International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Literature Circles with the Seventh-Grade Reluctant Second Language Readers
Min-Hsun Chiang

Abstract
This study explored the effects of literature circles on cultivating self-efficacy as 7th grade L2 readers engaged in weekly reading activities. An intact class of 28,7th-grade students from a public junior high school in central Taiwan were recruited to take part in a 12-week, literature circle-integrated reading program. Pre- and post-test of their self-efficacy were calculated to identify any statistically significant difference before and after the reading program. Pearson correlation was calculated to identify any correlation between the participants’ self-efficacy and reading comprehension. The results show that there is no significant difference in self-efficacy after participating in the program. However, a moderate correlation between self-efficacy and reading comprehension measure was identified. Most participants applauded the interactive and collaborative nature of the literature-circle reading activities.

Full Text: PDF