The Reading Habits and Literacy Attitudes of Inservice and Prospective Teachers

Abstract

This article describes a questionnaire survey of 747 students enrolled in a graduate school of education, who are currently teachers or prospective teachers. The Literacy Habits Questionnaire, developed by Applegate and Applegate, was administered in September 2006. Findings suggest a high prevalence of aliteracy, the ability to read but a disinterest in personal reading. Although graduate students acknowledge the importance of reading for teachers, they do not themselves exhibit investment in personal reading. Also, the findings suggest that professors of literacy and education need to do more to encourage personal reading by incorporating strategies to promote reading among current and future literacy professionals.

Reference

Nathanson, S., Pruslow, J., & Levitt, R. (2008). The Reading Habits and Literacy Attitudes of Inservice and Prospective Teachers Results of a Questionnaire Survey. Journal of Teacher Education, 59(4), 313-321.

Journal

Journal of Teacher 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

Descriptive/Correlational

Geographic Setting

United States

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Programatic Focus

Research Location Context

University

Preservice Participants

Post bachs (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

464

Other Participant Data

Inservice Teachers

Duration of Data Collection

Data Sources

Survey

Data Analysis Tools

Statistical analysis

Researcher Positionality

Outside (not directly invested in the program or operations)

Research Questions

"Are preservice and new inservice teachers enthusiastic readers?" (p. 315)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"Did instructional practices affect reading enthusiasm?" (p. 315)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown

"Did family influence personal reading habits and attitudes toward reading?" (p. 315)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown

"Have former elementary, high school, or college teachers shared a love of reading?" (p. 315)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown