The Effects of Extensive Reading on Korean English-as-a-Foreign-Language High School Students’ Reading Ability

• In Event: The Impact of Students’ Characteristics and Motivation on Literacy Competencies

Abstract

It aims to investigate effects of extensive reading (ER) on Korean EFL high school students’ reading ability. The results indicated ER was statistically effective in improving learners’ reading ability; the extracurricular-based ER program was more effective than the curriculum-based one in high school settings. ER was more effective for intermediate and beginner learners rather than for advanced learners; the mean score increase of beginner learners was more significant than that of intermediate learners. Learners showed positive attitudes and motivation toward ER; especially, advanced learners showed the most positive attitudes toward ER. Neither a commercial nor a voluntary ER program made a significant difference; but whether the ER was integrated into the curriculum or extracurricular did make a significant difference.

Authors

• Jeehwan Yun, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation

• Yonghyo Park, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation

• Hyang-jin Sohn, The University of Kansas