ERIC Number: ED443102
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 2000-May
Pages: 70
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Study of Reading Motivation Techniques with Primary Elementary School Students.
Burlew, Whitney; Gordon, Tracy; Holst, Charla; Smith, Cathy; Ward, Judi; Wheeler, Karen
This report describes strategies for increasing levels of interest in reading for enjoyment. The targeted population consisted of first, second, and third grade students in three elementary school districts. The schools were located in middle class and affluent suburban communities of a large city in the Midwest. The problem of lack of interest in reading for enjoyment was documented with student surveys, teacher observations, and reading inventories. Review of the research indicated that students' negative attitudes and poor self-esteem contributed to lack of motivation. Weak reading skills and inadequate practice also inhibited students' desire to read. These probable causes were also present at the targeted sites. A review of the solution techniques suggested by other researchers, combined with an analysis of the problem setting, resulted in instruction that modeled reading and promoted its value and enjoyment. The program provided time and materials for students to focus on reading and share with one another. Post intervention data indicated that the students' level of interest to read increased. More research is necessary to determine whether the interventions are effective for students in grades four and above. (Contains 43 references, and 6 tables and 6 figures of data. Appendixes contain a student reading survey, a teacher observation sheet, a home reading log, and the parent information letter.) (Author/RS)
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: M.A. Research Project, Saint Xavier University and SkyLight Professional Development.