A Solution to the Problems

What can we do to make these Japanese EFL learners become skilled enough to be able to read best-sellers in English and have positive attitudes toward reading in English generally? I have been experimenting with an extensive reading approach, and it seems to be providing a solution.

By reading easy materials such as guided readers extensively, the students receive a lot of comprehensible input. Their affective filter is relatively low as long as it is a self-access program. On the other hand, when the course is required, students may have some anxiety; but, at the same time, if it isn't required, they may not have the will power to read extensively. Since students are not required to look up all the unknown words and translate sentences word-by-word, they will concentrate more on meaning when they read. A lot of practice in reading what they can understand gives them confidence and a desire to go on to the next higher level. With an extensive reading approach, they begin to believe they may become good readers if they keep reading. This phenomenon rarely happens with the traditional intensive reading approach. The extensive reading class gives them confidence, a purpose to work for, and a sense of satisfaction due to their accomplishment. The following are short answers to some questions I usually receiving about my classes.

(1.) What do they read?

The students read guided readers to begin with, and then gradually they tackle more advanced authentic materials.

(2.) How much do they read?

I require them to read 1,000 pages in an academic semester. This means two to four books per week. Depending on reading speed, this translates into two to four hours of reading per week in the first semester. For the second semester, the time spent on reading depends on the students' motivation and ability. It usually ranges, however, from two to six hours per week.

(3.) How many books are there in your collection?

There are about 3,500 books in the extensive reading class library. They serve the 500 students in my school.

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