Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Keywords

Children--Books and reading; Motivation (Psychology);

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if students' motivation to read is influenced by the use of Accelerated Reader or SSR in their school. Fourth grade students had been selecting books to read based on Accelerated Reader levels. After reading each book the students took a quiz. SSR was implemented for two weeks to determine if students' attitudes towards reading would improve.

A mixed-methods approach was used in this research design. Quantitative data were collected through the MRP survey, administered both before the introduction of SSR and after implementing SSR. Qualitative data were collected through an individual conversational interview. An embedded design analysis was used to allow the researcher to consider students' responses from the MRP survey while studying the comments from each conversational interview.

The data from the MRP survey showed a 2% decrease in students' motivation to read. The conversational interviews revealed that most students do not like to take Accelerated Reader quizzes and depend on levels when making book selections. During SSR the students felt that they read more and liked the quiet classroom atmosphere. This class still needs continued support in making book selections based on reading for enjoyment or for information.

Year of Submission

2011

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Division of School Library Studies

First Advisor

Karla Krueger, Graduate Faculty Reader

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this graduate research paper and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit an email request to scholarworks@uni.edu. Include your name and clearly identify the thesis by full title and author as shown on the work.

Date Original

2011

Object Description

1 PDF file (vi, 46 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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