IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Exploring Metacognitive Reading Strategies in Digital Academic Texts: A Study of Indonesian Postgraduate EFL Students

Aulia Aziza Billah (Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan)
Muh. Taufiq Shidqi (Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan)
Sheila Tasya Wardhani (Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan)
Munir (Bahasa dan Sastra, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the metacognitive reading strategies employed by Indonesian postgraduate EFL students when engaging with digital academic texts. A qualitative case study design was employed to explore students’ reading behaviors in a naturalistic context. Data were collected from ten postgraduate students from the English Language Education Program at Makassar State University who regularly accessed digital scholarly materials, including journal articles, e-books, and conference papers. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information on students’ preparation, reading purposes, navigation behaviors, use of digital tools, comprehension monitoring, and perceived challenges. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and recurring strategies. The results indicate that students adopt goal-oriented and selective reading behaviors, prepare supportive physical and technological environments, and preview structural elements such as titles, abstracts, and conclusions. To cope with complex vocabulary and dense texts, students employ strategies including rereading, adjusting reading speed, highlighting, note-taking, and using digital tools such as online dictionaries, translation apps, search functions, and AI platforms. Challenges include navigational disorientation, distraction, eye fatigue, and information overload, which students mitigate through summarization, self-explanation, and keyword searches. The study concludes that digital academic reading is a dynamic and adaptive process requiring continuous metacognitive regulation and technological support. Its novelty lies in highlighting the interplay of cognitive, metacognitive, and digital strategies in enhancing postgraduate students’ comprehension and reading effectiveness. race to improve postgraduate students’ reading effectiveness and comprehension.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...