IMPACT OF TECHNICAL TEXT FEATURES ON VOCATIONAL STUDENTS' READING COMPREHENSION

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates how technical text features influence the reading comprehension of vocational school students. Through interviews with 20 students, the research explores students' navigation of diagrams, charts, and specialized vocabulary in their textbooks. Findings reveal that text complexity, vocabulary knowledge, background knowledge, and text format significantly impact comprehension. Students with stronger vocabulary and background knowledge demonstrate higher comprehension levels, while those struggling with complex text structures or visual integration face challenges. The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions to address these challenges and enhance reading comprehension in vocational education. By improving students' ability to understand technical texts, educators can promote better learning outcomes and job preparedness. Future research could explore specific instructional strategies to further support vocational students in developing their reading skills.