Re-significando la lectura en el nivel universitario desde la reflexión

Abstract

For some years, we have been exploring different factors involved in the process of reading comprehension in university learners taking English IV, and the varying degrees of success consecutive cohorts have achieved in the completion of these types of tasks. We now concentrate on their attitudes towards reading for pleasure in general terms. Through the analysis of 30 argumentative pieces, we explore participants’ reflections upon the reasons why they love and /or hate reading. In their essays, learners make reference to issues such as reading as a source of knowledge, reading as therapy, reading as an escape, and reading as a way of introspection, revealing innermost emotions and a path to self-discovery, where intrinsic motivation lies waiting to be awakened. Results from previous research (Zinkgraf, Risso Patrón, Cocci and Verdú, 2008) were interpreted as suggesting that university learners might not be reading enough, or might not be interested in the process. Contrarily, we have gained an insight into how much and what they like reading, as well as what positive feelings this activity triggers in them.