Processes of Learning to Read

Paper Summary:

Reading is a critical component of second-language learning. Although the research on second-language reading has been going on for decades, the findings are not communicated to the ESL (English Second Language) teacher at the secondary level. ESL teachers are left on their own to understand how to teach ESL reading, to follow the swings of the pedagogical pendulum without understanding the principles, or to follow trends in primary-language reading without considering differences between primary and secondary reading practices. This dissertation examines the most recent research-based instructional and reading processes for both primary and secondary language students. The study examines the difference between primary language instructional theory and practice and second-language learner instructional theory and practice.

From the Paper:

"Vocabulary development is also a vital part of the "learning to read English" process. It is very important to understand that ESL students may not have life experiences that contribute to English vocabulary meanings. This makes it difficult for an ESL student when approaching an unknown word and trying to sound it out. The ESL student determines if the word makes sense based on his or her understanding of the word. If a student does not know the meaning of the word, there is no way to check if the word fits, or to make meaning from the sentence. Vocabulary development is also a primary determinant of reading comprehension. Readers cannot understand the content of what they are reading unless they understand the meaning of the majority of words in the text."

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