Reading is Broken, So Let’s Fix It!

Students tell us they don’t like reading and that it is boring, and it is easy to see why. For too long, there has been an over-emphasis on coursebook-driven language teaching and constant testing. So we have to move away from these traditional and unhelpful practices, to make a crucial transition from ‘reading for school’ to ‘reading for life’. Reading at school and at home also needs to include easy reading for pleasure (with little or no testing), and with books which learners choose for themselves. Only then does learner motivation and confidence return, with dramatic, proven results in language acquisition and reading fluency. This session demonstrates that extensive reading (as opposed to intensive reading) is the answer, providing a crucial missing element in all ELT syllabus designs.

Name:

Surname:

Position:

School:

E-mail:

Telephone:

Student Age Group:

  Primary                Secondary
                Primary & Secondary

Send to register

Academic presentation by:

Andy Cowle

Starting out as a graduate of German and English Linguistics and an English language teacher, Andy has worked in ELT publishing and training globally for 30 years, operating in almost 40 countries. Passionate about creative ELT materials and motivating teaching professionals, Andy is known for enthusiastic and practical talks, encouraging teachers to try new ideas, and connecting language learning with the real world. 

Andy was born and grew up near Liverpool, England, and now lives in Glasgow with his family, dog and guitar. He loves to travel, film and good wine.