Reading programmes to encourage reading : teachers' and learners' perceptions and experiences.
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Date
2011
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Abstract
This research project is aimed at investigating the reading programmes, in four schools in
KwaZulu- Natal, which serve to encourage learners to read. The schools involved in this
research project were single- sex schools that were either private or government funded. My
research involved interviewing the Librarians and English Heads of Department (HoDs) at each
school to establish their experiences and perceptions of the reading programmes that are run
at each school. I also interviewed a group of Grade 10 learners at each school in an effort to
gauge their experiences and perceptions of the reading programmes at each particular school.
The reading programmes at each school are also described and critiqued within my
investigation and offered as examples of what successful reading programmes entail. These
reading programmes were defined as successful by the Librarians and English HoDs who
collaboratively run these programmes. Many learners who participated in these programmes
did not deem them a success and offered suggestions for the Librarians and English teachers to
amend these programmes.
The qualitative components of my research (interviews) were complemented by the use of a
questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 50 Grade 10 learners at each school. This
questionnaire constituted the quantitative aspect of my research as the results were
statistically analysed in a bid to validate the results of the interviews. Other strategies
employed by the Librarians and English HoDs were also assessed and are offered as suggestions
to other teachers or librarians who are struggling to encourage a positive attitude towards
reading amongst their learners. Through my research I was able to conclude that the reading
programmes that were investigated are generally a successful means of motivating adolescents
to read because all the learners involved read more than they normally would. These
programmes do not, however, always instil lifelong reading habits in learners because they do
not facilitate the promotion of reading as a pleasurable activity that can be enjoyed in one’s
leisure time.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.
Keywords
Reading promotion--KwaZulu-Natal., Literacy programmes--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--English.