The implementation of a shared reading programme within a university : a case study

Based on research into the benefits of involvement in reading for pleasure and the operation in the US of pre-arrival shared reading schemes for those about to embark on a university education, both within the context of wider research into how to engage newly arrived students in their institution, an exploration was made of the likely response to such a shared reading scheme within a London university. A representative sample of current first years were asked about their how they spent their leisure time, their attitudes towards and involvement in reading for pleasure and their reactions to such a potential scheme. The findings were that more reading for pleasure was taking part than had been anticipated, that students were generally keen to become more involved in reading and that a shared reading scheme would be welcomed by the majority of students. The decisions made on the basis of the outcomes are discussed, along with recommendations for future associated research

How do you choose a book for a pre-arrival shared reading scheme within a University? A case study

This paper continues the exploration of Kingston University’s pre-arrival shared reading scheme, the Kingston University Big Read (KUBR), this time considering action research into how best to choose a common book. After a review of methods used to choose books both specifically in American universities and generally within large shared reading groups, the method used for the KUBR is described. A key objective of the KUBR is to promote inclusion, so the longlist of titles considered was produced by inviting the entire community to submit suggestions. Since the list was extensive, time to make a choice was short, and there was a strong desire for the methodology to be as objective as possible, it was decided to identify the key criteria relevant to choosing a suitable book and then use a simple algorithm—essentially a weighted scoring system—to score each book using readily available data in order to make a shortlist of six books. These were then read by a panel of students and administrative and academic staff. The book finally chosen was Matt Haig’s The Humans. This paper details each step of the method and finishes with an appraisal and lessons learnt for next time.</jats:p

Using pre-arrival shared reading to promote a sense of community: A case study across two institutions

Seeking to improve student enrolment, engagement, and retention, Kingston University began a pre-arrival shared reading scheme in 2014–2015, sending a free book to every student about to start at the university and making copies available to staff in all roles and departments across the institution. A number of associated events were organized and outcomes monitored through a variety of project-specific and institutional metrics. Continuing with the scheme in 2015–2016, Kingston University and Edinburgh Napier University joined together as research partners. Edinburgh Napier, having participated in the process of choosing a book for all to read, made the same single title available to their students and staff. In this paper the processes and outcomes of the collaboration are reported, including the differences in project implementation in the two institutions and what they learned from each other. Recommendations are made for how universities can work together on projects of mutual desirability, pointing out particular associated sensitivities, in this case when managing a long-distance collaboration, and what can be learned for the future

25 ans de Cahiers - 25 fiches pédagogiques

Pour marquer le 25e anniversaire des Cahiers de l’APLIUT, nous avons choisi de publier 25 fiches pédagogiques, soulignant ainsi la créativité des enseignants de langue des IUT. Les sujets sont variés – cyberquête, jeu, travail sur l’actualité, création artistique, etc. Presque toutes les activités concernent l’enseignement de l’anglais, mais la plupart des fiches sont adaptables à toutes les langues et à tous les publics. Un texte d’Anne Azam-Pradeilles, fondatrice de l’APLIUT et des Cahiers, ouvre le volume. Elle s’est penchée sur les sommaires des 50 premiers numéros et fait partager aux plus jeunes les débuts épiques et l’évolution de la revue