The presentation offers considered reflection of the management of a new ER program using M-Reader, introduced in AY 2016 at a small women-only university in Japan. Presenters talk of lessons learned in managing all aspects of the ER program. Presenters explain across three sections: (1) initial set-up; (2) improvements, and finally (3) managing the program during the time of COVID-19. Particular attention is paid to tracking and assessing extensive reading using the online software M-Reader.
The presenters offer their reflections on the management of a relatively new ER program introduced at a small women's university in Japan. Extensive reading was introduced in AY 2016-17. The program was put in place for all new first-year English majors, initially attached to language classes held twice a week, and expanded in the third year to include all second-year students as well. Teaching staff were directed to include some reading time in every class, to support outside reading. Graded readers were made available to students in the library and in a student self-study room, with completion checked using well-known online software M-Reader. At the start, three interim reading targets were set in M-Reader, with the targets raised for the second semester. After an initial three years running the program, significant changes were made - it was moved to a more appropriate class and fully integrated within that class, taught only by full-time staff, interim targets were increased to five, and reading levels were introduced. Finally, the presenters explain how this was managed in the time of COVID. The three full-time staff here offer their thoughts on a range of practical issues relating to the ER program: explaining both the ER approach and the nitty-gritty of graded readers and M-Reader to staff and students at year start; managing part-time staff who are required to run this in their classes; assorted issues relating to using M-Reader to oversee, including specific discussion of suggested interim and final targets; managing the available library of texts; and dealing with issues of apparent 'cheating'. The presentation will be of likely particular interest and use to teachers using M-Reader and to those new to or interested in setting up an ER program.
