Making a case for the teaching of reading across the curriculum in higher education
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Education Association of South Africa (EASA)
Abstract
Over the past two decades there has been much written in the literature about the
importance of reading and the importance of teaching students reading strategies
to improve their reading comprehension. Reading is one of the most important
academic tasks encountered by students. In higher education, students are exposed
to a number of texts and textbooks that require independent reading. At this level
they are expected to comprehend what they read so that they can analyse, critique,
evaluate and synthesize information from various sources. Many students entering
higher education are not adequately prepared to meet these challenges. This article
highlights the literacy situation in South Africa with a particular focus on reading
both in school and in higher education. In addition, the article highlights the importance
of teaching students reading strategies across the curriculum in order to improve
their reading comprehension, thereby enhancing their chances of academic
success. The implications of this research for policy makers and academics in higher
education institutions are outlined and some suggestions are made.
Description
Keywords
Academic literacies, Higher education, Reading across the curriculum, Reading comprehension, Reading literacy, Reading strategies, Teaching reading
Citation
Bharuthram, S. (2012). Making a case for the teaching of reading across the curriculum in higher education. South African Journal of Education, 32(2): 205-214