Student reading behaviors and preferences at public and private universities in Ecuador: A comparative study

Abstract

Reading compliance is reading assigned course materials in preparation for class. Previous research in university settings in the US suggests that compliance with a professor’s request to prepare for class among undergraduate students is low. This paper reports on a study conducted among undergraduate students at the Universities of Cuenca and Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador to assess their reading behaviors and preferences as well as the factors that influence their decisions to comply or not comply with their professors’ assigned course readings. The study found that, whereas students are generally positive about the value of their reading assignments, they do not read much. Considerable differences of opinion exist between public and private university students on the topic. The study advocates a more active role for professors in enhancing students reading behaviors and suggests opportunities for future research.