Research for academic purpose on “Reading Habit”

Research for academic purpose on “Reading Habit”

Paper: English Language  Teaching (ELT)                   

                                                                                    2/16/2016

Prepared by:               

                            1] Vanita Tadha

                            2] Asmita Gond

                            3] Sonal Baraiya

                           4] Vanita Baldaniya

                           5] Daya Gohel

                           6] Neha Mehta

                           7] Jayshree Solanki

Under the guidance of Dr. Dilip Barad

Department of English

Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Bhavnagar

BATCH: 2014-2016

Sr No.	Table of Contents
1	What is reading habit?
2	Methodology
3	Different Reading Techniques
	The four main types of reading techniques are the following:
	What Is Skimming?
	What Is Scanning?
	Intensive Reading
	Extensive reading
4	How many ways people are using for reading?
5	Which types of sources people would like to read?
6	What people think about reading?
	1] Children
	·        Which types of reading children like?
	·        Analysis of children’s reading source
	·        Mentality of Parents towards children:
	2] Youth
	·        Which types of reading youth like?
	·        Analysis of Youth’s reading source
	·        What did teachers’ views about reading?
	·        Our views on youth according their replies:
	3] Old
	·        Which types of reading old people prefer?
	·        Analysis of Old’s reading source
	·        Jivabhai Dodiya’s view
	·        Old vs new education according to old people
7	What a librarian think about reading books?
8	What we found?
9	What are our views about reading habit?
10	Conclusion
11	Suggestions
12	Bibliography

What is the purpose of research?

As a part of English Language Teaching (ELT) curriculum and in order to gain practical knowledge in the field of literature, we are required to do a research paper in any field so we are doing on “Reading Habit”.

The basic objective of doing this research is to gain knowledge regarding the literature and to interpret its various implications.

The objective of the research is to find out the concepts which were unknown and to find out modern challenges regarding learning and teaching literature. This research helps to enhance knowledge regarding Literature. Through this research one can know about importance of group work and role of devotion towards the work.

Acknowledgement

It is great pleasure for us to get golden opportunity to have research work in our study in Department of English.

In completing this research several people are involved directly and indirectly. They guide and help the researchers in preparing research and in receiving practical knowledge.

We are thankful to the head of The Department, Department of English Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad who suggested the function of reading habit. We hearty express our gratitude to those people who have given us permission to take their interviews, photos, videos, and providing such nice information or we can say without it we could not complete it.

What is reading habit?

The act of a person who reads any matter that can be read. It can be anything which is written or printed like novels, short stories, poems, articles, magazines, newspapers etc. its depends on reader’s mood to read. In this it is not necessary to concentrate on grammatical structures or meanings because it depends on individual’s ways of understanding. It enhances understanding of particular culture, religion, and it does not just provide knowledge, but it inspires the intellectuality to evoke and ultimately it leads to the growth. In ‘Vanche Gujarat’ mission, Chief Minister said that at the time when our lives have become robotic, books are the way out from this unfortunate situation. Our social structure has been immerged from the ‘granths’ like Ramayan and Mahabharat.

The present scenario of readers has been changed drastically recently compare to what it read to be in past. Now it has becomes much more innovative through the use of latest technology and improved ideas of writers. It is one of the favorite areas of improving self-amongst many areas.“The things I want to know are in books, my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain, read.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers, and mail are just a few of the things that people read every day. Effective and proficient readers learn to use many ways of reading for different purposes. Skimming, scanning, and critical reading are different styles of reading and information processing. (78)

Methodology

First we have prepared the question bank for reader and then we have visited 100 houses to get the idea about reading habit. We have covered at list all the houses like lower class, middle class and upper class. It not just focuses on reading but try to get the views about changing educational system in modern era. One by one we have asked several questions and emphasized on educated family and retired people.  There is several lines are written which is spoken by reader. If reader is preferring old things then we goes deep in them and if they are opposite like preferring modern then we asked more about that. According to their views we have tried to gives our views about reading habit but it is more personal. According to their wish we have taken their and books photographs and some video clips as a prof. We have asked source of the reading habit like name of the books, name of the writers and articles so we can get the specific idea that how readers are involving their self and looking towards reading source.  Majority questions are related to “why” and “what”.

Different Reading Techniques

The readers should be aware of which technique is most suited but for their proposes they are reading so there is no definite technique is used.

The four main types of reading techniques are the following:

·         Skimming

·         Scanning

·         Intensive

·         Extensive

Skimming and scanning are two very different strategies for speed reading. They are each used for different purposes, and they are not meant to be used all the time. They are at the fast end of the speed reading range, while studying is at the slow end.

People who know how to skim and scan are flexible readers. They read according to their purpose and get the information they need quickly without wasting time. They do not read everything which is what increases their reading speed. Their skill lies in knowing what specific information to read and which method to use. 
 

    

What Is Skimming?

Skimming refers to looking only for the general or main ideas, and works best with non-fiction (or factual) material. With skimming, your overall understanding is reduced because you don’t read everything. You read only what is important to your purpose. Skimming takes place while reading and allows you to look for details in addition to the main ideas. Skimming may help in order to know what the text is about at its most basic level. You might typically do this with a magazine or newspaper and would help you mentally and quickly shortlist those articles which you might consider for a deeper read. You might typically skim to search for a name in a telephone directory.

You can reach a speed count of even 700 words per minute if you train yourself well in this particular method. Comprehension is of course very low and understanding of overall content very superficial.

While reading, ask yourself the following questions to help you decide whether or not to skim. If you answer yes to any of these, then skimming is a useful tool.

?    Is this material non-fiction?

?    Do I have a lot to read and only a small amount of time?

?    Do I already know something about this?

?    Can any of the material be skipped?

What Is Scanning?  

Scanning is another useful tool for speeding up your reading. Unlike skimming, when scanning, you look only for a specific fact or piece of information without reading everything. You scan when you look for your favorite show listed in the cable guide, for your friend’s phone number in a telephone book, and for the sports scores in the newspaper. For scanning to be successful, you need to understand how your material is structured as well as comprehend what you read so you can locate the specific information you need. Scanning also allows you to find details and other information in a hurry.

Keep the concept of key words in mind while scanning. Your purpose will determine the key words. How to scan.  Because you already scan many different types of material in your daily life, learning more details about scanning will be easy. Establishing your purpose, locating the appropriate material, and knowing how the information is structured before you start scanning is essential.

What is Intensive Reading?

You need to have your aims clear in mind when undertaking intensive reading. Remember this is going to be far more time consuming than scanning or skimming. If you need to list the chronology of events in a long passage, you will need to read it intensively. This type of reading has indeed beneficial to language learners as it helps them understand vocabulary by deducing the meaning of words in context. It moreover, helps with retention of information for long periods of time and knowledge resulting from intensive reading persists in your long term memory.

This is one reason why reading huge amounts of information just before an exam does not work very well. When students do this, they undertake neither type of reading process effectively, especially neglecting intensive reading. They may remember the answers in an exam but will likely forget everything soon afterwards.

What is Extensive reading?

Extensive reading involves reading for pleasure. Because there is an element of enjoyment in extensive reading it is unlikely that students will undertake extensive reading of a text they do not like. It also requires a fluid decoding and assimilation of the text and content in front of you. If the text is difficult and you stop every few minutes to figure out what is being said or to look up new words in the dictionary, you are breaking your concentration and diverting your thoughts.

How many ways people are using for reading?

There are three ways

       

Which types of sources people would like to read?

Chart of the sources

SR.NO.	Religion	Novels	News Paper	Others	Writer
1	Bhagvad Gita	Five point someone	Saurashtra Samachar	Recipe book	Chetan Bhagat
2	Ramayana	Two States	Gujrat Samachar	Magazine	Harkisan Mehata
3	Mahabharata	Half Girlfriend	Sandesh	General knowledge	Jayprakash Chouksi
4	Vedas	Madhyabindu	Divyadhaskar	Dictionary	Kanti Bhatt
5	Palival Jyot	Morpinch	Shatdal	Grammar	Kajal Oza Vaidya
6	Vishnu Sahastra	Kanyadan	Kalash	Self- help books(Swamivivekanand)	Jay Vasavda
7	Yugshakti Gayatri	Saurashtra ni Rasdhar	Ravi Purti	Syllabus Books
8	Vrat Katha		Madhurima	Kalapino Kekarav
9	Hanuman Chalisa		Sahiyar	Balprakash
10			Jagmag	Aesop fable
11			Balbhaskar	Udan
12			Chitralok	Safari
13			Dharmalok	Sorthi Barvatiya
14			Sahiyar
15			Times of India

                     

What people think about reading?

Readers’ have positive opinion about reading. They say reading is a receptive skill like listening. This means it involves responding to text.  People read for several reasons like entertainment, time pass, knowledge, information, to learn and make self-better, to satisfying self, to enjoy, and being free etc.

The analysis is presented below:

SR. No.	Children	Young	Old
1	Fable story	Novels	Religion books
2	Newspaper

	Male	Female
Children	24	30
Young	28	31
Old	45	34

 

1] Children

Which types of reading children like?

 

Children are reading small fable story from Panchtantra, Balbhaskar, Jagmag and Magazine. They won’t have enough time to read other (except their course). Children were conscious about reading Literature and we observe that today’s generation is smarter so they know the use of Technology and also they read whatever they want by searching on internet.

Analysis of children’s reading source

 

Mentality of Parents towards children:

The research is not only related with reading habit but it also related the psychology of children that how they were thinking about reading literature. We went one teacher’s house where we observed that the child was very conscious about reading various books because his parents were suggested him to read such books. It means lack of motivation children don’t realize to read. A child wants to use cell phone but their parent’s mentality prevents him that it is worth to use or it wasting money and time.

Due to the suppression by parents and teachers they need to read, means very few times they willingly read.  They are so enthusiastic to provide us answers.  Children are conditioned by the advice of elder as do and don’t.

2] Youth

Which types of reading youth like?

 

In this group we included the higher level students and teachers. They are not only reading their syllabus texts but also other Literatures too.

The students are reading for special purpose like they want to get more marks and compare their self with others means they want to show sincerity to their parents, relatives and their teachers.

They give more important to their course rather than other things.  Apart from their course some are reading newspapers, novels, magazine, general knowledge books, blogs, and some sites which provide them exam and course related information. Mostly they gets reading source from their school library.

Kavitaben, house wife said she is reading self-help books and dictionary to develop self.

Tanviben, doctor is free minded and reading Chetan Bhagat’s books, blogs, traveling books. She is a house maker and has a baby boy though she is sparing time for reading.

Analysis of Youth’s reading source

 

What did teachers’ views about reading?

The teachers are also reading for their students and self-improvement. We have observed that many people have told that by reading we get not only the knowledge but also a way of living life.

One teacher Dipakbhai said I weekly brought one book to read and he explain his teaching technique as he taking test through PPT (PowerPoint Presentation). He displayed one question and gave certain minutes to find out answer then next slide and it continue until the end.

Arti Parmar said she is publishing book per three month named “Udan”, in which they show students’ creativity. She believes it can easily preserve rather than newspaper.

Ashok Dhameliya, English teacher always asking question to his student through which he is teaching and he also said that he is learning from student. He has so many books like; “The Tempest”, “Hamlet”, “Middlemarch”, or one can say MA level materiel but all are in sake and shift it on shelf. He said now I don’t have time to read. He suggests one tall free no. 180030000881 to lean English free of cost.

Our views on youth according their replies:

The research has given us several ways to know the mind of young that how they were habituated by reading. 

They mostly preferred to read Chetan Bhagat’s books like “five point someone”, “Two states”, “Three mistakes of my life”, “and “Half Girlfriend”, etc. People motley doesn’t read after their government jobs. We want find passions to read in younger generation as compare to old but still they are considering smart. They are enough mature to understand the literature.

They have lots of beliefs about reading that it works as a teacher, self-learning and can improve many things but they are not reading much.

Doctors are also reading   newspapers, novels and magazine but we won’t get any engineer and businessman who are reading.

During our research we have visited many areas and in every area we found a group of women who were talking into group and after asking questions about reading various books they only responded that, “We have no time from our children and house hold work so we can’t spend our time for reading book”.

We  also met one Tamil family who were living in Bhavnagar since many years we asked many questions and at the end we have observe that the girl who studies into college she told that my mother used to read magazines or books which were related with beauty tips. So here we can apply black skin white mask theory that how people’s mentality changes according to their needs. So beauty tips books cannot change the real natural look of people though they were reading those books.

3] Old     

 Which types of reading old people prefer?

 

                            

This is a large group of people who has interest to read.  Most of old people either male or female they generally used to read religion books mostly Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagvad Gita, and particular religion books.

One Old grand pa was met who told that today’s books were  worth reading because old books were gives essence of understanding about culture and behavior whereas modern books only  gives sensuous delight except cultural tendencies.

   We have found an old women her name was Jasuben  Kapdia, told us that “I am uneducated  women though I know many stories which were I know by hearing from somebody” So we can say that reading habit not only developed  by reading books  but it can developed by hearing something from people.

We also observe that many people told “We want to read but because of illiteracy we can’t read books or anything”.

Analysis of Old’s reading source    

 

Jivabhai Dodiya’s view

 

Old vs new education according to old people    

They prefer old education than new or modern. Syllabus is a kind of burden for children because it beyond the capacity of children. In past siblings can pass with same books but now within a year there is possibility of changing syllabus.

We also found groups of old people who were retied from their job, they started to blame the new generation and education that past education is better than the present as ‘Bhar vagrnu bahntar’. They have read many books but very old books and still they are reading old books. They have not read any new books and so their mind are still wondering into the old ideas and moralities so we can say that “Books can changes the mind of the people”.

People weren’t interested to teach but for the sake of money they are doing the job. ‘a lazy teacher spoils one generation’.

What a librarian think about reading books?

 

Generally people would like to read various Books but it is not easy to buy many books , because it will requires money which will not affordable for all people, so Library is the main source for increase our reading habit by getting various books. Only library is a place which provides scope to all readers who really wants to read various books. But it was a big question that which types of books people were borrowing from library? She replies that according to readers need like children like to read short and fable stories. Young prefer interesting love story.

In the old age library there are so many books but all were religion and mostly people were busy in reading like newspaper or religion book. One grand mother said I am illiterate but I like to look in the books in which some picture are available because through the picture I can guess what is written in the books.

Mostly we found that the libraries were empty and holder gave reason that there is specific time for borrower because of small area.

We come to know about many things which people wants to read like something new as well as old things. Because old or new both types of books were provides new knowledge of living life. “Every books has life”, it is also said one proverb that “don’t give your daughter to those houses where you can’t find the books”

What we found?

Here we tried to put the important points which we found during survey analysis:

Ø Most of the readers are satisfied by their reading.

Ø It is found that many of the readers are not aware about some popular writer and their books.

Ø People want to read online but won’t have raw material and want know how to get source.

Ø In some houses there are so many books like Hamlet, The Tempest, Dr. Faustus and many more but these all kept it in sake.

Ø Some willingly wants to read but they are illiterate and don’t have books so they asked us to provide the books to them.

Ø Businessman and house maker wants to read but they won’t have time.

Ø Some have time and everything but they are sparing it for gossip and chatting.

Ø Some like to read some specific writer.

Ø Children want to use technology for reading but parents won’t allow because they think children are wasting time and money.

Ø Reader said there was not such things like bank, computer but educator produce it so the ordinary people are using it.

“People who were well educated they has not time to read and those who were uneducated they wants to read but they can’t”

What are our views about reading habit?

Vanita Tadha

Reading captures the image of human beings so we can see our own self in character and in situations. Reading and observing creates the vast image in peoples mind. Majority it has dual and multiple side. It depends upon the changeless perspective of human beings.

I have read many things in Guajarati and English like novels articles, short – stories, essays and blogs. The aim is to read and enhance my knowledge and language power. But after completing book or article I found several critical points which make me think more.

Some are interesting books and as a purpose of learning language I have read but one more output I get is imagination power. How a common man can resist and come out from suppression. If we are wrong but when we change the perspective then sometimes we are better and equal with others.

To read and something is doesn’t make any sense but to act is important than anything else. Weather it is true or wrong. The journey of life is unstoppable so with the continuity we should fix our self in any situation.

“And miles to go before

And miles to go before”.

Asmita Gond

“‘But man is not made for defeat,’ He said.’ ‘A man can be destroyed but not defeated.’”  (Hemingway)

It is reality that from ancient time to today people wants to be superior to others. Which were we will found into our ancient literature like our epic ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ and those things were teaches us how to live life with great hope. So such things we were find through reading various books so reading habit is very important for each and every people into their life. As we all know that it is difficult to define what is literature? Because literature includes every areas of human existence whether it is a lot amount of books or technologies like T.V., Internet, etc. So the research into the reading habit is related to those people who like to read various literatures and also those who do not like to read. So we can say that reading habit takes on new forms and functions to carry the weight of new cultural experiences.

Research includes major sets issues are:

1. Understanding how people learn by reading various literatures

2. Multiple influences by reading various things

3. Past experiences

4. The school and personal contexts

Reading barriers   

                                                                      

Interest                      Motivation

Thinking                   Different Cultural effects

Concept                    Power and money                           

Time                         Involved in own work 

Literacy                    understanding content

“Not all readers are leaders,

But all leaders are readers” (Harry S, Truman)

It means that reading habit enhance our imagination and thinking power with which we can get the power of judgment. It also cultivates social and ethical value to cultivate social sense, with which we will become eligible to raise questions against the authorities by knowledge of power. So reading habit is undeniable part of our life and also it related with our social norms activities of life which spreads knowledge not only for the sake of self but also for the society.

Sonal Baraiya

There are four skills: (LSRW) listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Listening and speaking are the first step to learn language but reading and writing skills enhanced learning the language. So, reading is also one of the most important parts of learning language. Reading also helps to enhanced speaking skill.

Reading habit transcends the boundaries of knowledge. It reaches us one step further than what have we before. It is a way to enjoy informative, creative, and inspiring works of literature that enrich our life experiences. No doubt that it takes time to read but it is always beneficial to enhance our knowledge about surrounding things which are takes place in our life. Due to this reason that it is requires time, people be tedious. There are various types of reading that people would like to read such as: Newspapers, articles, magazines, literature, and what not. But the literature is one step above than the other things.

"Literature is the next level of image. Literature may be the reflection of the society. Literature is feeling it is not deeds to the mirror."

This definition of literature I got after reading various books. So, literature is one of the best sources of reading through that we can fly in the sky because it couldn't provide the external malaises but also the inner one.

 For example- Poets like R. W. Emerson and H. D. Thoreau talks about the inner life of people, while -

"The White Tiger" by Arvind Adiga - talks about the external affairs of society in which individual’s life. Their lives are destroyed by the impact of society. As Rousseau's comment that "Man was essentially good and was corrupted by the influence of society".

Thus, i got the idea of external and internal affairs of people and moreover life itself after reading the literature.

In short reading the things especially literature connects the dots which are speeded either and thither. Moreover it is gives the title also because I read various poets, writers, and what not who are coming with various cultures, new ideas with different titles and so on. So, obviously it speared our knowledge.

Thus, reading it not for the sake of reading but it is for the sake of life. So, what I think that due to reading life becomes better. The habit of reading is at every perspective good for human beings because it is increase one's level of thinking and imagining. In short it spread the roots and definitely one day it is became "A BIG TREE" which gave its fruits to everyone.

Jayshree Solanki

Generally, reading means understanding the meaning of printed words or symbols. However, in different points of time, we read for different purposes.

We read to communicate thoughts and ideas. The same word in a sentence can have different meanings.

For example, when we visit a book fair, we do not go through a book in detail. We simply read a summary of the book printed on the back cover to know the subject matter.

On other hand, when we read a text book, we probably go through all the details and try to understand the topics and concepts thorough

Two important factors involved in reading are as follows:

·        Time taken to read                       

·        Subject matter understood

Therefore, we can say that there are different techniques of readings.

Conclusion

It can be said that Literature has vast image and which was prevalent into every corner of the world. Still the traditional method of reading is preferred by the people, as it is a new concept, it will take people to change their mode of reading. The benefits of reading should be conveyed to those who are no aware of it. It is not necessary that People should be educated enough to enhance their abilities. During our research we explore our knowledge of collaborative work; we also got the chance how to implement theory in practice. It improves our practical knowledge and also got chance to meet different people it has also increased our confidence. It is memorable experience to be a part of this group work.

Extra Source

1. Reading is one of the best tools for training and upbringing. A good book always has a salutary effect on the mind of a reader. It will elevate spirit and thoughts. It will augment his store of knowledge. Books help in correcting moral ineptitude. Particularly in these days of mechanical existence, when people have hardly any time to attend meetings and symposia, the best source of acquiring religious and general knowledge are books that can be browsed whenever a person finds some time to spare. Read moreclick here.

2. Reading occupies a pivotal role in the life of a man. Reading opens the doors of the treasures of knowledge. It is an important means of introducing the child to the world that surrounds him. It is the very foundation on which the edifice of the child is to be built. Reading is one of the most important components of our language and it is an essential tool for lifelong learning for all learners.  Readmore click here.

3. Somewhere after “lose weight”, “stop procrastinating”, and “fall in love”, “read more” is one of the top goals that many people set for themselves. And rightly so: A good book can be hugely satisfying, can teach you about things beyond your daily horizons, and can create characters so vivid you feel as if you really know them.Read more click here.

4. Reading is not just an important professional skill. It is also a way to enjoy informative, creative, and inspiring works of literature that enrich our life experiences. Like any skill worth mastering, a reading habit requires time and dedication to develop. It is, however, a lifelong source of enjoyment and entertainment and an affordable hobby for anyone who wants to pick up a book. Read more click here.

5. Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi called upon the people of State to join the missions: ‘Vanche Gujarat’ and ‘Samay-Dan’. He said that the mission will showcase the social strength of Gujarat and will take the crown positions in the celebrations of Golden Jubilee celebrations.  Read more click here.

Suggestions

Ø Readers should not just read out but also apply that thing into their practical life because writer also has some intention behind his/her work.

Ø They must read online so that they can ever get connect with the ideas of people

Ø They should use Social media like Facebook, Twitter, What app for increasing their reading habit for personal development

Ø Older or newer should not interfere each other means all are perfect in their age.

Ø People said we won’t have time but I think they should also give priority to read so they can easily manage everything.

Ø They suggest us to study but they must say that you should be dutiful towards your job and your work. 

Works Cited

Beale, Abby Marks. http://www.howtolearn.com/. o2 2013. <http://www.howtolearn.com/2013/02/skimming-and-scanning-two-important-strategies-for-speeding-up-your-reading/>.

McDonald , Karl . http://www.howtolearn.com. 08 2012. <http://www.howtolearn.com/2012/08/different-reading-techniques-and-when-to-use-them/>.

Taibah University. http://www.sciencedirect.com/. 12 2012. <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658361213000747>.

Hemingway, Earnest. The old man and The sea. United States: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952.

Thakore, Shreya. Communication skills. Ahmedabad: Books India Publications, 2015.