Online news is a vast treasure trove for language learning. It provides authentic materials on almost any topic imaginable virtually free and easily accessible, making it an ideal source of input for EFL learners beyond the tertiary level. The wealth of information is particularly suited for learners in this electronic age as it offers infinite possibilities for stimulating pertinent discussion, nurturing students' intellectual curiosity, deepening their knowledge, and above all enhancing their English skills simultaneously. This paper explores the use of electronic news in the reading development of a group of advanced EFL learners. Beginning with an overview of the literature on reading instruction incorporating Internet sources, the paper reports on an RPP (Reading for Professional Purposes) course designed for students working toward a master's in international studies at a local university. It describes the general course design with a focus on instructional strategies, and discusses issues concerning the development of news reading and computer-based literacy skills necessary for performing academic tasks. Implications are made based on an assessment of students' performance and their evaluation of the course.
關聯:
第十二屆中華民國英語文教學國際研討會論文集=Selected Papers from the Twelfth International Symposium on English Teaching, pp.414-423
