The reading habits and practices of undergraduate students at a higher education institution in South Africa: a case study
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Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Independent Institute of Education
Abstract
Research conducted in South Africa has shown that the reading literacy level of students entering higher
education is lower than is desirable. In an attempt to gain an understanding of students� reading habits
and practices, this study explored students� goals in reading, the challenges they face while reading, and
the reading behaviours experienced and modelled in their homes. The data were collected by means of a
student questionnaire and interviews. The findings of this research have implications for all stakeholders,
as they show that reading is marginalised at all levels, and that measures need to be implemented
immediately to develop positive reading habits and practices in students. Amongst other things, it is
suggested that in order to position students as producers of knowledge, it is imperative for lecturers in
various disciplines to play a greater role in encouraging students to read and in helping them attain the
reading conversancy required in these lecturers� disciplines.
Description
Keywords
Reading, Reading habits and practices, Higher education, Disciplinary reading, Academic literacies
Citation
Bharuthram, S. The reading habits and practices of undergraduate students at a higher education institution in South Africa: a case study. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning, 12(1): 50 - 62