The Effect of Student's Motivation to Read Based on Self-Selecting Texts in Fifth Grade Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore whether students who do not read a lot are motivated to read because of the subject of the book, or if they simply do not like to read. The tool used to measure motivation was a teacher created survey given to the students before and after they read to determine if they were more motivated to read based on student selected text or teacher selected text. Additionally, students kept a daily reading log to identify motivation. There was a slight increase in student motivation to read when the students could self-select their own text. Students were put into groups of motivated readers versus non-motivated readers as well. The interest of motivated readers remained high when given the choice, whereas, non-motivated readers had a slight decrease in interest when they could self-select their text. Research in student motivation to read should continue since motivated readers enjoy reading regardless of what they read.