A meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of literature circles (LCs) on second language (L2) English learners' reading comprehension reveals a substantial positive impact.
The analysis, drawing from 15 sample studies, indicates that LCs significantly improve reading comprehension in both English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts, demonstrated by a large effect size (d = 1.035).
Literature circles, defined as "small, peer-led discussion groups" were founded in the 1990s. The study also found that moderating variables, such as learners' education level/age group and assessment formats, influenced the outcomes of LC interventions. Literature circles involve assigning roles such as connector, questioner, literary luminary/passage master, and illustrator.
Reading comprehension for L2 learners involves lower-level processes, including word recognition, lexico-syntactic processing, and semantic processing, and higher-level processes like forming the main idea and developing a personal interpretation.
Challenges for L2 learners include linguistic, cognitive, and social factors. Activities like literature circles can compensate for cultural unfamiliarity and enhance understanding. The study underscores the value of literature circles as an efficacious activity for enhancing L2 English learning outcomes.