Reaching reluctant EFL readers : The power of implementing an extensive reading programme

Abstract

Although reading is not the only skill which is taught in the foreign language classroom, it is definitely one of the most emphasized by many EFL teachers. Indeed, in an EFL setting, reading may be considered as an outstanding point to learn the foreign language as it provides learners with a multitude of opportunities to broaden their horizons and relate them to a wider and more wonderful world than their own from a social, cultural, and academic point of view. Yet, despite the large amount of time devoted to the teaching of reading and years of instruction and practice of this skill in the middle and secondary schools, many EFL students face difficulties in front of a printed material and seem to be unwilling and reluctant to read in English. Consequently, this current study tries to investigate the teaching/learning of the reading skill, with reference to first year EFL students at the Department of English at Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbès. The research work pinpoints the reasons that lie behind students’ reluctance to read in English as it tries to propose some remedial solutions to such a situation. The study also suggests the possibility of introducing extensive reading as complementary to intensive reading instruction to motivate students and encourage them to read more in the foreign language.