중등영어교육에서의 언어학습자문학 다독 적용

A Study on the Application of Extensive Reading of Language Learner Literature in Secondary English Education

  These days high school English classes usually function as the preparatory steps for S.A.T., in which students are given only uniform texts and reference books. These passive and strategic English learning is against the current teaching approaches emphasizing on the learners" diverse needs and authentic communication.   Especially, the importance of much comprehensible input and low affective filter, the text choice by learners" autonomy, and the usefulness of literature texts which facilitate integral teaching of 4 skills, are very suggestive to our English education. Out of translating short passages made for giving out only information, if the students choose and read the long story books on their own levels, we can imagine different English classes from the ones we"ve had.   The usefulness of literature, including language-learning effectiveness and socio-cultural appropriateness, can offer authentic situation in which a writer and a reader communicate each other with its various and exciting stories. Therefore, extensive reading, guaranteed by the learners" own choice of their English story books, reinforces their intrinsic motivation, helps them learn effectively and enhances their autonomy and creativity.   This study was conducted to verify the effectiveness and the availability of extensive reading of language learner literature in high school English classes, making use of over 150 story books. Its subjects were 35 girls in a high school in Cheonan City.   Judging from the results, the extensive reading approach will enhance English learning ability and the learners" autonomy, which makes their self-directed learning possible. An English teacher as a guide or a helper, rather than a director or an instructor, should make the good environment in which students can contact with various and useful language learner literature, motivating them properly and encouraging them to read continuously.   To achieve this goal, I think part of the regular school curriculum should be allotted for extensive reading and it could be appropriate for the students" performance testing.