Issues in Teaching Second Language Reading

Abstract

Look through the window of any second or foreign language (L2) reading classroom and, invariably, you will see teacher and students seated with books open in front of them. This superficial similarity masks vast differences in teaching methodology, however. As the 20th century draws to a close, there are, around the world, at least four distinctive approaches to the teaching of L2 reading: grammar-translation, comprehension questions, skills and stategies, and extensive reading. After briei descriptions of the four approaches to teaching reading, this paper surveys a selection of recent articles and books that address important concems in L2 reading pedagogy. Finally, questions are raised about the relationship of theory, research, and teaching practice.