Abstract:
This dissertation explored the interrelation between extensive reading and the
English language competence of the learner. The study was guided by three research
questions mainly related to (I) students' improvement of English language competence
through extensive reading, (2) university undergraduates' perception of the experience
of extensive reading as they participate in the extensive reading project, and (3) finding
out the impediments in designing and implementing an extensive reading program for
the university undergraduates.
The main research orientation of the study was qualitative, of which the major
methodological type was Case Study research in the form of extensive reading program.
It also contained some quantitative data collection methods such as questionnaire and
journal records, and data analysis involving some quantification along specific criteria.
The research setting was the English Language Teaching Unit of the University of
Ruhuna.
The findings of this study clearly showed that the participants' language
competence improved significantly through the extensive reading program. These were
discussed with respect to both language related benefits and non-language related
benefits such as reading speed, vocabulary development (word power) and knowledge of
vocabulary improvement, writing improvement, consolidating previously learned
language, building confidence with extended texts, enhancing motivation for reading,
and developing prediction skills, other than just general comprehension of a text. As
these findings were largely based on the participants' perceptions about the extensive
reading program, a sophisticated statistical analysis was not attempted to corroborate the
perceived improvements. Thus, whether the participants actually improved their
comprehension, speed, vocabulary, and so on could not be statistically proved. However,
this study showed that perceptions were as important as actual gains and that the positive
perceptions reflected the participants' actual improvements, motivation to read
extensively, and to continue reading as a habit, which in the long run would help them in
their university career and afterward.
