Browsing by Author "Linnanmäki, Eveliina"

Objectives. Previous research and tests of reading achievement have shown that literacy among children and adolescents has weakened and leisure time reading has decreased especially among boys. Girls have outscored boys on tests of reading achievement and boys read less than their female peers. There has been a public concern about boys when it comes to reading. The main objective of this study was to find out what kind of research has been done about boys and their reading. This study searched for reasons and solutions for why boys are reluctant readers. The aim was also to find out if there is reason to be concerned about the situation of boys. Methodology. This study was executed as a descriptive literature review. Previous research was divided into topics and central results were summarized and analyzed. The research material was focused on the years 2000–2016. Results and conclusions. Previous research shows several reasons for why boys are unwilling to read and offers various suggestions for motivating boys to read. The attitudes, example and behavior of parents and educators have a significant influence. In addition, finding interesting reading material is in a key position. As they age, boys seem to read less and their attitude towards reading appears to turn more negative. Homes and schools have an important task of boosting and maintaining boys’ eagerness to read. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be a need to worry yet, because according to previous research even the most reluctant reader can be brought to enjoy reading – it all starts with interest and motivation.