Date of Award
8-1971
Degree Name
Specialist in Education
First Advisor
Dr. Jean E. Lowrie
Second Advisor
Dr. Eleanor McKinney
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to obtain some statistical evidence concerning the effects of a reading program for high school students rated as reluctant readers on their reading habits and attitudes. The initial problem which motivated the study was that assignments to read novels were resisted by this group. The students can read, but do not.
The hypothesis is that if students are given a program with books of 200 pages or less that have in the content some universalities that will satisfy the adult interests of students, attitudes about reading will change and there will be an improvement in vocabulary skills.
The methodology used for the investigation involved an experimental group of eighteen students who read from a prescribed reading list as their principal assignments for the semester. The control group consisted of eighteen students who followed the regular curriculum. The data were collected by keeping individual student reading records and administering certain tests. Although the results were not statistically significant, there was evidence of vocabulary improvement and a change in attitude which suggests further study.
Recommended Citation
Banks, Florence Evelyn, "A Study of the Effects of a Reading Program for Reluctant Readers" (1971). Masters Theses. 2860.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/2860