방과후 다독 활동을 통한 효용성 분석

Abstract

The Effects of Extensive Reading through the Extra Curricular Program of Elementary School

This study proposes “extensive reading” approach as an effective alternative to the current English education, which has problems of the insufficient exposure time to English in Korea. Since English language learning is done mostly inside the classroom and within the limited class time, there are difficulties in learning English in EFL contexts. To overcome such a space and time constraint, extensive reading can be recommended by providing students with an environment to be exposed to English everywhere. Computerized reading management programs, which have been gradually used in schools and public libraries, should be paid attention as a tool encouraging students to increase their reading. Reading management programs help students select books to read by providing a test to determine their reading level. After completing books, students can take computerized tests on the contents of these books, and teachers can get the reports on the students' test scores. By doing so, the programs are able to increase reading achievement of the students and affect their reading motivation. However, many researchers questioned the effectiveness of the computerized management programs due to the technological problems of running the programs such as students’cheating on the test. Nevertheless, effectively managing multiple students’reading and visualizing their reading process, reading management programs are one of the most useful tools to promote students’ reading. While paying attention to the relationship between extensive reading and reading management programs, this study is to confirm the effectiveness of extensive reading, to investigate the actual conditions of the reading management programs, and to suggest the effective guidance on the extensive reading programs in Korea. The experiment for the research was conducted with 47 elementary school students who had practiced extensive reading for at least more than one year, using the school's English library. During the research, the participants were encouraged to use the computerized reading management program(Reading Gate) and participate in various post-reading activities, such as book reports. For the research, quantative research methods, such as a pre-test, a post-test, and a survey, were carried out in order to understand the reading process of the participants and to prove the effects of extensive reading. For the qualitative research, the analyses of the book reports, in-depth interviews, and observations on the students' attitudes were conducted. The results of the research are as follows: first, extensive reading helps students to improve their English reading ability, which shows how extensive reading can provide the students with more opportunities to be exposed to English. Second, reading management programs affect reading motivation of the students. Based on such results of the research, this study claims the educational advantages of extensive reading through the effective practice of the management programs. Although many students and teachers were satisfied with the reading management programs, the problems in the programs were found as a result of the research. These programs damaged some of the students' internal motivation to read because students' motivation to read hinges not on personal interests, but on the point values for books, which students get after completing the tests and getting good score. Thus, a balanced approach with reading management programs is needed in schools and libraries. Lastly, the role of teachers was important in that they could observe, guide, and motivate their students to read more books in extensive reading. It is crucial that teachers cooperate with each student in doing their tasks and practicing the extensive reading programs.