Improving The Reading Attitudes Of College Students: Using Literature CirclesTo Learn About Content Reading

Carianne Bernadowski*
*Associate Professor/ Reading Specialist Program Coordinator, Robert Morris University.
Periodicity:July - September'2013
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.3.3.2416

Abstract

Literature circles and book clubs have become a popular instructional literacy strategy. In recent years, educators attempt to motivate students to read more in quantity and quality at an early age. A case study design was utilized that required undergraduate education majors to participate in literature circles reading historical fiction and engaging in the literature circle as if they were young children themselves. This engagement included attending weekly meetings with peers, writing in a reflective journal, and partaking in all aspects of a literature circle typically found in intermediate, middle and high school classrooms. A pre and post survey was distributed to one section of an undergraduate course engaged in literature circles, and their journey was documented in a self-reflective journal retained over the semester. Observations were also used to corroborate and triangulate data. Results indicate that literature circles increased university students' engagement with text and commitment to the classroom community.

Keywords

Literature Circles, Student Engagement, Preservice Teachers.

How to Cite this Article?

Bernadowski, C. (2013). Improving The Reading Attitudes Of College Students: Using Literature Circles To Learn About Content Reading. i-manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 3(3), 16-24. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.3.3.2416

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