The Evaluation and Use of Extensive Reading Materials

Abstract

The current investigation is based on the topic of “The evaluation and use of extensive reading materials”. Throughout this research, I attempted to find out whether a theory-based exploration on the evaluation and use of extensive reading materials is conducive to a more appropriate evaluation and implementation of these materials.

The above mentioned hypothesis was tested through the following research questions:

1. Do theoretical principles help teachers see the significance of, in this case, the evaluation and use of extensive reading materials? 2. Can observation and reflection on pedagogical practices on extensive reading, grounded on theoretical principles, aid educators modify their current classroom work?

The research was a case-study. The hypothesis was tested with the cooperation of a primary 5th form teacher and her group of students and the material under investigation was the book “The Secret Garden” and its implementation in extensive reading work. The data collected helped the teacher and myself perceive up to what extent the hypothesis could be tested. By the end of the investigation, it was clear for her that extensive reading was an area of relevance in TESOL. She expanded her criteria of materials evaluation and understood that an orderly planning, in this case, of extensive reading lessons, was effective for her students’ learning.