The Benefits of Extensive Reading for Moroccan EFL University Students: Insights from a Case Study

This study examines the impact of an extensive reading program (Cycle Licence d’Education) on the vocabulary knowledge, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills of 88 Moroccan English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. Over 14 weeks, with 120-minute sessions weekly, participants engaged with texts from various fields such as history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, politics, religion, and science. Using a quantitative research design, pre- and post-assessments were conducted to measure the outcomes of the Extensive Reading Module. Results showed a significant improvement in vocabulary, with two-thirds of the participants (66%) reporting considerable progress in both vocabulary acquisition and its practical application. The program also affected positively reading comprehension, as 93% of students felt confident in their ability to read and understand complex texts. Furthermore, 84% of students acknowledged that the program significantly enhanced their critical thinking abilities after engaging with literary and academic materials. These findings provide valuable insights for EFL/ESL educators and curriculum designers, showing how extensive programs can help build language skills and promote critical engagement with academic and literary texts.