Reading Engagement of Preservice Teachers: Impact of a reading-aloud initiative

Abstract

This article describes an investigation of personal reading habits and reading-aloud experiences of 69 preservice teachers. The researchers classified preservice teachers as enthusiastic or unenthusiastic readers using a modified Literacy Habits survey developed by Applegate & Applegate (2004). Findings suggest that the majority of the pre-service teachers consider themselves to be moderate to good readers, and enjoy reading greatly or tremendously. The results also suggest that teacher education should involve pre-service teachers in programs that require them to be readers to develop their confidence and fluency in reading, and their ability to assess students' responses to books.

Reference

Walker-Dalhouse, D., Sibley, C. H., Dalhouse, A.D., Nagwabi, R.C., & Selzler, K. (2011). Reading Engagement of Preservice Teachers:Impact of a reading-aloud initiative, Journal of Reading Education, 37 (1), 33 - 39.

Journal

Journal of Reading Education

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?

Research Approach

none stated

Geographic Setting

midwest

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Not stated

Programatic Focus

Literacy Education

Research Location Context

University

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

Data Sources

Questionnaire
student reflections

Data Analysis Tools

Conceptual model used as analysis framework
Statistical analysis

Researcher Positionality

not stated

Research Questions

"What are the reading habits of pre-service teachers enrolled in two required literacy classes?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"What impact will a Reading-Aloud university sponsored program with pre-primary, primary and elementary students have on the perceptions of preservice teachers about their oral reading skills?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown

"What themes and types of responses, as outlined by Sipe (2008), did preservice teachers reflect in their observations and comments about children’s responses during the read-aloud experiences?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown