The Natural Approach And Short Story Reading: Enhancing English Language Acquisition

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Natural Approach in facilitating English language acquisition among intermediate learners through short story reading. A quasi-experimental design compared an experimental group, exposed to short stories without explicit grammar instruction, to a control group receiving traditional instruction. Results indicate significant improvements in reading comprehension and vocabulary for the experimental group, aligning with Natural Approach principles emphasizing comprehensible input and low-anxiety environments. These findings support short story reading as a valuable tool for language acquisition, particularly within the Natural Approach framework. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects and integration with other pedagogical tools like social media.