The Use of Think-Aloud in Exploring the Hidden Processes of L2 Reading Comprehension in a Small Group (59 - 80)

Abstract

Think-aloud has become a popular research tool among both L1 and L2 reading researchers in general and particularly to those who are interested in the area of reading strategies and comprehension monitoring. This is because the reading process is not easily (if at all) observable. No one knows what is going through a person’s mind while comprehending a reading text. Nonetheless, reading researchers have since resorted to the use of think-aloud protocol as a means to providing direct evidences of the thinking and cognitive processes of readers. While there have been many studies made exploring and delineating the reading strategies of individuals, this article reports an attempt to examine the reading strategies and comprehension monitoring of ESL students as they read L2 text in a small group.