The Reading Habits of English Education Department Students in The Middle of Covid-19 Pandemic

A Case Study of Indonesian Eastern Students

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine if there is an increase in EFL students’ reading habits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study conducted using a descriptive quantitative design, involved 16 students of the second semester. A questionnaire about reading habits during the pandemic served as the research instrument. Results showed a rise in students’ reading habits during COVID-19, with averages shifting from 60.94% before the pandemic to 80.27% during it. The researcher categorized factors influencing reading habits into interest, motivation, and environment. Interest, motivation, and environment factors all saw increases during the pandemic compared to before.