Innovation in Language Learning

Getting students to read is often an uphill battle for teachers, particularly in gulf countries where a culture of reading is not usually present at home (Kandil 2001; Shannon 2003). This paper will introduce ways in which teachers can motivate gulf learners and other reluctant readers to engage in extensive reading; an approach that has been shown to improve reading skills and overall language proficiency (Nakanishi 2014; Grabe, 2009; Day & Bamford, 1998). First, drawing on original research conducted in a university foundation program in the UAE, the presenter will discuss how the M-reader online extensive reading tool has been used successfully to motivate Emirati learners to read. The research highlights the particular aspects of the extensive reading program, which students have reported as most personally motivating for their extensive reading practices. Next, the concept of teacher “co-reading,” in which teachers read their own books alongside students will be explained. Thirdly, the paper will discuss how the use of audio support can be an effective motivating tool for struggling readers. Fourth, the strategy of reframing the task of reading for students as way to motivate them will be explored. Finally, the paper will explain how culture can be used as a tool to increase reading motivation among gulf learners and other reluctant readers in different cultural contexts.