A study determined if the Directed Reading-Thinking Activity (DR-TA) method would raise levels of critical thinking in students. Subjects, 20 third-grade students, used the DR-TA for 30 minutes each day for a period of approximately 8 weeks. Subjects were pre- and posttested using the Thinking Skills Assessment and the Reading Attitude Inventory.…

Reading is an important activity for all children to be able to do regardless of ability. Many children in classrooms around the country struggle with reading and need some extra support and attention. Determining student attitudes can help the teacher to provide the necessary services to those that need help to improve their reading. Students in…

Informed Strategies for Learning (ISL) was designed to increase children's awareness and use of effective reading strategies. This study demonstrated that metacognition can be promoted through direct instruction (ISL) in the classroom. Increased awareness can lead to better use of reading strategies. (DWH)

This report describes a program for increasing reading fluency through the implementation of several reading interventions. The elementary students of the two targeted regular education classes and the one mild-moderately impaired program exhibit difficulty in reading fluently, which impedes them from becoming independent learners. Evidence for…

Reports progress made toward developing a scale for measuring the reading attitudes of college students. Presents the scale, along with an answer key and a worksheet for scoring and interpreting results. (FL)

Children drawn on a variety of experiences when they first become interested in literature. Cultural as well as economic backgrounds may influence their selection. Attitudes from family members may also influence these choices. A study determined the effect of exposure to literacy in the early years on reading in the "formal" school years.…

A practicum used a program of high interest activities involving reading to address the problem of low reading comprehension grades and test scores of eight students in the second through fourth grades, who were an average of 1 year behind the norm in reading. The program's six units included a listening unit, computer technology unit, daily…

A practicum report addressed the problem of lack of interest in the literacy of young readers and the need to motivate them to want to read. A cross-age peer-tutoring program was established where primary students were paired with upper intermediate grade students who displayed positive reading attitudes and habits. The tutoring pair worked…

A study tested the hypothesis that students who were required to read a book of their choice for 15 minutes per night would have a more positive attitude toward reading than similar students who did not have that assignment. The Estes Attitude Scale for reading was given to two classes (high group and low group) of sixth graders in central…

A practicum was developed to improve the inferential comprehension, the textual and functional skills, and the overall attitudes toward reading of fifth-grade students. A target group of six students in a private school who were deficient in these skills was established. The practicum contained basic strategies for improving reading skills and…

A study investigated whether using literature circles in the study of non-fiction improved student attitudes about reading and improved comprehension while developing self-confidence and cooperation. A purposeful sample of five students from a combined grade 5/6 class were chosen based on their negative responses about attitude and ability…

Argues that secondary school students' attitudes toward reading may be conceptualized multidimensionally as consisting of individual development, utilitarian, and enjoyment factors. (HOD)

Describes the development, validity, reliability, and selected uses of a high school reading attitudes scale. Provides a sample of the scale. (JT)

Provides three interdependent principles which invite parents to take an active role in assessing their child's individual literacy growth. Shares six ideas for teachers who want parents to become active partners in the assessment process. (MG)

A practicum addressed second graders' negative attitudes and habits toward recreational reading. Students were not reading for pleasure at school or at home. A recreational reading program, which used a variety of thematic units, was implemented. Subjects were 20 second graders (mostly Hispanics) in an inner city school. Several innovative…