here - TIMSS and PIRLS Home - Boston College

Chapter 4
Students’ Reading Attitudes,
Self-Concept, and Out-of-School
Activities
Positive student attitudes toward reading and a healthy reading self-concept
are major objectives of the reading curriculum in most countries. Students
who enjoy reading and who perceive themselves to be good readers usually
read more frequently and more widely, which in turn broadens their reading
experience and improves their comprehension skills. This chapter examines
trends in students’ attitudes toward reading and in their self-concept as
readers, as well as the frequency with which they read stories, novels, and
informational texts outside of school.
What Are Students’ Attitudes Toward Reading?
The PIRLS Index of Students’ Attitudes Toward Reading summarizes students’
views on reading for enjoyment and appreciating books. The index was based
on students’ agreement with the following statements related to reading:
▶
▶
▶
▶
▶
I read only if I have to (reverse coded).
I like talking about books with other people.
I would be happy if someone gave me a book as a present.
I think reading is boring (reverse coded).
I enjoy reading.