УДК 372.881.111.1

Balancing extensive and intensive reading in teaching foreign languages

Новикова Виктория Сергеевна – студент Московского педагогического государственного университета.

Abstract: This article examines the complementary roles of extensive and intensive reading techniques in foreign language education. It defines each approach, discusses their individual aims and outlines how to balance them to enhance language learning. Practical classroom applications are provided to help learners achieve fluency and deep comprehension.

Аннотация: В настоящей статье рассматриваются дополняющие роли техник экстенсивного и интенсивного чтения в преподавании иностранных языков. Определяется каждый подход, обсуждаются их индивидуальные цели, а также очерчивается, как достичь баланса между ними для усиления процесса обучения языку. Представлены практические приемы для классной работы, призванные помочь учащимся добиться беглости в чтении и глубокого понимания.

Keywords: teaching foreign languages, extensive reading, intensive reading, language acquisition, students’ motivation.

Ключевые слова: обучение иностранным языкам, экстенсивное чтение, интенсивное чтение, овладение языком, мотивация студентов.

The mastery of a foreign language encompasses several skills, among which reading plays a crucial role. It acts as a vehicle not only for language acquisition but also for cultural understanding and critical thinking development. Two primary approaches to reading, extensive and intensive, can be distinguished in language teaching, each serving different purposes and offering unique benefits. This article delves into the essence of extensive and intensive reading, explores their objectives, and discusses effective strategies for balancing these techniques to optimize foreign language learning.

Extensive reading, often referred to as reading for pleasure or quantity reading, involves learners engaging with large amounts of text at a level appropriate for their current understanding. The primary focus is on the flow of reading and overall understanding rather than on the minutiae of grammar, vocabulary, or text analysis. This approach encourages learners to become autonomous readers and helps to build reading fluency, expand vocabulary incidentally, and foster a positive attitude towards reading.

In contrast, intensive reading is more focused and analytical. It includes the close reading of shorter texts with the explicit intent of dissecting the language and structure. This method involves concentrating on the details such as new vocabulary, grammatical patterns, and comprehension of the text at a much deeper level. Intensive reading is often conducted in a classroom setting with guidance from an instructor, and it serves as an excellent tool for teaching specific reading strategies and linguistic concepts.

The aim of extensive reading is to develop a learner’s general reading competence and language proficiency. It helps in building speed and ease of reading, expanding lexical knowledge, and enhancing overall linguistic intuition. Furthermore, through exposure to diverse texts and topics, learners can acquire a greater understanding of different cultural aspects and real-life contexts in which the target language is used.

Meanwhile, the aim of intensive reading is to improve the learner’s analytical and interpretative skills. It reinforces comprehension at a detailed level, sharpens focus on grammar and vocabulary, and teaches learners to recognize textual structures and styles. The outcome is an increased ability to tackle complex texts and an improved capacity to apply critical thinking skills to reading.

To achieve a well-rounded reading skill set in a foreign language, educators must thoughtfully combine extensive and intensive reading activities. The balance can be achieved by integrating both methods in a complementary manner.

One strategy is to handle intensive reading tasks in the classroom, where guidance is immediate, and interactive discussions can enhance understanding. Teachers can select texts that align with the learners’ language level and interests to dissect and examine during lessons. Through tailored activities, students can practice new vocabulary, analyze grammatical structures, and engage in comprehension exercises.

Extensive reading can be assigned as homework or encouraged as a leisure activity. Teachers should guide students towards selecting suitable reading materials that are slightly above their current proficiency but still within their grasp. To support students in their extensive reading journey, educators can set up a classroom library, create reading clubs, or participate in book-sharing programs.

Incorporating technology, such as e-readers and language learning apps that offer graded readers, can also promote extensive reading. Moreover, setting goals, such as reading a certain number of books or pages weekly, and incorporating follow-up activities like book discussions and reviews, can motivate students and help them see their progress.

The integration of extensive and intensive reading presents a harmonious approach to mastering a foreign language. While extensive reading builds fluency and incites a love for reading, intensive reading sharpens analytical skills and deepens linguistic knowledge. By achieving the right balance teachers can offer a comprehensive reading program that caters to the diverse needs of language learners, ultimately leading to proficient, confident and enthusiastic readers.

Besides, expanding vocabulary and grammar knowledge is also a key advantage of incorporating these approaches into the educational process. Extensive reading exposes learners to a wide range of vocabulary, while intensive reading within the lesson helps them understand the grammar complexity. This combination fosters a rich and nuanced understanding of the language.

Additionally, reading authentic texts in a foreign language provides learners with insights into the culture and perspectives of the target language community. It serves to increase cultural awareness. While balancing extensive and intensive reading in the education, students grasp an opportunity to study the target language community, they better understand culture, values and perspective of the people who speak this language. For instance, reading a novel by a Mexican author can provide insights into Mexican history, traditions, and social issues. Similarly, reading a newspaper article about a cultural festival in France can introduce learners to French customs and celebrations.

In conclusion, the combination of both extensive and intensive reading in language learning is essential for developing a well-developed reading skill set. Educators play a crucial role in guiding students towards effective reading practices by providing them with suitable materials, setting goals and offering support and feedback. By implementing intensive reading tasks in the classroom with extensive reading opportunities outside the classroom, teachers can boost students’ motivation to read and explore the new.

References

1. Day, R. R., & Bamford, J. (1998). Extensive Reading in the Second Language Classroom. Cambridge University Press.
2. Grabe, W. (2009). Reading in a Second Language: Moving from Theory to Practice. Cambridge University Press.
3. Nation, I. S. P. (2009). Teaching ESL/EFL Reading and Writing. Routledge.
4. Nuttall, C. (2005). Teaching Reading Skills in a Foreign Language (3rd ed.). Macmillan Education.
5. Paran, A. (2008). The role of extensive reading in building up a reading culture: A need to look beyond the classroom? Reading in a Foreign Language, 20(2), 102-120.
6. Richards, J. C., & Schmidt, R. (2010). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (4th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.