At most public primary schools in Korea, students are placed in classrooms regardless of their English proficiency. Teachers have limited means of dealing with such variation despite many pedagogical suggestions. The study examined what reading in English as a foreign language can bring a Korean primary student beyond the regular EFL classroom experience in a school setting. To be specific, the study explored a primary EFL learner’s L2 reading practice through participant-observation along with interviews and audio-recordings of classes throughout a semester to understand the role of L2 reading in one student’s educational experience. In total, 30 hours of EFL classroom observation, eight hours of book club class observation, and two hours of interviews were analyzed. The study tries to understand the L2 reading practice in a local setting including meanings of L2 literacy practices and the role of teachers and parents. The study showed when teachers extend their vision beyond regular EFL classes and find room for level-differentiated learning opportunities, students can enjoy rich and meaningful learning environments. This study sheds light on how alternative EFL language practices may compensate for a lack of exposure to the target language in the local context.
I. Introduction
II. Theoretical Background
III. Methodology
IV. Findings and Discussion
V. Conclusion and Educational Implications
References