The Role of Extensive Reading in Enhancing Reading Ability of Thai EFL Undergraduate Learners

Tharin Pitakpong; Phitcharie  Koanamsai

Authors

Tharin Pitakpong Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Thailand
Phitcharie Koanamsai Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Thailand

Abstract

Since reading is one of the essential skills that helps learners improve all parts of the English language, bringing extensive reading (ER) apart from using only textbooks into learners’ attention is worthwhile spending time looking into it. It is widely known that many commercial textbooks used in English classes in all levels may not interest the learners in terms of level of difficulty, content, organization of the book etc. Consequently, the teaching approach in English reading should be employed some alternative reading activities into the class curriculum to increase learners’ interest and motivation in learning English. In this article, ER is discussed as a vital teaching approach that enhances Thai EFL undergraduate learners’ reading ability. Many researchers have investigated the effects of reading ability through the learning by using ER on Thai EFL learners and this article aims to provide the evidence for the role of ER in enhancing reading’s ability of Thai EFL undergraduate learners and discussed how teachers and learners can utilize this method in their courses.

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