The effects of extensive reading on ESL learners’
Language acquisition
Introduction
Learning a second language requires a great deal of hard work and commitments from both learners and teachers in order to acquire the language effectively; within the Language training centre of the Tongan Armed Forces whose learners’ and teachers are both military members that in addition comitted to other responsibilities in the Armed Forces, the process of learning English as second language across a 10 week short course are viewed by many learners as time consuming and a discouraging process especially when the training program clashes with the units’ working plan. As an ESL instructor of this particular language centre, one way of improving their English language level is to encourage learners to read extensively in spare time as “extensive reading is the single most effective way to improve language proficiency” Maley (2005, p.354). However, this does not put into practice by some learners since there are no clear guidelines provided in regards to how it is carried out in order for successful achievements to occur. In that respect, this essay will discuss the significance of extensive reading and its characteristics and how it could be implemented in our language centre.
Its Significance
In accordance to Carrell & Carson (1997) Extensive reading is simply reading a huge amount of reading materials such as diary, newspapers, magazines, non-fiction and fiction books and so forth for pleasure and for general understanding, concentrating on the general meaning of the text instead of the language. A reading activity which was primary aim as according to Day and Bamford “to get students reading in the second language and liking it” (p.6) an...
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...eading to get easily adapt to the habbit of reading excessively prior challenging themselves. Preferrably, learners read on their own without the need to screen their perusing. However, when working with lower level it is suggested for constantly observations to be conducted as to identify how learners reading are progressed, Renandya (2007). A straightforward book record could be intended to check understudies' advancement. notwithstanding utilizing book records, a month to month scholar educator meeting might be planned to see whether understudies are having any issues with their perusing. This meeting might be as short as five minutes or less. It ought to be noted here that checking ought to be seen as a method for showing learners' advancement and propelling scholars, as opposed to as a route for the instructor to survey them, Renandya (2007).
Fountas, I., C., & Pinnel, G. S., (2009). When readers struggle: Teaching that works. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Informal reading inventories will be efficient for direct observing and recording aspects of students reading skills....
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Long, M, H. & Doughty, C, J. ( Eds.).(2009). The Handbook of Language Teaching. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
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