Motivating students to read: motivating elementary school students toward recreational reading
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Authors
Olagunju, Lawrence A.
Issue Date
2000
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Teaching
Alternative Title
Abstract
Research and theory have demonstrated that there is no single magic formula for motivating students to read. Research has also shown that good everyday teaching practices can do more to counter student apathy than special efforts to attack motivation directly. Some students seem naturally enthusiastic about learning while some are not motivated. Research has shown that even students who seem naturally enthusiastic about learning may expect their teachers to inspire, challenge and stimulate them. The teacher must be responsible for providing an environment that encourages students to be motivated to learn.
This report describes an action research program that draws on different theories to create an effective strategy to motivate students to read for recreational purposes. The targeted population consisted of twenty-five fourth-grade students in an inner city school. Evidence of the existence of these problems was gathered from teacher observations, assessments, students, and parent surveys.
A review of research literature combined with analysis of the problem settings suggested a three - faceted intervention: setting up of a classroom library, creation of a reading workshop, and establishment of an at-home reading program.
Post intervention data indicated an increase in students' responsibility toward learning and an improved reading attitude in school and at home.