Abstract
M.Ed.
The study aimed to investigate learners’ interest in leisure reading and to suggest
strategies for instilling this culture among the learners. The study used the quantitative
method. A questionnaire comprising of closed-ended and open ended questions was
used to obtain data from Coloured high school learners from two schools. The review of
literature relevant to this study involved a number of aspects of which the following are
only a few: a look at national and international perspectives regarding leisure reading;
the role of teachers and parents in the lives of these children; the lack of leisure reading
among the respondents as a result of modern technologies.
The study was conducted against the background of Bronfenbrenner’s ecosystemic theory
which views various levels and entities as subsystems of nesting within the larger system,
which is the social context. Each level is dependent on the interaction within and between
the other. The family (parents), the school (teachers) form subsystems and both share the
membership of the child. These two subsystems collaborate to ensure maximum
development of the child. The research question arose from the observation by parents
that children are not participating in leisure time reading as much as they should.
The results of the study indicated that Coloured learners are involved and interested in
leisure reading despite other modern technological devices competing for the learners’
leisure time. Recommendations were suggested for parents as well as teachers relating to
the need to continuously encourage leisure reading in the lives of youth. The role parents
can play in partnership with educators was also highlighted.