References for Extensive Reading in EFL/ESL

The idea that learners can develop their language knowledge through extensive reading is attractive for several reasons. First, reading is essentially an individual activity and therefore learners of different proficiency levels could be learning at their own level without being locked into an inflexible class program. Second, it allows learners to follow their interests in choosing what to read and thus increase their motivation for learning. Third, it provides the opportunity for learning to occur outside the classroom.
-Paul Nation

Articles

Barfield, A. (1995): "Extensive Reading: from graded to authentic text" Learning Learning, Vol.2, no.1 (March, 1995)
Beglar, D. (2000): "Estimating Vocabulary Size", Shiken: JALT Testing & Evaluation SIG Newsletter, Vol. 4 No. 1 Spring 2000 (ppg. 2 - 3)
Bell, T. (2001): "Extensive Reading: Speed and Comprehension", The Reading Matrix, Vol. 1, No. 1, April 2001
Bell, T. (1998): "Extensive Reading: Why? and How?", The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. IV, No. 12, December 1998
Critchley, M. (1998): "Reading to Learn: Pedagogical Implications of Vocabulary Research", The Language Teacher Online: Issue 22
Day, R. and J. Bamford (2000): "Reaching Reluctant Readers", Forum Vol 38 No 3, July - September 2000
Day, R. and J. Bamford (2002): "Top Ten Principles for Teaching Extensive Reading", Reading in a Foreign Language, Volume 14, Number 2, October 2002, ISSN 1539-0578
Dubravcic, J. (1996): "Telling the Truth about Extensive Reading", The Language Teacher (My Share) December 1996
Heal, L. (1998): "Motivating Large Reading Classes", The Language Teacher, December 1998
Hunt, A. and Beglar, D. (1998): "Current Research and Practice in Teaching Vocabulary", The Language Teacher Online: Issue 22.01
Leung, Ching Yin: "Extensive Reading and Language Learning: A Diary Study of a Beginning Learner of Japanese", Reading in a Foreign Language, Volume 14, Number 1, April 2002, ISSN 1539-0578
Mason, B. and Krashen, S.: "Can We Increase the Power of Reading by Adding More Output and/or Correction?", Texas Papers in Foreign Language Education (in press)
Powell, S. (2002)
: "Extensive Reading and its Role in the Future of English Language Teaching in Japanese High Schools" web published on the Extensive Reading Pages.
Prowse P. (2002): "Top Ten Principles for Teaching Extensive Reading: A Response" [to Day and Bamford 2002], Reading in a Foreign Language, Volume 14, Number 2, October 2002, ISSN 1539-0578
Robb, T. (2002): "Extensive Reading in an Asian Context -- An Alternative View", Reading in a Foreign Language, Volume 14, Number 2, October 2002, ISSN 1539-0578
Schackne, S. (n.d.): "Extensive Reading and Language Acquisition--Two Studies" Self published on the WWW.
Susser, B. and Robb, T. (1989): "Extensive reading vs. skills building in an EFL context" Reading in a Foreign Language 5, 239-251.
Susser, B. and Robb, T. (1990): "EFL Extensive Reading Instruction: Research and Procedure", JALT Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2
Waring, R. (2001): "Research in Extensive Reading", Kiyo, Notre Dame Seishin University: Studies in Foreign Languages and Literature. 25 (1):
Waring, R. and Takahashi, S. (n.d.): The Oxford University Press "Guide to the Why and How of Using Graded Readers" English Version (PDF) Japanese Version (PDF). Use the link below if you need to get the Reader plugin.

Reading Strategies

Does explicit instruction in reading strategies have a place in an extensive reading program?

Singhal, M. (2001): "Reading Proficiency, Reading Strategies, Metacognitive Awareness and L2 Readers", The Reading Matrix, Vol. 1, No. 1, April 2001

Reading and Vocabulary

Can students learn new vocabulary through reading?

Hermann, F. (2003): "Differential Effects of Reading and Memorization of Paired Associates on Vocabulary Acquisition in Adult Learners of English as a Second Language", TESL-EJ, Vol. 7. No. 1, June 2003

Updated 3/2004