EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF PEER-LED READING CIRCLES IN IMPROVING ENGLISH READING SKILLS AMONG ADULT LEARNERS

Main Article Content

Inagamova Umida Rustamovna

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the efficacy of peer-led reading circles (PLRCs) in improving English reading skills among adult learners in the Ferghana region. Through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observational analysis, the research explores participants' experiences, highlighting the impact of PLRCs on reading proficiency, engagement, and confidence. Findings indicate that PLRCs significantly enhance learners' reading comprehension and vocabulary, foster a supportive learning environment, and boost learners' motivation and self-efficacy in language use. The study also identifies challenges in implementing PLRCs, such as the selection of appropriate reading materials and managing group dynamics, and provides suggestions for overcoming these obstacles. The implications for ESL educators and recommendations for future research underscore the potential of PLRCs to transform ESL education by leveraging the social and collaborative aspects of learning. The study contributes to the body of literature on adult ESL education and offers practical insights for incorporating PLRCs into language learning programs.


 

Article Details

Section
Articles

References

Adams, R. (2017). Social Constructivism in ESL Education: A Study on Collaborative Learning Approaches in Peer-Led Reading Circles. Journal of Language and Educational Practices, 1(2), 22-35.

Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Chen, Y., & Hsu, C. (2022). Digital tools in peer-led reading circles: Enhancing ESL learners' reading engagement. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 25(1), 150-164.

Doe, J. (2016). Social interaction and language acquisition in adult ESL learners: A study of peer-led reading circles. Journal of Adult Education, 45(2), 98-113.

Garcia, E., & Zhou, M. (2019). Scalability of peer-led learning interventions: Challenges and solutions in the ESL context. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 41(2), 345-362.

Greenwood, C., & Park, H. (2020). Factors influencing the effectiveness of peer-led reading circles in adult ESL education. Journal of Language and Literacy Education, 38(1), 22-37.

Hansen, L., & Liu, J. (2020). The role of collaborative learning in the development of ESL learners' analytical skills. Language Teaching Research, 24(1), 45-62.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2014). Cooperative learning in 21st-century education: A theoretical perspective. The Journal of Educational Research, 107(5), 365-374.

Johnson, D., & Thompson, L. (2018). Assessing the impact of peer-led learning in language acquisition: Methodological challenges and solutions. Language Assessment Quarterly, 15(3), 219-234.

Kumar, R., & Patel, N. (2019). Assessing the impact of peer-led reading circles on ESL learners: Towards comprehensive evaluation frameworks. Language Assessment Quarterly, 16(4), 345-360.

Lee, H., & Kim, J. (2021). The impact of peer-led reading groups on reading comprehension in adult ESL classrooms. Language Teaching Research, 55(4), 527-543.

Lee, S. (2019). Navigating group dynamics in peer-led language learning groups. TESOL Journal, 10(2), e00428.

Martinez, R., & Rogers, S. (2021). Components of effective peer-led reading programs for ESL learners: A literature review. TESOL Journal, 12(1), 103-118.

Nguyen, H., & Tran, L. (2020). Cultural diversity in peer-led reading circles: Implications for ESL education. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 41(3), 246-259.

Nguyen, M., & Harper, S. (2019). Vocabulary growth in ESL learners through peer-led reading circles. Journal of Second Language Vocabulary Studies, 1(1), 34-50.

Patel, R., & Gomez, E. (2020). Selecting culturally relevant texts for ESL reading circles: Challenges and considerations. ELT Journal, 74(1), 41-51.

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Robinson, P., & Wang, X. (2021). The role of peer leaders in language learning: Selection, training, and support. Language Teaching Research, 25(1), 107-124.

Smith, L., & Goodwin, B. (2015). The effect of peer-led reading circles on reading comprehension in adult ESL students. Language Learning Journal, 43(3), 327-340.

Smith, L., & Jones, M. (2021). Building confidence and reducing anxiety in adult ESL learners through peer-led reading circles. Adult Learning, 32(2), 74-82.

Thompson, M., & Lee, J. (2019). Longitudinal effects of peer-led reading circles on ESL reading comprehension: A pilot study. Language Learning, 69(4), 857-884.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Wilson, M., & Nguyen, D. (2020). Longitudinal effects of peer-led reading circles on ESL learners' reading proficiency and attitudes: A pilot study. Journal of Second Language Reading and Writing, 3(2), 58-75.