Reading Practices Research Articles

Extensive Reading in Improving Reading Motivation: A Students’ Perspective

Abstract. Students nowadays are accustomed to vast yet short information coming from various digital platforms. This affects their concentration span in a negative way and causes a difficulty in focus, including reading a longer text. This study aims to investigate how extensive reading practice improves students’ motivation in reading. Specifically, this study aims to elaborate students’ experience in English for General Reading subject, how far the extensive reading practice can increase students’ reading efficacy, and what impact the practice gives to students’ curiosity on specific topics. The finding is expected to uncover new possible ways, which educators can implement to match varied learning needs by optimizing the effectiveness of the activity. Data of this phenomenology study was taken through observation during the class and online questionnaire as the class evaluation after the class has finished. A number of semi-structured interviews were also conducted to a number of students to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomena. The interviews are transcribed, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that extensive reading practice helps students improving their reading motivation in general, through enjoyment on familiar subjects, reading efficacy, as well as engagement on new topics.Keywords: Extensive Reading, Reading Motivation, Phenomenology, Student’s Perspective

Reading in Uncertain Times

Reading in Uncertain Times

‘Not on his Picture, but his Booke’: Shakespeare’s First Folio and Practices of Collection

ABSTRACT Every play collection represents an interpretative act that evaluates the materials it contains. In this quatercentenary year since the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, this article positions the volume alongside other play collections from the period to show how they construct, through their strategies of selection and presentation, influential narratives that affect how we engage with the texts they contain. It identifies four practices that clarify a collection’s strategies – categorising, fixing, authorising, and fetishizing – and takes each of these in turn, casting a spotlight on the First Folio’s interest in ‘Histories’, its professed fixity, its valuation of Shakespeare as sole author, and its imperative to fetishize the book. Other collections, including Alexander’s Monarchic Tragedies (1604, 1607), Daniel’s Whole Works (1623), and Lyly’s Six Court Comedies (1632), advertise different strategies: some prioritise cross-genre readings; some construct networks of authorisers (including stationers and dedicatees) who inform reading practices; and some embrace a lack of fixity, denying final authority to the material book. This article demonstrates that Shakespeare’s Folio cannot be taken as a touchstone for plays in collection. The volume has, nevertheless, had an outsized influence on how we understand Shakespeare and his plays, and the work of other early modern writers.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Anglophone Picturebook Shared Reading in Chinese Families: A Typology Exploring Parent-Child Interaction Patterns

This study examined parent-child interactions during foreign-language shared reading of Anglophone picturebooks at home by Chinese parents. It is among the first to probe foreign-language shared reading in the home setting. Data was obtained from in-depth ethnographic observation of seven parent-child dyads and from interviews, with a survey comprising 565 parent respondents providing background for this wider evidence. A grounded theory approach was applied to generate a new, five-part typology of Chinese parents' English picturebook reading practices. This new typology reveals the diversity of parent-child interaction processes by categorizing them according to five foci: the literal focus, the literacy skill focus, the literary focus, the exploratory focus and the digital focus. The findings of this study may have a reciprocal effect on the study of first- and second-language shared reading practices and can be applied to analysis of or intervention in shared reading, at home or in school settings.

Interconnections between Art and Commerce: Literary Prizes, Readers, and the Reading Committee of the Irish Women Writers' Club (1933–1958)

ABSTRACT This essay examines the interconnections between art and commerce that lie behind cultural production. Using the case study of the Irish Women Writers’ Club (1933–1958), it explores the political, cultural, and social realms in which alliances are formed and supported, and the intersections between culture and the business of books, art, and politics, reading committees and readers. It extends on recent scholarship which positions women writers firmly at the centre of Irish literary life in the mid-twentieth century, offering new unpublished accounts of the club, their public activities and reading practices, and the machinations behind the reading committee that awarded the literary prize, the Book of the Year, from the period 1936–1939. As progressives, they leveraged their connections, national and international, to maintain a space for female intellectual thought while keeping alive the tradition of women's writing for future generations.

Love matters: the case for an inclusive, contemporary approach to romance themes and texts in subject English

This paper examines analyses of adolescent romance fiction, highlighting key themes and debates over time. I will argue that contemporary social conditions underline the need to reconsider the value of this genre in the secondary English classroom. However, working effectively with genre literature (including romance) requires educators to diversify reading practices, challenging the dominance of the standard ‘class novel’ approach. I will describe the integration of a module on teen romance into a literature course for preservice English educators. Finally, focusing on a specific text, Frankly in Love by David Yoon, I highlight the skilful way in which authors of contemporary adolescent literature weave multiple perspectives into engaging and nuanced narratives in which characters navigate identities, relationships, and ideas about love.

Student And Teacher Perceptions Of Extensive Reading Practice

Extensive reading practice is a reading activity that involves a variety of materials outside the official curriculum. This research aims to understand how students and teachers implement Extensive Reading Practice and its impact on language learning. The research method used is a literature review, in which information is collected and analyzed from various sources such as journal articles, books, and related references. The results showed that Extensive Reading Practice received positive responses from students and teachers. Students reported improved reading skills, increased vocabulary, better text comprehension, and increased interest in reading. Meanwhile, teachers reported that extensive reading practice increased students' motivation to learn and active participation in language learning. The role of the school in providing adequate resources for extensive reading practice is also very important. This includes a well-stocked library and a variety of reading materials to support different reading activities. Overall, this study shows that extensive reading practice has significant benefits for students and teachers in improving language proficiency and motivation to learn.

Embracing Google Translate: EFL Students’ Attitudes on Enhancing Literacy Practice

This study investigates students' attitudes toward the use of Google Translate (GT) in their online literacy practices. The study looks at the results of an online questionnaire survey completed by 70 students studying English Language Education at Universitas Sintuwu Maroso in Poso, Central Sulawesi. The purpose of this research is to examine how students' attitudes regarding GT manifest themselves in their reading practices, taking into account behavioral, cognitive, and affective components. The results showed that: First, from a behavioral standpoint, students consistently show a proclivity to actively use GT for various translation tasks, ranging from solitary words to complete paragraphs, essays, or articles; Second, students have differing cognitive attitudes about the ethical implications of GT use, with some viewing it as a sort of cheating depending on the context; Finally, on an affective level, students tend to accept the usage of GT as normal, enjoy using it, and may even become dependent on its features. This study gives insight on the complexities of students' attitudes toward GT and how these beliefs influence their literacy practices. Educators can better appreciate the obstacles and opportunities that come with the incorporation of GT in online language learning environments by understanding the behavioral, cognitive, and affective elements. This knowledge can be used to design successful educational practices that take advantage of GT's benefits while addressing its possible limitations in order to improve students' overall language ability.

The Reading Man in the Mirror of 21st Century Socio-Humanitarian Knowledge

The far reaching changes in reading practices associated with the explosive spread of screen culture have become a challenge both for specialists faced with the outflow of readers from libraries and the decline of in print circulation, and for researchers who need to conceptualize these changes from a theoretical perspective. The aim of the article is to identify possible points of growth for interdisciplinary research into the phenomenon of reading.The presentations at the 4th International Scholarly and Practice Conference “Homo legens in the past and present”, held on 23—25 March 2023 in Novosibirsk and Nizhny Tagil in inperson and remote formats, are reviewed. The event was attended by scholars representing various academic disciplines (cultural history, book studies, sociology, philology, library science, art studies, pedagogy, psychology) and specialists engaged in serving readers and popularizing reading.The method of thematic analysis allowed to identify five trends in studying of reading and reading practices: 1) the use of theoretical approaches inherent in various socio-humanitarian disciplines, which are applicable to the understanding of reading activity; 2) the study of historical aspects of reading; 3) studies formed by representatives of contemporary socio-humanitarian knowledge, who study the phenomenon of reading with the orientation on the use their findings in professional practices; 4) transformations produced by librarians and educators who implement various socio-cultural projects to promote reading; 5) the development of science at the intersection of art studies, literary studies, cultural studies and museum practices. Since the reading is the most important practice that provides the mass audience with socially meaningful information, the authors believe that the scholarly forum, which brought together specialists related to the study of the Reading Man, should serve not only to demonstrate the already achieved scholarly and practice-based results, but also to form the prospects for further research on reading as a complex interdisciplinary phenomenon.This review may be helpful both to scholars and practitioners to working in the field of book and library science to engage readers.

The Poetic Image and its Actual Sources from a Phenomenological Perspective: Theoretical Approach and Applications on Texts by Mahmoud Darwish

Objectives: This research aims to present a new scientific approach to the concept of poetic image, its process of occurrence, its actual sources, and its relationship to the reader.
 Methods: The research depends on Iser's theory of reception and its phenomenological origins to study the image as a literary phenomenon resulting from the interaction between the reader and the text.
 Results: The research found that the actual existence of the phenomenon of the image results from the effect of the text and the influence of the reader, and for this reason, the images do not appear ready in the printed text, nor do they result from the reader’s imagination alone, but rather depend on the interaction between the text and the reader.
 The research concluded that the sources of the image are variable and not fixed, and are divided into what is related to each reader separately, such as imagination, tendencies and culture, and to what is related to each text separately, namely the textual balance, spaces, broken perceptions and textual vacancies.
 Conclusions: Research recommends abandoning image labels that mean they are complete and ready in phrase.
 It is recommended to consider that the actual presence of an image varies with reading conditions and the level of interaction and response between the text and potential readers. Additionally, it recommends contenting itself with the actual sources of the image that appears each time during the practice of reading.

Home Literacy Practices for Young Children With Cochlear Implants

This study investigated relationships among home reading practices, shared book reading (SBR) behaviors, and child literacy outcomes in young children with cochlear implants. Parents ( N=18) completed a home reading questionnaire and recorded themselves reading books with their children at home. Shared book reading sessions were coded for interactive reading behaviors. Children’s early language skills and literacy skills were also assessed. We explored variability in these behaviors with regard to demographic characteristics and type of book; these exploratory analyses revealed that parents used more literacy teaching techniques when reading the wordless picture book and that parent interaction and engagement and literacy teaching techniques were more frequent with younger children than with older children. While many families frequently used interactive reading behaviors, our analysis did not find significant relationships between the parent behaviors and children’s literacy scores. However, there was an interaction between the amount of reading and cochlear implant experience such that more cochlear implant experience was associated with better reading outcomes only for the group of children who received more reading time. In a sample of young children with cochlear implants, reading time, cochlear implant experience, and child language skills were better predictors of reading outcomes than parents’ frequency of SBR behaviors alone.

The Effect of Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) Strategy on Students' Reading Comprehension

The study aimed to investigate the notable impact of the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) approach on the students' reading comprehension. The study was carried out at MAN 2, Palembang. The present study employed a quasi-experimental design utilizing quantitative research methodology. The researchers employed the convenience sampling method to gather data. The data were obtained via a reading comprehension test administered to students in the two classes, experimental and control. The study's findings examining the impact of implementing DRTA before and after utilizing a paired sample t-test indicate that the calculated T value of 27.797 exceeds the t-table value of 3.030. Thus, implementing the DRTA approach enhanced the students' reading comprehension in the experimental group. An independent sample t-test was conducted to examine the outcomes of the disparity between individuals who utilized the Directed Reading-Thinking Activity (DRTA) and those who did not. The findings showed that notable disparities in reading comprehension existed among students who received instruction via DRTA and those who did not. The DRTA technique offers advantageous outcomes for students as it fosters active and critical reading practices. Students enrolled in reading courses that engage in prediction and active reading demonstrates a proactive approach to learning, effectively harnessing their cognitive abilities to acquire knowledge on unfamiliar subjects. Furthermore, DRTA mandates that students maintain a record of their understanding of the text while reading.

English teachers’ perspectives on the implementation of extensive reading

There needs to be more literature regarding English teachers' perspectives on the actual practice of extensive reading in the classroom in Indonesia. Therefore, a study aimed to investigate the implementation of extensive reading based on the teachers' perspectives. This study employed a qualitative research method as the research design. The participants were two senior high school English teachers and two junior high school English teachers. Interviews were conducted as the data collection and transcribed for the data analysis. The results showed that all English teachers had acknowledged and were well-informed of the benefits of extensive reading. However, half of them projected their positive beliefs through implementing extensive reading in their teaching practice, but the other half did not. The obstacles found in applying extensive reading were the students' need for more interest in reading, their lack of vocabulary mastery, and opposing views toward reading. Therefore, this insight into the study's results has enriched the literature, and the stakeholder of the curriculum should provide support regarding the teachers' concern about implementing extensive reading.
 Keywords: perspective, implementation, extensive reading

Textuelle Infrastrukturen des Theaters. Dramaturgie als Vermittlung

Textuelle Infrastrukturen des Theaters<b>. Dramaturgie als Vermittlung</b>

Teachers' Efforts in Overcoming Difficulties Learning to Read in Elementary School Students

This study aims to explain teachers' efforts in overcoming reading learning difficulties in grade II students of Gonda State Elementary School, Baubau City. This type of research is qualitative research with descriptive methods. The study subjects used were grade II teachers, with 23 students consisting of 11 female and 12 male students. The method or technique of data collection used is observation, interview, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The research results on teachers' efforts in overcoming reading learning difficulties in grade II students of Gonda State Elementary School in Baubaubau City have two steps: choosing and implementing effective learning strategies and learning methods. The learning strategy used is introducing the alphabet to students first, Utilizing reading corners, conducting tutoring, and habituating to reading together during the learning process. The learning method is by approaching students and giving reading practice tasks and giving interesting reading spelling books. The forms of teacher efforts are expected to effectively overcome students' reading learning difficulties, especially in grade II students of Gonda State Elementary School in Baubau City.

Peningkatan Kemampuan Membaca pada Siswa SDN 121/I Muara Singoan Kelas Rendah sebagai Bagian Integral dari Perkembangan Bahasa

Reading proficiency is a key competence in language development for children at the primary school level. This study aims to explore the efforts undertaken by SDN 121/I Muara Singoan in improving the reading abilities of elementary school students and understanding its integral role in overall language development. Through a qualitative research approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with teachers, and analysis of curriculum-related documents and teaching strategies. The results of this study indicate that SDN 121/I Muara Singoan has implemented various specific learning strategies to enhance students' reading abilities. Some of these strategies include the use of engaging textbooks, group reading activities, and a library program that expands students' access to reading materials. Additionally, the role of teachers and parents is recognized as a crucial factor in improving students' reading abilities. Teachers provide continuous support through training and guidance, while parents are involved in supporting reading practices at home and providing positive reinforcement. The improvement of reading abilities among lower-grade students at SDN 121/I Muara Singoan has significant impacts on overall language development. In addition to enhancing reading skills, students also demonstrate improvements in content comprehension, critical thinking abilities, and written expression.

Youth Practices of Reading as a Form of Life and the Digital World

The proliferation of digital technologies is precipitating a transformation in the socio-cultural fabric of human existence. The present study is dedicated to investigating the coexistence of various reading practices among contemporary youth in the modern era. The advent of new forms of reading has resulted in a shift from conventional paper-based reading to electronic formats, which, in turn, has transformed the practice of reading and the way of life associated with it. The methodological foundation of this research is the socio-philosophical theory that the practice of reading, rooted in the habitus of reading, is enacted by practitioners, and organized through public initiatives. The context of the reading practice system is a distinct historical system of circumstances in which practices are reproduced. This study encompasses an empirical component, focusing on the examination of reading practices among young individuals in a large modern city, specifically within the confines of Yekaterinburg (N = 200). The research was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. This study permits an analysis of the constituent elements of the reader’s habitus model as a form of life.

Khatmul Hadits Riyadhus Shalihin bil Hifzhi di Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo Situbondo

In Living Hadith Studies, there are three variants of traditions. There are written traditions, practical traditions, and oral traditions. The research talks about an oral tradition at Wali Songo Islamic Boarding School in Situbondo: Khatmul Hadith bil Hifzhi. It focuses on knowing the practice and interpretation of the rule of Khatmul Hadith. It is description research that systematically describes the practical of living hadith in Wali Songo Islamic Boarding School using a phenomenology approach with social action theory by Max Weber. The research concludes that, firstly, the Khatmul Hadith tradition is a practice of reading all of the hadiths in Riyadhus Shalihin by memorizing the hadith (bil hifzhi) and then reading the prays for the closure and also doing some discussions and questions about all around the interpretations of hadith from the boarding school caretakers. Secondly, the understanding of the Khatmul Hadith based on Maz Webers theory, there are four categories of the act, there is the traditional act as a form to conserve traditions of Meccas Islamic scholars, the affective action to show happiness when doing the discussions with the Caretakers and get good grades, the instrumentally rational act, as a practice of murajaah for the students, the values reasonable action, as for obtaining Allahs pleasures and the Prophets shariah, also receiving the blessings from the hadith readings.Keywords:Living hadith;Khatmul Hadith;Riyadhus Shalihin;Wali Songo Situbondo Islamic Boarding School

“Inside many of us / is a small old man” – age/ing in Anne Sexton’s Transformations: A community discussion

Abstract The poetry book Transformations by Anne Sexton consists of seventeen poems based on the versions of fairytales by the Brothers Grimm. Told by Sexton, the tales become sharp comments on American culture, changing characters and action to focus on gender, power systems and medical histories. Analyzing the poems “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Rapunzel”, and “Rumpelstiltskin”, this article focusses on Sexton’s revelation of the aging and ageism inherent in both the fairytales and contemporary American culture. I am interested in a reading of the poems beyond the confessional approach so common in analyses of Sexton’s poetry, focusing instead on how the characters struggle with beauty expectations, age and gender roles as well as loneliness. Therefore, I have discussed the chosen poems with different communities beyond the academic context with an interest in other approaches and experiences applied in the readings. The voices are woven into the article, adding to the analysis and offering a comment on contemporary reading practices.