ENGAGING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN READING PROJECTS TO ENHANCE THEIR LEARNING

 

Brigitte Lenong

Mrs. Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa, blenong@cut.ac.za

 

Abstract

In Higher Education students encounter large reading materials which require them to be independent readers.  Therefore, this makes reading the most important academic activity at higher education institutions (Bharuthram 2012).  Higher Education students engage with different texts and books in their academic years to acquire information and knowledge, but do not read other materials to gain insight and for pleasure. Engaging students in reading activities is of importance, hence, reading projects are essential to change their reading habit. The research was conducted at University of Technology, to look into the role of reading projects at tertiary level and how they have affected students learning and reading ability. The study used a qualitative method design to explore the students’ engagement in reading projects to enhance their learning at the Central University of Technology, Free State.  Focus group interviews were conducted with Reading Club members involved in reading projects. The findings revealed that the reading projects made reading a shared pleasure, team effort and encouraged metacognitive focus upon learning. The study provides insight into the role reading projects play in enhancing learning and promoting academic success. 

Keywords:   Reading, Reading projects, Engagement