Motivating disengaged readers: Fifth grade readers and university students partner in literature circles
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This qualitative research study followed the journey of demotivated fifth grade readers working in Literature Circles. Preservice teachers scaffold the participants reading strategies and attitudes toward reading by partnering with them in Literature Circles. \nThe purpose of this study was to motivate students for whom the typical courses of motivation had not been successful. These partnerships served as the reading intervention plan for the participants. The researcher observed the participants’ behaviors of motivation to read and engagement in reading, self-concepts, and the participants’ attitudes toward reading. This case study included participant interviews, researcher observations, preservice reading teachers’ journals, and participants’ job sheets. Participants not only worked in Literature Circles with their preservice teacher partners, they continued peer involvement in Literature Circles throughout the spring semester of the school year. \n\tThe findings from this research study revealed students were able to ask questions about reading concepts that they were not able to ask before the intervention began. They were also able to discuss reading concepts that they had not previously been able to discuss. Students moved from feelings of insecurity about themselves as readers to displaying confidence at times about themselves as readers. Another finding was students shared ideas and discussed their reading with those whom they were most comfortable. Finally, connecting with a book of choice was important in order for a student to continue to be motivated and engaged in their reading.
Author: Jennifer M. Hardin
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2236515020