Using French Graded Readers to Promote Autonomous Reading Skills of First-Year Students, French Section, Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University

Abstract

This research is a study of using French graded readers to promote autonomous reading skills of 29 first-year students of the French section, Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University. The objectives of the research were 1) to study the results of developing self-reading skills of target students who read French graded readers, 2) to survey the students’ opinions on developing French reading skills and 3) to apply the research results as a guideline for organizing the activities concerning reading French graded readers. Data were collected from one French graded readers, a reading book report, a reading test and a satisfaction questionnaire. It was found from the research that 1) the students acquired self-learning skills from reading French graded readers, with systematic planning and reading processes, 2) they were satisfied with reading French graded readers at a high level, having expanded their French vocabulary and expressions in French and developed their skills in reading French graded readers, which were beneficial for learning French, and 3) the ideas about organizing the activities concerning reading the French graded readers were generated. Therefore, using French graded readers helps promote students’ French reading skills and encourage their self-directed learning.