Reading Difficulties: Appraisal of the Students who are Beginning their University Studies at FUMC Case, Premise Medellin

Abstract

University professors have to deal with students who present difficulties in reading comprehension. Reading is a strategy for meaningful learning and communication. Information provided in the present article is based on the research entitled “Characterization of difficulties in basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing on the freshmen in the first semester of 2012, at the Fundación Universitaria María Cano at Medellin. Objective of study is to identify the difficulties perceived in the basic language skill: reading, by the freshmen during the first semester in 2012. The present study was developed using a quantitative approach with a descriptive method. Research design is nonexperimental, cross-sectional and of field. For the statistical analysis, the software Statgraphics Centurion XVII was used. Difficulties in every independent variable were observed (visual state, memory, attention, motivation and comprehension). Freshmen of the first semester of 2012 at FUMC presented difficulties in all variables, affecting reading performance and thus academic performance.