Decision-making skills in independent reading: Malaysian TESL pre-university students’ perceptions through Herbert Simon’s decision-making framework

Othman, Khairunnisa and Sheikh Ahmad, Ismail and Abd Rahman, Siti Fatimah (2025) Decision-making skills in independent reading: Malaysian TESL pre-university students’ perceptions through Herbert Simon’s decision-making framework. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, IX (XXIV). pp. 620-626. ISSN 2454-6186

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Abstract

Independent academic reading within academic context requires learners to make continual decisions about which strategies to apply, how to allocate time, and when to adjust approaches. For TESL pre-university students in Malaysia, these decisions are critical as they engage with complex academic texts in preparation for higher education. Drawing on Herbert A. Simon’s decision-making framework, which emphasizes bounded rationality and satisficing under constraints, this concept paper attempts to explore how these advanced language learners perceive decision-making during independent academic reading. Prior research highlights that while ESL learners report strong awareness of reading strategies, performance gaps remain, often due to difficulties in monitoring comprehension and adapting strategies effectively. By situating reading within Simon’s bounded rationality, this study conceptualizes decision-making skills as problem-solving under cognitive and contextual limitations. Findings are expected to shed light on the decision points learners identify (e.g., slowing down, rereading, or seeking external support) and the cues that shape those choices. The study contributes theoretically by reframing decision-making process in academic reading practically by offering insights for TESL instructors to scaffold adaptive choices, thereby enhancing reading literacy and supporting Malaysia’s broader educational agenda.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Simon’s Decision-making Framework, Academic Reading, ESL learners
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1025 Teaching (principles and practices) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > T Technology (General) > T10.5 Communication of technical information
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education
Depositing User:	Dr Siti Fatimah Abd Rahman
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2025 09:08
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2025 09:08
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124127

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