Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Georgianna Lowen
Keywords
Reading Attitudes, Recreational Reading, Reading Interests, Reading Habits, Reading Strategies, Whole Language, Workshops, Student Motivation, Motivation Techniques.
Abstract
The Practicum was designed to increase the amount of recreational reading In secondary school students. Students' attitude toward reading was to be improved causing a decrease in disruptive behaviors in the classrooms. The amount of free time spent in leisure reading would increase, and the students would read a greater amount outside of school. The subjects of the practicum were secondary school students in a large, academically oriented suburban school. They had the skills to read but chose not to do so. A whole language workshop approach vas implemented to engender in students a joy of reading. The workshop was student-centered so that students could choose reading materials that were of interest to them. They became self-directed. The teacher’s role was that of facilitator. The focus of the curriculum was on reading, thinking and discussion. Pre and post surveys were administered to record changes in student attitude and improvement in leisure reading. The practicum results showed great increases in attitude and recreational reading. Although three of the four objectives fell short of attaining their goals, the improvement shown was meaningful and very positive in terms of overall success. Significantly more students were involved in leisure reading than had been previously, and significantly more reading was being done. Overall, students felt more positive about reading for enjoyment, and this factor motivated them to read outside of school. The practicum showed that motivation is inner-directed and must come from the student. The reading curriculum is most successful when it adjusts to the needs and interests of students.