Literature Circles in ELT

While the intrinsic value of reading extensively for L2 learners has rarely been questioned, practicalities of implementation and the existence of gains beyond lexical enrichment have generated discussion. This article outlines and explores the benefits which Literature Circles (LCs) offer to English language learning and attempts to identify direct links to SLA through learner engagement. Practical suggestions for setting up these learner-led reading and discussion groups in ELT classrooms are given, and both learner and teacher roles are discussed. The premise that LCs offer a pedagogically sound addition to ELT classrooms is explored through an outline of the framework on which they are based and an evaluation of the collaborative processes they involve. Qualitative evidence, from both learner perspectives and teacher observation, is given to support this premise, as are references to current theories of how languages are learnt and to the way in which these relate to learner involvement of the kind fostered by LCs.