I continue here the long-standing discussion on the familiar topic of whether subconscious language acquisition is more powerful than conscious language learning, with a focus on vocabulary, adding recent studies as well as older ones I missed in previous publications on this topic (e.g. Krashen, 2004).

This article focuses on a literacy approach called free voluntary reading. In schools, this approach is often called sustained silent reading, or SSR. The secret of its effectiveness is simple: children become better readers by reading, and it may be the only way to help children become better readers, writers, and spellers. Study after study has…

Contrary to the claims of members of the National Reading Panel, there is strong evidence supporting the practice of in-school free reading. Many studies show "no difference" between in-school free reading and traditional instruction, but there are very few negative studies, and many positive studies. (The author's scorecard has 24 positive and…

Critical review of the National Reading Panel report on fluency. Asserts that panel omitted or misinterpreted studies confirming the value of free reading in the classroom to improve student literacy. (Contains 24 references.) (PKP)

Describes how a single positive experience in self-selected reading of children's books resulted in a profound change in attitudes toward recreational reading among Korean teachers in English as a foreign language. Concludes that after the experience, nearly all teachers reported they were interested in using sustained silent reading in their…

High school English as a Second Language (ESL) students in a 16-week sustained silent reading program showed gains in reading comprehension, reported greater frequency and enjoyment of reading, and utilized more sources of books. Results suggest that free reading is an effective means of literacy development with ESL students. (Contains 13…