Unraveling the Predictive Roles of Grammar Mastery, Logical Ability, and Schemata Toward University Students' Reading Comprehension in Indonesian Language

Authors

  • Siti Samhati

    Department of Language Education in Indonesia, University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

  • Muhammad Nurwahidin

    Department of Educational Technology, University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

  • Edi Suyanto

    Department of Language Education in Indonesia, University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

  • Mulyanto Widodo

    Department of Language Education in Indonesia, University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

  • Nadya Amalia Nasoetion

    Department of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, UIN Raden Intan, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

  • Vito Frasetya

    Department of Communication Science, University of Lampung, Bandar Lampung 35145, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i11.11612
Received: 13 August 2025 | Revised: 29 August 2025 | Accepted: 5 September 2025 | Published Online: 27 October 2025

Abstract

Reading comprehension in Indonesian language is essential for academic success, yet many university students struggle due to limited grammar mastery, logical ability, and schemata (prior knowledge). Previous studies have examined these factors separately, but their combined predictive power has relatively remained unexplored. The purpose of this study is to examine grammar mastery, logical ability, and schemata as the predictors of university students' reading comprehension in the Indonesian language. Using a non-experimental survey design with a quantitative approach, data were collected from 600 students at a public university in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, selected through cluster random sampling. Four validated and reliable multiple-choice tests were used to measure grammar mastery, logical ability, schemata, and reading comprehension. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS v.4. Results showed that grammar mastery (β = 0.365, p < 0.001), logical ability (β = 0.330, p < 0.001), and schemata (β = 0.274, p = 0.001) each significantly predicted reading comprehension, accounting for 78% of its variance. Moderate effect sizes were found for grammar mastery and logical ability, and a smaller but significant effect for schemata. The findings confirm that reading comprehension is a multi-component skill requiring linguistic, cognitive, and experiential knowledge. Implications include integrating grammar, reasoning, and prior knowledge development into reading instruction to improve university students' academic literacy in the Indonesian language.

Keywords:

Grammar Mastery; Logical Ability; Schemata; Reading Comprehension; Indonesian Language; University Students

References

[1] Fuad. M., Suyanto. E., Muhammad. U.A., et al., 2023. Indonesian students’ reading literacy ability in the cooperative integrated reading and composition learning: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education. 12(4), 2121–2129. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i4.25171

[2] Rad. H.S., 2025. Reinforcing L2 reading comprehension through artificial intelligence intervention: refining engagement to foster self-regulated learning. Smart Learn Environment. 12(23), 1–28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-025-00377-2

[3] Choi. N., Kiaer. J., Jun, E., et al., 2020. Effects of listening/reading comprehension and morphological awareness on first graders’ writing to dictation: A comparison of the effect of memorization. International Journal of Education and Practice. 8(2), 278–288. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.61.2020.82.278.288

[4] Budianto, A., Setyosari, P., Kuswandi, D., et al., 2022. Summaries writing to enhance reading comprehension: Systematic literature review from 2014 to 2021. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 8(1), 149–161.

[5] Miqawati, A.H., Sulistyo, G.H., 2014. The PQRST strategy, reading comprehension, and learning styles. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 4(1), 123–139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v4i1.605

[6] Erdiana, N., Daud, B., Sari, D.F., et al., 2020. A study of anxiety experienced by efl students in speaking performance. Studies in English Language and Education. 7(2), 334–346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v7i2.16768

[7] Aditomo, A., Hasugian, E.J., 2018. Indonesian adolescents EFL reading comprehension: Gender differences and the influence of parental background. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 8(2), 325–335. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v8i2.13279

[8] Hamiddin, Saukah, A., Investigating metacognitive knowledge in reading comprehension: The case of Indonesian undergraduate students. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics. 9(3), 608–615. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v9i3.23211

[9] Murtisari, E.T., Puspitasari, D., Setiamunadi,A.A., 2020. Peer teaching to assist tertiary EFL grammar learning: Indonesian tutors’ perceptions of challenges and strategies. Journal of Language and Education. 6(4), 204–215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2020.10763

[10] Hartono, H., Hidayati, N., Wiyaka, W., 2023. Pre-service English teachers’ motivation to pursue a career in teaching viewed from speaking self-efficacy. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education. 12(1), 517–526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i1.23358

[11] Logan, J. 2017. Pressure Points in Reading Comprehension: A Quantile Multiple Regression Analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology. 109(4), 451–464. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000150

[12] Marchis, I., 2013. Pre-service primary school teachers’ logical reasoning skills. Acta Didact. Napocensia. 6(4), 59–66. [Online]. Available from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1053714

[13] Kuo, W.C., Hsu, T.C., 2020. Learning computational thinking without a computer: How computational participation happens in a computational thinking board game. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. 29(1), 67–83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-019-00479-9

[14] Al Shdaifat, S., AI–Haq, F.A.A., 2021. The effect of using E-mental schemata strategy on improving efl students’ reading comprehension sub skills. Jordan Journal of Modern Languages & Literatures. 13(4), 603–621.

[15] Georgiou, G.K., Das, J.P., 2015. University students with poor reading comprehension: The hidden cognitive processing deficit. Journal of Learning Disabilities. 48(5), 535–545. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219413513924

[16] Waluyo, B., 2020. Learning outcomes of a general English course implementing multiple e-learning technologies and active learning concepts. The Journal of Asia TEFL. 17(1), 160–181. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2020.17.1.10.160

[17] Suyitno, I., 2017. Cognitive strategies use in reading comprehension and its contributions to students’ achievement. IAFOR Journal of Education. 5(3), 107–121.

[18] Lustyantie, N., Kasan, R.A., 2021. Improving reading comprehension in efl situation: A correlation analysis. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice. 21(1), 131–139.

[19] Sari, M.H., Susetyo, Noermanzah, et al., 2020. Understanding the level of students’ reading comprehension ability. Universal Journal of Educational Research. 8(5), 1848–1855. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080521

[20] Sumantri, M.S., Nurjannah, Siron, Y., 2017. The impact of metacognition and vocabulary mastery on reading comprehension in elementary student: A path analysis. Advanced Science Letters. 23(1), 537–539. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1166/asl.2017.7248

[21] Gonçalves, F., Reis, A., Inácio, F., et al., 2021. Reading comprehension predictors in European Portuguese adults. Frontiers in Psychology. 12, 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.789413

[22] Ma, L., Zhao, Z., 2025. Reading motivation and reading comprehension achievement among English majors in China: A descriptive correlational study. Heliyon. 11, e42427. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42427

[23] Pretorius, M.J., le Roux, M., Geertsema, S., 2022. Verbal working memory in second language reading comprehension: A correlational study. Communication Disorders Quarterly. 43(4), 234–245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1525740121991475

[24] Garwood, J.D., Brunsting, N.C., Fox, L.C., 2014. Improving reading comprehension and fluency outcomes for adolescents with emotional-behavioral disorders: Recent research synthesized. Remedial and Special Education, 35(3), 181–194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0741932513514856

[25] Suyanto, E., Fuad, M., Antrakusuma, B., et al., 2023. Exploring the research trends of technological literacy studies in education: A systematic review using bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Information and Education Technology. 13(6), 914–924. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2023.13.6.1887

[26] Tighe, E.L., Wagner, R.K., Schatschneider, C., 2015. Applying a multiple group causal indicator modeling framework to the reading comprehension skills of third, seventh, and tenth grade students. Reading and Writing. 28(4), 439–466. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-014-9532-1

[27] Spencer, M., Wagner, R.K., Petscher, Y., 2018. The reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge of children with poor reading comprehension despite adequate decoding: Evidence from a regression-based matching approach. Journal of Educational Psychology. 27(2), 1–50.

[28] Hasibuan, S.H., Manurung, I.D., Ekayati, R., 2022. Investigating public speaking anxiety factors among EFL university students through online learning. Applied Research on English Language, 11(1), 21–38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22108/are.2021.130092.1767

[29] Hjetland, H.N., Brinchmann, E.I., Scherer, R., et al., 2020. Preschool pathways to reading comprehension: A systematic meta-analytic review. Educational Research Review. 30, 100323. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2020.100323

[30] Tien, C.Y., 2018. English speaking anxiety in EFL university classrooms in Taiwan. European Journal of English Language Teaching. 4(2), 21–33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1473161

[31] Gottardo, A., Mirza, A., Koh, P.W., et al., 2018. Unpacking listening comprehension: the role of vocabulary, morphological awareness, and syntactic knowledge in reading comprehension. Reading and Writing. 31(8), 1741–1764. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-017-9736-2

[32] Mohsenishad, M., Zenouzagh, Z.M., 2021. Iranian university students’ belief changes about reading comprehension through cooperative learning. Journal of Asia TEFL, 18(3), 923–931. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2021.18.3.11.923

[33] Al-Furaiji, W.L.F., 2022. EFL Iraqi Students’ Strategies in Reducing Speaking Anxiety. Research Mil. 12(2), 4529–4536.

[34] McDonough, K., Crawford, W.J., De Vleeschauwer, J., 2014. Summary writing in a Thai EFL university context. Journal of Second Language Writing. 24(1), 20–32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2014.03.001

[35] Cho, E., Capin, P., Roberts, G., et al., 2019. Examining sources and mechanism of reading comprehension difficulties: Comparing English learners and non-English learners within the simple view of reading. Journal of Educational Psychology. 94(4), 1–67. DOI: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/edu0000332

[36] Kaban, A.L., 2021. Gamified e-reading experiences and their impact on reading comprehension and attitude in EFL classes. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning. 13(3), 71–90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJMBL.2021070105

[37] Khan, H.R., Rahaman, A., 2019. Critical agency and global subjectivity in ELT material development: An analysis of English language textbook of Bangladesh. 3L: Language, Linguistics, Literature. 25(2), 157–172. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/3L-2019-2502-12

[38] Lesseig, K., Hine, G., Na, G.S., et al., 2019. Perceptions on proof and the teaching of proof: a comparison across preservice secondary teachers in Australia, USA and Korea. Mathematics Education Research Journal. 31(4), 393–418. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-019-00260-7

[39] Christou, C., Papageorgiou, E., 2007. A framework of mathematics inductive reasoning. Learning and Instruction. 17(1), 55–66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2006.11.009

[40] Muslem, A., Fata, I.A., Inayatullah, I., 2019. Factors Affecting Internship Students’ Speaking Anxiety. Al-Ta’ Lim Journal. 26(2), 204–212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15548/jt.v26i2.531

[41] Crossley, S.A., Muldner, K., McNamara, D.S., 2016. Idea generation in student writing: Computational assessments and links to successful writing. Written Communication. 33(3), 328–354. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0741088316650178

[42] Amerstorfer, C.M., Freiin von Münster-Kistner, C., 2021. Student perceptions of academic engagement and student-teacher relationships in problem-based learning. Frontiers in Psychology. 12, 1–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713057

[43] Martin, L., 2020. Foundations for good practice: The student experience of online learning in Australian higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency: Australia.

[44] Suparman, S., Juandi, D., Turmudi, T., 2024. Islamic students’ achievement emotions in attending algebra class: Differences of gender, algebraic content, teaching method, and teacher knowledge. Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal. 7(2), 1–20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25217/0020247500400

[45] Suparman, La’ia, H.T., Makur, A.P., et al., 2024. Development of Ucing Sumput digital game to stabilize students’ achievement emotions in mathematics. Qubahan Academic Journal. 4(4), 156–177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v4n4a808

[46] Merchie, E., Tuytens, M., Devos, G., et al., 2018. Evaluating teachers’ professional development initiatives: towards an extended evaluative framework. Research Papers in Education. 33(2), 143–168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2016.1271003

[47] Meitifazahra, A., Suryaman, M., Wachyudi, K., 2022. Bibliometric analysis: E-book and reading comprehension in Efl in the last decade. Sains dan Teknologi. 10(1), 2023–2045.

[48] Creswell, J.W., Creswell, J.D., 2018. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approach, 5th ed. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[49] Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K., 2018. Research methods in education, 8th ed. Routledge: London, UK.

[50] Nguyen, T.D., Shih, M.H., Srivastava, D., et al., 2021. Stratified random sampling from streaming and stored data. Distributed and Parallel Databases. 39(3), 665–710. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10619-020-07315-w

[51] Taylor, R., 1990. Interpretation of the correlation coefficient: A basic review. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 6(1), 35–39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/875647939000600106

[52] Hair, J.F., Jr., Black, W.C., et al., 2019. Multivariate data analysis, 8th ed. Cengage Learning EMEA: London, UK.

[53] Guenther, P., Guenther, M., Ringle, C.M., et al., 2023. Improving PLS-SEM use for business marketing research. Industrial Marketing Management. 111, 127–142.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.03.010

[54] Sarstedt, M., Radomir, L., Moisescu, O.I., et al., 2022. Latent class analysis in PLS-SEM: A review and recommendations for future applications. Journal of Business Research. 138, 398–407. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.08.051

[55] Hair, J.F., Hollingsworth, C.L., Randolph, A.B., et al., 2017. An updated and expanded assessment of PLS-SEM in information system research. Industrial Management & Data Systems. 117(3), 1–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-04-2016-0130

[56] Fornell, C., Larcker, D.F., 1981. SEM with unobservable variables and measurement error. Algebra and Statistics. 47(3), 138–145.

[57] Hu, L.T., Bentler, P.M., 1999. Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal. 6(1), 1–55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

[58] Fornell, C., Larcker, D.F., 1981. Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research. 18(1), 39–50.

[59] Hair, J.F., Matthews, L.M., Matthews, R.L., ET AL., 2017. Updated guidelines on which method to use. International Journal of Multivariate Data Analysis. 1(2), 107–123.

[60] Cohen, J., 1988. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences, 2nd ed. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates: Mahwah, NJ, USA.

[61] Hemmati, F., Kashi, M., 2013. The impact of oral retelling and summary writing techniques on Iranian upper intermediate EFL learners’ reading comprehension. International Journal of English Education. 2(2), 42–61. Available from: https://www.ijee.org/assets/docs/5.89113136.pdf

[62] Bishara, S., 2022. Association between phonological and morphological awareness and reading comprehension among special-education children in Arab elementary schools. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education. 69(4), 1105–1122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2020.1737319

[63] Nouwens, S., Groen, M.A., Verhoeven, L., 2017. How working memory relates to children’s reading comprehension: the importance of domain-specificity in storage and processing. Reading and Writing. 30(1), 105–120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-016-9665-5

[64] Sağirli, M., 2020. Comparison of reading comprehension levels of literate learners with different methods. Education 3-13. 48(1), 100–117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2019.1593481

[65] Spencer, M., Wagner, R.K., 2018. The comprehension problems of children with poor reading comprehension despite adequate decoding: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research. 88(3), 366–400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654317749187

[66] Friesen, D.C., Frid, B. 2021. Predictors of successful reading comprehension in bilingual adults: The role of reading strategies and language proficiency. Languages. 6(1), 1–23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/languages6010018

[67] Liu, D., Chen, X., 2020. Visual search and reading comprehension in Chinese children: the mediation of word detection skill. Reading and Writing. 33(5), 1163–1182. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09996-x

[68] Yan, M., Li, Y., Sun, X., et al., 2021. The roles of decoding and vocabulary in Chinese reading development: Evidence from a 3-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Educational Psychology. 91(1), 300–314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12365

[69] Wijekumar, K., Zhang, S., Joshi, R.M., et al., 2021. Introduction to the special issue: Textbook content and organization—why it matters to reading comprehension in elementary grades? Technology, Knowledge and Learning. 26(2), 243–249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-021-09505-6

[70] Zhang, H., Koda, K., 2018. Vocabulary knowledge and morphological awareness in Chinese as a heritage language (CHL) reading comprehension ability. Reading and Writing. 31(1), 53–74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-017-9773-x

[71] Chang, W.H., Huang, T.H., Liu, Y.C., 2019. Influence of an interactive e-book on the reading comprehension of different ethnic groups using indigenous culture as content. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 35(4), 323–332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2018.1543079

[72] Mathews, E.S., O’Donnell, M., 2020. Phonological decoding and reading comprehension in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. European Journal of Special Needs Education. 35(2), 220–235. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2019.1646954

Downloads

How to Cite

Samhati, S., Nurwahidin, M., Suyanto, E., Widodo, M., Amalia Nasoetion, N., & Frasetya, V. (2025). Unraveling the Predictive Roles of Grammar Mastery, Logical Ability, and Schemata Toward University Students’ Reading Comprehension in Indonesian Language. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(11), 1242–1262. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i11.11612

Issue

Article Type

Article