Independent reading: the power of self-selection and cafe discussions in a seventh grade classroom

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine middle school students\u27 motivation to read. The goal was to see what happens to seventh grade students\u27 motivation to read independently when given the opportunity to self-select and discuss books in a classroom setting that mimics a real-world cafe. Motivation profiles, interest surveys, reflections, and student work were all analyzed. The focus group of students demonstrated changes in how students viewed themselves as readers and their desire to read independently for leisure. The implications for teaching in a seventh grade classroom are discussed. A complete data analysis provided the major assertions and implications about the research topic