Using Extensive Reading Programs to Foster Autonomy and Reading Fluency in EFL Learners

Abstract

This article examines the role of extensive reading programs in increasing reading speed and developing learner autonomy among students learning English as a foreign language. Based on a synthesis of existing research, it demonstrates that extensive reading provides students with opportunities to repeatedly engage with comprehensible texts, leading to increased reading speed, improved reading comprehension, and vocabulary expansion. Extensive reading programs also strengthen learner autonomy by allowing students to select texts according to their interests, set personal goals, and engage in reflective reading activities.The dual impact of extensive reading creates a positive feedback loop: increased reading speed enhances students’ self-confidence, which, in turn, encourages them to engage more actively in independent reading. The article also examines challenges associated with implementing extensive reading programs, including limited resources, differences in students’ language proficiency levels, and the maintenance of motivation, and presents strategies to address these issues.Practical recommendations for teachers include providing a variety of reading materials, maintaining a regular reading schedule, integrating reflective activities, and offering guidance without interfering with students’ choices. The article demonstrates the scholarly novelty of combining the dimensions of reading speed and learner autonomy within extensive reading programs and emphasizes their practical significance for English language teaching.Overall, the synthesis presents a comprehensive framework for extensive reading programs that simultaneously develop language skills and support independent learning, offering valuable contributions to teachers and curriculum designers in this field.