Among the reasons that students gave that they do not enjoy reading was that they feared that they would not have the right interpretation of the text.
In some cases students get very intimidated during group book discusses with the teacher. A typical middle school or high school literature class is carried out by the students reading a select passage of a book and then openly discussing it in class with the teacher.
The teacher often asks the students to give an interpretation and meaning of the text that was read. They are also often asked to analyze the characters in the story.
During these types of discussions teachers can very quickly knock down a student’s perception and enjoyment of reading. Many teachers feel that their interpretation of a teacher’s guide interpretation of the text is the only one that should be accepted.
The teacher may shoot down the ideas of the students during this time if they do not match what is expected from the teacher. When a student feels that his or her opinion is not correct, then he or she will begin to stop forming his or her own opinions about text and possibly stop reading at all. He or she will stop participating in group discussions.
Therefore it is important for teachers to let students know that it is okay for them to have their own opinions about what they read. Teachers can acknowledge the differences in opinions among the students without criticizing their thoughts or telling them that they are wrong.
It is important that teachers give positive comments to any thoughts that students put into their reading. When students are given positive feedback for their thoughts, they are more likely to continue to read and think about the text. They will more openly share ideas and opinions with others.
Common Reasons Why Students Do Not Like to Read
How Teachers Help Students Enjoy Reading