A QUALITATIVE PERSPECTIVE OF ACADEMIC READING PRACTICES AND OVERCOMING STRATEGIES USED AMONG INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

This article presents the qualitative findings of a research that investigates the challenges faced by international graduate students with academic reading and the overcoming strategies applied by them in their reading.  This qualitative study utilized focus group interviews with 70 international graduate students in post graduate programs at tertiary level in Malaysia.  The findings highlight some important findings for students, academicians and university administrators.  The findings indicate that international graduate students do face challenges and problems which are ascribed to the fact that English is the medium of instruction. In addition, the findings also exposes the strategies employed by the students to overcome the reading obstacles faced in their academic reading practices. This article concludes with suggestions for administrative policies and reading related programs to assist the academic reading needs of the students.