A comparative study of critical reading abilities among students in Malaysia and Vietnam: Insights from PISA-based assessment

Abstract

This study conducted a comparative analysis of critical reading skills among engineering students at private universities in Malaysia and Vietnam, using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reading framework. Involving 182 undergraduates, the research included a quantitative critical reading test followed by statistical analysis (T-tests) to examine score variability among first-year and final-year students. The analysis revealed significant performance differences among first-year students but not among final-year students from both countries. To complement the quantitative data, semi-structured interviews with 16 participants across different critical reading levels were conducted. These interviews aimed to capture students’ perspectives on the PISA test, highlighting challenges such as the Western orientation of texts, English vocabulary, and the format of open-ended questions. Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, the study offers an in-depth understanding of the critical reading abilities of engineering students in Malaysia and Vietnam, underscoring the importance of considering cultural and linguistic factors in educational assessments.