Browsing by Author "Palmer, Gillian"

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    Recreational reading : a case study of recreational reading habits of some primary school pupils and the role of the teacher-librarian in intervention strategies
    (1995) Palmer, Gillian; Nassimbeni, Mary
    An interest in the topic of recreational reading was prompted by the observations and experience of the researcher. The study that followed was intended to confirm or refute the theory of the decline of reading. A perceived decline in reading has concerned teachers and librarians and strategies have been devised to reverse this trend. The strategies used by the researcher were adopted and adapted to meet the pupils' recreational reading needs. Methods that were likely to reverse the trend in the decline of reading were used with the expectation that the reading programme would affect reading behaviour and that pupils would be encouraged to read for pleasure. The case study method which included both a questionnaire and discussion with the pupils was used. Studies of this kind are scarce and out-dated, but this investigation has been of value to the pupils, teachers and the researcher as teacher-librarian, for all have benefitted from the stimulating and interesting input from the interventive strategies. A number of the results proved to be unforeseen, such as a decline in recreational reading generally throughout the group, and also the children's perception of the short amount of time they spend viewing television. These were contrary to the findings of all previous studies and should be treated with circumspection. The role of the school library and the teacher-librarian are essential in schools today as they are of great benefit to the whole school community. The study has proved without a doubt that availability of reading resources and guidance to the pupils in making stimulating and interesting choices should be the aim of all concerned with children's reading so that their needs can be met and the reading habit fostered.