Compared to the global average of 43 percent, many pupils in European countries struggle with reading motivation, leading to a decline in reading engagement and performance.
The international average is 43% of motivated pupils, whereas only 33% of English, 29% of Finnish, 23% of Italian and 26% of French pupils. These are only a few examples of the declining will to read.
These countries also perform poorly in terms of reading performance, according to the PISA polls for 15-year-olds and PIRLS results.
Current reading instruction methods are failing to effectively boost pupil reading motivation and engagement.
John Guthrie and colleagues developed the Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI), a thematic reading approach that significantly enhances reading motivation and reading skills.
The merit of this technique is that it combines reading education with exciting reading motivation.
This article demonstrates how instruction concepts lead to more motivated and proficient readers.
Understanding the Concept of Thematic Reading Instruction (CORI)
Reading motivation and skills impact each other. Therefore, Guthrie suggests that reading methods should constantly incorporate motivational factors.
Lessons that solely focus on reading skills, regardless of the text's subject matter, lack this aspect. You want to allow pupils to experience the benefits of books and texts, including reading pleasure and relevant knowledge.
CORI, designed for groups 5 to 7, incorporates thematic reading instruction.
The goal is to encourage involvement. Involved pupils are driven to read, have self-efficacy, apply effective reading techniques, and persevere through hard texts.
A comprehensive approach is required to achieve this. That is why CORI combines motivational support with strategy instruction, fluent reading practice, vocabulary enrichment, and domain knowledge stimulation.
A lot of research has been done on the consequences of CORI. Guthrie's essay covers the outcomes of eleven effect studies and summarizes the five CORI instructional principles that have proven to be effective.
How a Typical CORI Lesson Boosts Reading Motivation
Thematic reading instruction in CORI is centered around engaging themes that connect with pupils’ interests, enhancing their reading motivation.
Pupils conduct research in groups, experiment, and decide which literature to read to understand more about the topic. Teachers provide instructions, informational and reading books and other recommended resources.
Each class begins with pupils reading aloud or completing a practical project. The teacher provides a brief instruction before pupils work on guided reading, independent reading, and portfolio writing three times for fifteen minutes.
During guided reading, teachers present appropriate materials, model reading methods, and offer regular feedback. The amount of guidance is gradually lessened using scaffolding until pupils can accomplish it on their own.
Key Factors That Drive Reading Motivation in Pupils
To effectively increase reading motivation, it's essential to understand pupils' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, as well as their interests.
Guthrie cites previous studies on Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory. To engage pupils, five factors must be met: intrinsic motivation, autonomy, self-efficacy, collaboration, and a desire to learn a skill.
Create opportunities for pupils to collaborate during reading lessons, such as reading aloud or discussing reading experiences in groups.
According to Guthrie, if these requirements are not met, the opportunity is lost and your lessons are less effective.
For example, if pupils feel continually observed or believe they will not comprehend the content, their motivation suffers.
Five Core Principles of Thematic Reading Instruction to Enhance Pupil Motivation
How does thematic reading instruction work?
The CORI researchers have outlined five key principles to enhance reading motivation and improve reading skills:
1. Provide suitable reading materials.
Allowing pupils to work with books related to their interests increases their intrinsic motivation. CORI prioritizes theme reading teaching over particular texts.
2. Provide freedom of choice (autonomy)
Set frameworks for pupils to choose what they want to read, who they want to work with, the order of their work, and how they demonstrate their understanding of a text.
3. Provide successful experiences (self-efficacy)
Encourage pupils to create realistic goals and provide frequent feedback on their progress. Demonstrate to them that dedication and commitment can lead to improvement in any skill. Provide appropriate reading materials and ample practice opportunities for pupils.
4. Encourage collaboration
Incorporate opportunities for pupils to work together, such as reading aloud or participating in a reading circle to discuss their reading experiences and knowledge.
5. Work on topic units
Choose a topic and base your activities and assignments around it for a longer length of time (one or more weeks). This allows pupils to develop their knowledge and gain more skills, ensuring a focus on mastery.
The more this theme aligns with their interests, the more motivated they are.
What about the teaching of reading strategies? Is there still space for that in this approach?
CORI emphasizes the importance of incorporating practice into thematic education, alongside vocabulary and reading teaching.
An example from the classroom
To improve our text comprehension, reading education should be engaging and more challenging.
A year ago, a school board implemented the close reading method based on this diagnosis. This method involves pupils turning a text totally inside out for a week.
The first session focuses on understanding the structure of the text and its content. During the second class, pupils identify challenging terms and create questions regarding the material. They look up answers jointly.
In the third lesson, they explore why the author created and arranged the material in this way, and if it could have been different.
Teachers emphasize reading objectives and demonstrate effective questioning techniques. They consistently read aloud or assign pupils to read in pairs. This allows them to identify and discuss challenging passages.
They rarely use texts from the reading methods anymore. They search for texts themselves, based on current events.
Additionally, teachers strive to integrate reading education with other topic areas.
Every six weeks, pupils focus on a cross-curricular theme. The teachers plan a series of classes and debate them at the teachers meeting. The pupils are now more engaged in class.
The Benefits of Thematic Reading Instruction on Pupil Motivation and Skills
Studies have shown that pupils in CORI classes outperform their control group counterparts on all measures.
They are more curious about books and enjoy reading more. They are eager to tackle difficult texts, give up less easily, and read in a more diverse manner.
It is therefore advised to implement the CORI method in reading classes.
Related article: The Reading Crisis: How Poverty and Limited Vocabulary Impede Pupil Success
CORI pupils outperform typical pupils in standard reading assessments. This includes text comprehension, understanding story structure (fiction), and fluent reading.
This also applies to pupils with a migratory background or who struggle with reading.
The CORI technique has also been helpful in motivating pupils to read. As pupils age, their reading skills tend to decline.
In nursery class, pupils enjoy stories and in year 5, they remain fascinated by letters and reading. After that, motivation starts to decline.
Schools can maintain a positive reading culture by focussing on engaging pupils in year 6 and 7. They can demonstrate to pupils the benefits of reading.
The CORI approach illustrates how integrating reading motivation directly into standard reading instruction can significantly improve both engagement and reading skills. Guthrie's lesson explains that motivated readers become or are skilled readers.
Practical Tips for Implementing Thematic Reading Instruction in Your Classroom
Guthrie's five instructional concepts offer practical strategies to boost reading motivation and develop strong reading skills in pupils.
Most teachers already include collaboration, group projects, and some degree of flexibility in their reading classes. What may be added is the theme approach to reading training.
Working with tough and fascinating themes for pupils makes the reading lesson more relevant and compelling.
Thematic reading instruction provides an excellent opportunity to integrate reading education across various subject areas, fostering a more engaging and motivating reading environment.
It does necessitate a looser interpretation of the reading process. The reading texts and exercises lack content consistency. As a result, you must seek out reading materials on your own.
You can do this with pupils, particularly in upper years.
This approach teaches them how to find enjoyable books quickly. Make sure you have a diverse list on hand, including educational materials, reading books, poetry collections, short stories, and web texts.
Do you find it tough and unsure where to start? Ask the public library for assistance.
Key Takeaways: Enhancing Reading Motivation and Success
Thematic reading instruction makes reading more relatable and engaging for pupils, ultimately boosting their reading motivation and academic success.
- Give pupils the opportunity to choose what they want to read and when
- Customize texts and provide ample feedback to support pupil achievement
- Integrate reading skills into content-based sessions rather than practicing them separately
- Encourage group work and reading.
Next up in this series: The Connection Between Children's Reading Attitudes and Achievement
