Online Extensive Reading for Advanced Foreign Language Learners: An Evaluation Study.

Autor: Arnold, Nike
Předmět:
Zdroj: Foreign Language Annals; Summer2009, Vol. 42 Issue 2, p340-366, 27p
Abstrakt: The following article reports the findings of a qualitative evaluation of an online extensive reading program in German as a foreign language. Designed for advanced learners, it differs from traditional extensive reading programs in two important aspects: students read online instead of printed materials, and there was no teacher preselection to ensure that learners were reading at the i minus 1 level. Data from reflections and questionnaires indicate that learners experienced a variety of affective and linguistic benefits. Interestingly, some learners purposely sought out more difficult texts to challenge themselves. While this violates a key principle of extensive reading, it is indicative of learners' growing motivation and self-confidence. There is also evidence that they developed into skilled second language readers, making conscious decisions about reading strategy and dictionary use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index