Journal of Education & Social Policy

The Role of Jordanian Schools in Encouraging Students' Outside Reading
Mohammed S. Banihani, Khalifeh M. Abu-Ashour

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of schools in encouraging students' outside reading habits. The study was carried out during the first semester of 2014-2015. In order to understand the role of schools, mainly principals and teachers, two methods of enquiry were employed. First was the collection and analysis of 64 essays that were written by teachers from various schools in Irbid, north of Jordan, as a response to the following question, “Why do you think children in Jordan do not read beyond their schoolwork?" Second, it is the analysis of 12 interviews, which were carried out with a purposeful sample of 12 school principals. Four categories emerged from the essays and the interviews that describe the challenges involved in promoting outside reading for children: Parents' ineffective role, Jordanian culture and reading, emphasis on school curriculum, and technology misuse. Participants recommended that a curriculum reform that includes reading outside of school is needed, providing interesting reading material, providing comfortable places for children to read, as well as the significant role of parents in encouraging their children to read by being role models.

Full Text: PDF