Strategies for English Reading Teaching Based on the Activity-Based Approach to English Learning

Abstract

Reading is one of the main sources of inputting information and an important way to learn a language. Improving English reading abilities is the focus of foreign language learning. The reading classroom, as the main place for reading teaching, helps students to improve their language abilities. However, the reading teaching in some schools still have the problems of focusing too much on the accumulation of language knowledge and neglecting the active participation of students, which is not conducive to the improvement of students’ core competencies. In recognition of these problems, the General Senior High School English Curriculum Standards (2017 Edition, Revised in 2020) proposed the notion of activity-based English learning to develop students’ English subject core competencies. This paper explores strategies for high school English reading instruction based on the activity-based approach to English learning. Specifically, it takes the teaching design of a reading lesson on Longji Rice Terraces from Unit 1 of FLTRP Book 1 as a case study to elaborate on how the activity-based approach can be integrated into reading instruction. The paper highlights the importance of analyzing text, enhancing students’ engagement in diverse learning activities, and incorporating effective evaluations throughout the teaching-learning process. The practical examples and analysis presented in this paper underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the activity-based approach in high school English reading classes. Thus, this approach not only addresses the aforementioned current problems of reading course but also contributes to the holistic development of students’ English language abilities.