Preserving Adolescent Readership through Interest and Motivation

Abstract

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><p class="MsoCommentText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;" lang="EN-US">Adolescent literacy has remained a relatively hot topic for several years in the field of reading </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;" lang="EN-US">education (Cassidy, Ortlieb,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"> &amp; Shettel, 2010/2011)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;" lang="EN-US"> however, educators remain conflicted about how to maintain high levels of reading motivation. A historical analysis of adolescent interests and motivations was conducted to determine what instructional techniques have</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US">had positive effects<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> s</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;" lang="EN-US">o as to meet the imminent needs of adolescent readers. Findings include information pertaining to: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;" lang="EN-US">choice of a multitude of reading materials, substantial time to experience aesthetic and engaging reading experiences, and a relevant, challenging curriculum that addresses student needs, personal interests, and motivations.</span></p></span></span

A Qualitative Case Study on Reading Practices and Habits of High School Students

“…Since adolescents are using digital literacies in their daily life, particularly at home, educators should find ways to incorporate technology and the various forms of digital devices in their classrooms. In so doing, teachers optimize adolescents" literacy learning as well as boost their academic achievement (Doepker & Ortlieb, 2011).…”

“…Others, particularly school students, develop a thrust for reading as a result of the direct impact of their school reading activities. To make adolescents proficient readers and writers, educators must tap into what motivates them (Doepker & Ortlieb, 2011). In this vein, the findings of Edmunds and Bauserman"s (2006) study revealed that personal interest has been mentioned very frequently to indicate what influenced children's reading motivation.…”

“…Reading texts operates within a vast range of genres since people differ in their preferences. Doepker and Ortlieb (2011) explained that it is natural that adolescents are inclined towards specific topics or fads. When these students were asked about the type of materials they prefer to read, their responses varied reflecting their interests and choice.…”

“…Reading practices of the parents transfer to their children. For example, Doepker and Ortlieb (2011) explain that the reading interests of young people stem from the influence of parents, friends, and culture at large. Developing the habit of reading is contagious.…”

“…Also, television and other electronic devices still play a role in developing and shaping one's literacy practices. In today's digital era, adolescents are not only using books for reading and writing but also, they are experiencing digital literacies (Doepker & Ortlieb, 2011). Noted by McManis and Gunnewig (2012), the interactive nature of multimedia digital technologies stimulates users' sensory systems by providing instant feedback on input and thus offers possible learning opportunities.…”