The impact of web and cultural text-based extensive reading instruction (Webculteri) model to reading comprehension, reading habit and intercultural awareness among university students in Indonesia

Digital extensive reading has demonstrated benefits in enhancing students' reading skills; however, research on the integration of web-based technology and cultural texts remains limited. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a web and cultural text-based extensive reading instruction (Webculteri) model in improving reading comprehension, reading habits, and intercultural awareness. Using a mixed method, the study involved seventy EFL students from a university in Kudus, Indonesia. The data were collected through a personalized extensive reading test, a reading habit questionnaire and interviews. The findings reveal that the experimental group’s mean test score (83) was significantly higher than the control groups’ (71.36), with a t test p value of 0.024, indicating the Webculteri model’s effectiveness in improving reading achievement. Additionally, the treatment led to improvements in reading habits and intercultural awareness. Moreover, the intervention fostered notable improvements in students’ reading habits and intercultural awareness. Participants reported increased engagement with diverse cultural texts and greater appreciation for intercultural differences, reflecting the model’s impact on fostering global perspectives. The findings underscore the Webculteri model's potential as a transformative instructional approach in EFL contexts, effectively integrating web-based technology and cultural texts to address multiple learning objectives. This innovative strategy not only improves reading achievement but also nurtures lifelong reading habits and intercultural competence, making it a valuable contribution to contemporary English language teaching practices. In conclusion, the integration of web-based technology and cultural text through the Webculteri model proves to be an effective approach for enhancing students’ reading comprehension, fostering positive reading habits, and promoting intercultural awareness in EFL contexts.