact with
many Saudi learners, the reading section is considered the most difficult and challenging
section in standardized tests such as the TOEFL and Graduate Record Examination
(GRE). Awareness of these factors is critical in understanding how Saudi students
approach reading materials and what strategies most need to be taught in the classroom to
help them enhance their reading comprehension and academic achievement in general.