Reading and writing habits in Higher Education

Abstract

This paper analyzes and describes the writing and reading habits of university students inside and outside the classroom. To make this study possible, we have relied on information provided by the students, which has been collected through two questionnaires: one descriptive, applied to a sample of three hundred students in two degree programs at the University of Seville, and a second one of specific character, in three different versions. This questionnaire was completed by three subsamples based on the students' responses to the first one. The analysis of their responses allowed us to determine the existence of three representative profiles describing reading and writing habits of students: segmented writers/readers, private readers, and instrumental writers/readers. These profiles indicate that the students find difficulties in reaching original and independent thought capable of generating knowledge. The results not only show significant deficiencies in the process of academic literacy, but also raise questions about how this process is being carried in the field of higher education.