Publication Date
12-31-2014
Abstract
Authentic learning experiences are those in which students engage with texts as well as the behaviors of reading and writing within contexts of real-world use beyond traditional academic use. This study provides quantitative analysis of how students (n=200) engaged with an adult pen pal in a shared literacy experience. Findings indicate that students actively participated with their adult pen pals asking and answering more personal questions than literature-based questions. Data were disaggregated for reading ability and gender. Students who were considered above-grade level readers asked and answered significantly more questions than students considered below grade level in reading. Girls asked significantly more questions, both personal and literature-based, than boys, however there were no significant differences in the number of questions answered. Implications and need for future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Hughes, E. M., Evering, L., Malloy, J. A., & Gambrell, L. B. (2014). “Do you have a brother? I have two!”: The Nature of Questions Asked and Answered in Text-Focused Pen Pal Exchanges. Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts, 53 (4). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol53/iss4/3
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