Engaged Reading for Pleasure and Learning: A Report from the National Reading Research Center.

This report highlights key studies, salient findings, and the significance of research supported by the National Reading Research Center (NRRC), which was charged to conduct research on reading instruction appropriate for prekindergarten through 12th-grade learning environments. The first chapter of the report elaborates on a foundation principle of NRRC researchers--the "engagement perspective" which specifies the goal of reading instruction as developing motivated and strategic readers who use literacy for pleasure and learning. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 present key ideas contributed to or reinforced by the NRRC's 5-year research program. Chapter 2 addresses key ideas for preschool and elementary school reading, including: reading instruction should be systematic and integrated with quality children's literature; phonics should be taught explicitly within the context of authentic reading and writing activities; and literacy learning occurs both at school and home. Chapter 3 describes key ideas for middle school and high school reading, including: the use of multiple documents fosters students' interest in and learning of social studies content; a student-centered English curriculum motivates and promotes secondary students' literacy learning; and using analogies in science instruction aids students' learning and appreciation of science content. Chapter 4 presents key ideas for and about literacy teachers, such as: teachers who conduct research acquire personal insight about teaching and learning; and students serving as researches or informants provide insightful perspectives within the teacher-research process. Chapter 5 envisions what the NRRC legacy might be. Contains 196 notes. (RS) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *****************************************************************************, ... i ,,, (., s i t -, 1 t Z I/ ... 'N 0 ),.% ; 1 \ A e E e .i. *s .-, ikr .4. .. ._. . t,.-.0tfr t -,,,,t1 . . .. 1' f,