Independent Reading of Adapted Science Texts in Teaching Russian as Foreign Language: Student Motivation

Marina Abramova

doi:10.17770/sie2015vol1.302

Authors

Marina Abramova Pskov State University (RU)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2015vol1.302

Keywords:

independent learning, independent reading, L2 learners (second language learners), motivation, science text, teaching Russian as a foreign language

Abstract

Many studies in the field of second and foreign language learning have focused on student motivation and the factors affecting it. Likewise, positive motivation is essential for individual learning and a key factor in successful individual reading in a foreign (second) language. Most teachers believe that science texts are more challenging for L2 learners; consequently, the issue of facilitating L2 learners’ motivation is highly significant in reading instruction. The objective of the currant research is to find out if the factors creating and maintaining foreign learners’ reading motivation are used in Russian language textbooks, in particular, in the structure of reading exercises. The paper includes a review of literature on motivation factors in individual reading and foreign language learning and provides an analysis of reading exercises of 25 Russian language textbooks in the context of reading motivation.

References

Fenton-Smith, B. (2010). Debate on the Desired Effects of Output Activities for Extensive Reading. In Research for Materials Development in Language Learning: Evidence for Best Practice. Edited by Brian Tomlinson, Hitomi Masuhara. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Gvelesiani, I. (2012). Some Strategies of the Effective Teaching of Foreign Languages. Proceedings of the international scientific conference: Society. Integration. Education. Rezekne: RA, 365-370.

Hsui, V. Y. (2000). Guided Independent Reading (GIR): a Programme to Nurture Lifelong Readers. Teaching & Learning, 20(2), 31-39.

Mart, Ҫ.T. (2011). How to Sustain Students’ Motivation in a Learning Environment. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED519165.pdf">http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED519165.pdf

Martin, A. (2010). Positive and Practical Strategies for Building Classroom Success and Student Motivation.

http://www.literacytakesflight.com/uploads/7/8/9/3/7893595/building_success_and_motivation.pdf

Meyer, B., Haywood, N., Sachdev, D.& Faraday, S. (2008). Independent Learning: Literature Review. London: Department for Children, Schools and Families research Report 051.

Rost, M. (2006). Generating Student Motivation. http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/worldview/motivation.pdf

Shanahan, T, Fisher, D. & Frey, N. (2012). The Challenge of Challenging Text. Reading: The Core Skill, 69 (6), 58-62

Soureshjani, K.H. (2013). A study of the Effect of Self-Regulation and the Degree of Willingness to Communicate on Oral Presentation Performance of EFL Learners. International Journal of Language Learning and Applied Linguistics World, 4(4), 166-177.

Žydžiūnaitė, V., Teresevičienė, M. & Gedvilienė, G. (2014). The structure of independent learning in higher education: learners’ attitude. Proceedings of the international scientific conference: Society. Integration. Education. Rezekne: RA, 336-344.

Зуева, И. (2009). Методика формирования умений самостоятельной работы с иноязычным текстом. Педагогическое образование и наука, 7, 53-57.

Курпешева, А. (2012). Психолого-педагогические основы организации самостоятельной работы студента как средства формирования иноязычной коммуникативной компетенции. Вестник Астраханского государственного технического университета, 1, 105-110.

Одинцова, Ю. (2007). Методическая характеристика понятия иноязычного самостоятельного профессионально-ориентированного чтения. Известия Российского государственного педагогического университета им. А.И. Герцена, 36 (13), 220-223.

Перлова, И. В. (2010). Психологические особенности самостоятельной работы с иноязычным профессионально-ориентированным текстом. Вестник Пермского национального исследовательского политехнического университета. Проблемы языкознания и педагогики, 4, 54-63.

Перлова, И. В. (2011). Содержание самостоятельной работы студентов с иноязычным электронным текстом. Вестник Пермского национального исследовательского политехнического университета. Проблемы языкознания и педагогики, 5, 60-67.

Уваровская, О. & Краева, И. (2009). Самостоятельная работа студентов: Учебно-методическое пособие. Сыктывкар: СыктГУ.