Children's motivation towards reading

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out about children's reading motivation. To conduct the study, the 'Motivation to Read Profile' (MRP) was used. It consisted of two basic instruments: the Reading Survey and the Conversational Interview. The MRP assessed children's self-concept as readers and the value they attribute to reading, as well as other factors associated with reading motivation. The study was conducted at an independent private school with 218 children in Grade 5 and Grade 6 (ages 8-10). Where relevant SPSS package was used to analyse the data. A positive statistically significant correlation resulted between Self-Concept as Readers and Value of Reading. There were statistically significant gender and age differences for author choice and reasons for reading information books. Results revealed that a positive self-concept, attributing a high value to reading, parental pressure, accessibility and familiarity with reading material, and choosing one's own reading material, were all factors which contributed to children's reading motivation. This confirms that motivation rs a multidimensional construct. Implications from these results were discussed to help teachers develop ideal reading programmes thus increasing pupils' reading motivation.