Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

The problem selected for the study in the recent research project was to determine the effectiveness of the Sour Lake, Texas, High School library program as it was reflected through the reading experiences of the thirty-one first-year high school pupils for the year 1945-1946. These reading experiences were analyzed on the basis of the number and the classifications of the books charged from the library by the pupils for use in the various academic subjects. For the purposes of the study, the books were grouped in accordance with the arrangement of the Dewey Decimal System of classification, which is the system used by the school librarian in classifying and cataloging all library materials. Although the principal phase of the investigation involved a study of the books circulated, an analysis was made also of the books and other library materials used for factual information and for special classroom assignments.

The problem in this study is to evaluate a library service program designed to increase recreational reading among elementary school age children.

A basic premise of the investigation is that the acquisition and exercise of advanced reading skills are essential for effective adolescent learning. For the benefits of reading to accrue maximally, learners should continue to read avidly during leisure and long after basic reading instruction, traditionally the domain of the primary school, has ceased. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that influence the voluntary reading of some South African adolescents, specifically at an age when they undergo emotional, intellectual, social and physical changes which influence their behaviour, habits and choices. The research problem focuses on the transition from primary to secondary school, since extant literature shows that numerous factors influence adolescents’ reading habits during this phase, sometimes resulting in declining voluntary reading. Parameters for the investigation are set by the theoretical framework, centring on four domains that highlight the research problem, namely adolescence, literature, literacy and voluntary reading. Facets of these domains are explored, specifically motivation, qualitative change and the influence of home, school and community. Vygotsky’s theories on adolescent development underscore the research, as well as research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation since, axiomatically, reading strategies develop optimally with high motivation. Stage-environmental fit theories - applied to motivation, self-efficacy or reading development - assert that learners have different sets of psychological, cognitive and psychosocial needs at different developmental levels, and unless these needs are met, academic achievement, appreciation for learning and effective reading development can decline. The often critical transition from primary to secondary school can result in a variety of lifestyle changes, and periodicity theories support the pattern and scaffolding of these transformational factors. Merging the relevant domains with developmental theories creates a matrix of Piagetian cognitive stratification. Chall’s model of developmental reading stages crafts an epistemological foundation and further refines constructivist principles developed by Vygotsky. Together they form a network explaining factors of transitional change that influence adolescents’ voluntary reading activities. The study’s methodology is delineated and followed by a description of the qualitative research design, data collection, data analysis strategies and ethical considerations. The course of the inquiry is refined in a closer focus on three domains and an explanation of the research instruments. The strengths and limitations of the study are discussed, as well as issues of reliability, validity, authenticity and generalisability. The empirical results are extrapolated from face-to-face interviews with ten respondents and their views generate the findings after a four-tiered analysis of the interview transcripts. Themes and conclusions are couched in three domains of the theoretical framework in an endeavour to address the research problem. The final chapter offers a synthesis by interweaving the theoretical outline and empirical findings. A hypothesis opening future avenues for investigation is identified, namely the factor of the internalisation of speech on reading in general and voluntary reading in particular. Two significant findings indicate that developmental stage theories effectively describe the transitional nature of the reading experiences of Grade Eight learners, and that intrinsic motivation, mastery learning and self-efficacy views play central roles in the continuation of voluntary reading. / Thesis (PhD (Learning Support, Guidance and Counselling))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

"In order to determine the extent to which the Denton County Free Library is meeting the needs of the elementary school children for recreational reading, an analysis was made of the reading interests of the elementary-school children of twelve common school districts of Denton County, Texas. The ages of these children ranged from nine to fourteen years. A second analysis was made by checking various acceptable authors in the field of children's reading interests as read by the children in this group and age level. This information was secured by having each child in the schools check the items listed in a school survey sheet. This information was tabulated and the results are shown in tables presented in Chapter III. A third analysis was made of library material found in the reading lists that were supplied by the county; and lastly, a comparison was made of the results of the last analysis with the two preceding ones." -- leaf 3

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