Date of Graduation

Spring 5-21-2015

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

College/School

School of Education

Department/Program

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Dixon

Abstract

In the US, thousands of international students are studying, or are preparing to study, at institutions of higher education. Unfortunately, the below satisfactory English skills of these students are a concern worldwide. One of the most critical factors affecting their academic progress is their reading skills.

It is widely accepted that a successful student in higher education must be able to read and comprehend assigned readings quickly. However, reading speed and comprehension pose a significant obstacle for ESL students who are pursuing these goals. How can ESL teachers assist their students at the high beginning, intermediate or advanced levels in improving their reading skills? The answer might be easier than they think: extensive reading. Extensive reading, or reading easy text for enjoyment and understanding of the general idea, has often been overlooked in ESL classrooms and curriculum development (Krashen, 2004).

The function of this project is to encourage students in their reading practice. If students knew the benefits that reading for pleasure would have on their language skills, they would dedicate much more time to reading. It is the hope that this power point presentation will encourage ESL teachers to instill a feeling of capability, motivation, and excitement in the ESL student toward reading, so that they will be driven to read more, understand more, and thus be their best selves in completing their education and contributing to the world around them.

Supplemental Files
Field Project Part 1.key (981 kB)
Part 1 Presentation
Field Project Part 2.key (409 kB)
Part 2 Presentation
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