The Relationship between Reading Comprehension and Interest in Post-Secondary Study and the Assignment Method and Content of Readings Regarding Careers

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2015-07

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether reading articles about careers of interest versus general careers would be related to secondary students’ reading comprehension or affect their interest in pursuing post-secondary education. Interests were assessed via Secondary Interest Survey (PSIS), which was administered before and after students read 10 assigned articles about careers. A comprehension assessment was administered after each reading to determine whether students understood what they read and whether the article influenced their career interests or feelings about postsecondary education. No significant differences were found between the comprehension or interests of the groups, which read about their own career interests or about random careers, but each group made gains in comprehension scores and interest in attending college or some other post- secondary institution after completing the readings and survey.