Abstract
M.Ed. (Language Teaching)
The value and importance of reading as a skill is increasing. The demand for
literacy is becoming more and more important in this technological age with
the many job opportunities it has created. The value of reading lies in the
positive influence it has on our daily lives and tasks, social adjustments as
well as on our academic and personal development.
As the child progresses from primary to secondary to tertiary level, the demands
of readings skills, increase in volume and complexity. The responsibility of
the secondary school teacher not only consists of the teaching of the reading
skills but also of motivating people to read.
In this study attention was given to the teaching of reading skills, namely speed
and comprehension. It was endeavored to improve motivation for reading by
stimulating individual interests; the correlation between speed and motivation,
comprehension and motivation were determined as well as the correlation
of reading frequency of child and family.
During the basic planning of the study attention was given to the following
aspects:
(a) Reading is defined as a process or skills that consists of different
components that can be taught. Attention was given to:
1. Speed. The eye and mind can be trained to read bigger segments
with one fixation.
2. Comprehension is the essence of reading. Rapid reading without
comprehension is worthless. Comprehension is divided in three
dimensions I.e. literal comprehension, interpretation and critical
comprehension.
(b) Motivation for reading evokes human action; it is directed at a specific
aim. Attention is given to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.