Motivation and Reading Engagement

Motivation to reading and learning increase when students "perceive that the text is relevant to their own lives and when they believe they are capable of generating credible responses" (Vacca and Vacca, 2008) An important element of this entire process is students' self efficacy or the belief that they can accomplish tasks. Tompkins hypothesises that reading engagement is necessary as students need to be involved and interested in reading and writing. She further suggests that Reading and Writing Workshops are recommended to enhance student engagement.

Reading Workshops allow students to choose books for reading and respond to books they have read through reading logs and conferences with teachers and their peers. This is an individualised reading program which can foster student engagement in the reading process. Teachers can guide students in selecting books which are appropriate for their level. Reading Workshops have five components which are reading,responding, sharing, teaching mini-lessons and reading aloud to students.

Writing Workshops allow students to write on topics they select, which encourages ownership. This changes the teacher's role to that of guide and facilitator. Students are given various implements such as pens, pencils, markers, different kinds of paper and access to class library. Students can be encouraged to work individually or in groups. Writing Workshop has three components - writing, sharing and mini-lessons.

These strategies provide opportunities for students to engage in authentic reading and writing activities and can therefore be used to engender students' self efficacy and motivation in literacy classrooms.