Research on ESL Reading in

Adults
Reading in a Second Language
ENGL. 6090
Prepared By:
Cristina O’Farrill
November 15 , 2016
Bibliography – APA Format
Article #1 Neurolinguistics:
Burns, Martha ( 2011). How Learning to Read Improves Brain Function. The
Science Of Learning Blog.
Article #2 Psycholinguistic:
Tindall, Evie; Nisbet, Deanna (2010) Exploring the Essential Components of
Reading. Journal of Adult Education Information Series, No. 1 Vol. 39, 2010
Article #3: Sociolinguistic:
Tindall, Evie (2012) Learning Through Dramatic Story Presentation. Journal of
Adult Education, Information Series, No. 1 Vol. 39, 2010
 Relevant Ideas on ESL Reading
Neurolinguistics Issues in Adults
• Issue #1: Illiterate vs literate SES adults

• Issue #2: reading depends on listening skills (auditory development)

• Issue #3: good readers become good listeners

 Relevant Ideas on ESL Reading
Psycholinguistic Issues in Adults
• Issue #1: Many ESL practitioners have not been adequately prepared
to meet the challenge of teaching beginning reading skills to adults.

• Issue #2: 5 essential components of reading: phonemic awareness,

word study, voc., fluency, comprehension

• Issue #3: possession of phonemic awareness skills in one language

predicts reading ability in another language
 Relevant Ideas on ESL Reading
Sociolinguistic Issues in Adults

• Issue #1: Story promote community and cultural understanding

• Issue #2: Readers’ Theater

• Issue #3: Tableau Vivant

 Relevant Ideas on ESL Reading
in Adults
Lectures and/or Textbook
• Issue # 1 Neurolinguistics: bottom up/ top down process: students cannot
learn to read, so will not be able to read to learn.

• Issue # 2 Psycholinguistic: cross-linguistic transfer (positive and negative

influences)

• Issue # 3 Sociolinguistic: multi-channel input

 Recommendations for the
Reading Instructional Process
in Adults
• Issue # 1 Neurolinguistics : read aloud to students to develop
phonemic/phonological awareness. Teachers need to be aware that
SES impacts development of phonological awareness.

• Issue # 2 Sociolinguistic: literacy as entertainment is seen as positive

for reading emergence.

• Issue # 3 Psycholinguistic : expose students to print and books

 Closing Comments
ESL Reading in Adults
These articles have taught me the benefits of early reading. ESL children who are
read aloud to by parents and/or teachers get a head start in language. Conversely,
those who are not read aloud to, struggle in their reading skills when adults.
Research showed that listening skills were better among groups of adult readers
than among adults who did not read. Therefore, second language learners who
receive phonics instruction at an early age, develop stronger foundational reading
skills in the future.
I also learned that drama is an attractive instructional choice for ESL educators.
The use of drama for ESL adult learners can promote community and cultural
understanding, facilitate the transfer of skills across activities, and improve
students’ performance in the four language domains.