Reading initiative inspires healthy competition at Zayed University

ABU DHABI // A competitive reading initiative is inspiring English language students at Zayed University to take more of an interest in the written word while also broadening their vocabulary.

The mostly Arabic-speaking foundation students, who are building up their proficiency in English to degree-study level as part of the academic bridge programme, have already accumulated 52 million words in the international M-Reader scheme running on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses.

Students are required to read one of the several thousand graded English reading books from the university’s library. On completion they undertake a short 10-question test. If they pass they accumulate the ­total number of words from that book in their “account”.

“Seeing how many words they have read and the competitive element of trying to beat their classmates has proved a huge motivator,” said instructor Duncan Pollock.

“Teachers then select targets, such as 80,000 words a month, to encourage more extensive reading.”

The home page of the M-Reader website, an international educational resource initially developed for school pupils but then expanded to those learning English as a second language, also shows international comparisons to give the students extra motivation.

The initiative is now an ­assessed part of the English curriculum throughout the student’s time on the foundation course, which can last up to 18 months. Instructors can control the level of books read and check whether the students have actually read the books and provide detailed feedback to teachers.

“We want our students to experience the pleasure of reading and increase their motivation to read and engage with texts from the outset of their university careers,” said Wayne Jones, director of the bridge programme.

Kate Tindle, a teacher on the programme, said she has seen more students reading.

“Having their own account and seeing the number of words they have read quickly add up motivates our students to keep reading,” she said.

“The huge volume of English, at just the right level for them as learners of a second language, is an enormous help, not only with their reading skills but also grammar, vocabulary and critical thinking.

“The more they read the more English they absorb.”

Halima Al Shurafa, 17, is in her first year of the foundation programme. She said the competitive element pushed her to read more.

“The competition part is fun, I like it,” said the student from Ajman.

“It makes you want to read more when there is competition between the girls. It adds a new element.”

Mahara Al Mansoori, 19, is in her second year and agreed that competition boosted morale.

“Some of the girls are getting quite competitive to see who can read the most,” said the student from Umm Al Quwain. “It’s like a game.”

Both students are reaping benefits from the initiative.

“I’ve read a lot more than usual,” Ms Al Mansoori said. “I’ve improved my vocabulary and speaking and I can really see how reading will help me to ­improve my English.”

Ms Al Shurafa agreed. “It’s improving my English and I really enjoy it,” she said.

“I prefer reading to watching a movie. With a book I can read the characters and build them up myself and you learn more about what’s behind the story.”