The Process of Transformation in Advanced Japanese Learners' Consciousness of their Reading Methods in a Reading Course Applying the ‘Three Dialogues’ Approach

Abstract

This report investigates an advanced reading course at a university in Tokyo in 2014 and analyzes the process of transformation in the learners' consciousness of their reading methods. The ‘three dialogues' approach was applied with the students in this reading course (i.e. students were required to dialogue with themselves, with other students, and with the whole class including the teacher) , which aims to improve students' academic reading skills so as to help them read correctly and critically. In this investigation 22 students were interviewed and the data from their interviews was analyzed with the Modified Grounded Theory Approach. The result of the analysis demonstrates how the consciousness of those 22 students' was transformed. At the beginning of this course, we can see students persisting with their own reading methods. During the course, while having confusion and worries, students made efforts and tried new approaches, eventually achieving new awareness and learning. In addition, through the activation of interaction brought about by changes in the style of the class, as well as the students' application and accomplishments inside and outside the class, we can see how the students' consciousness of reading methods broadens and deepens.