Spring Break
The Joy of Reading
How often do students read outside of class and do they find pleasure in reading?
Monica Williams
Issue date: 6/24/09 Section: Features
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The East Carolinian surveyed five students, asking them if they had the time to read for pleasure and if so, how often. Almost all of the students claimed they spent so much time reading during the school year that they did not have time or the energy to read for pleasure. Instead, most choose to wait until vacation time to read books of their choice.
"During the semester, I hardly ever read for pleasure … actually I don't think I've ever read for pleasure when school is in session. I do read at least three times a week while I'm not in school though, especially over the summer sitting by the pool," stated Amanda McClure.
Some other students wish they could read but don't have the time.
"I wish I had more time to read for pleasure during the semester, but there's already so much to read!" said interior design major, Stacey Miller. "I'm too busy reading my overpriced text books seven days a week!"
Fortunately, for many students, not all school readings are painfully boring and uninteresting. Many students actually enjoy many of their assigned readings for classes. Professors also choose mediums other than textbooks, allowing students to read things such as novels, magazines, book and movie reviews, biographies and memoirs for class. This keeps the interest of the students as well and allows professors to get their points across in a more enjoyable manner.
"My favorite class so far was African American Lit with Dr. Watson. That was definitely one class that I enjoyed reading the assigned texts," said senior Gregory Stonewall.
One student from the survey even suggested that he found enjoyment in reading his textbook.
"Medicine continues to fascinate me, so I really don't mind reading my textbook for Anatomy. I get two in one: knowledge for the classroom and a kick out of what I'm reading about," claimed nursing major Michael Smith.
When we asked students what types of material they like to read, most of them replied with magazines, fiction novels and comic books. A few students liked to read children's books for pleasure.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 7
man123
posted 6/24/09 @ 1:23 AM EST
Wow this is what they ask you guys to write? Surveying five people does not count as a survey, you just randomly asked five people a question! They were probaly your friends. (Continued…)
Kirsten Olson
posted 6/24/09 @ 9:58 AM EST
Monica, This is a great feature and so true to my experience and research. Most students are just too exhausted by their schoolwork to find pleasure in reading. (Continued…)
Sinjun
posted 6/25/09 @ 7:20 PM EST
5 people is kind of on the light side and not a very good sample. I for one continue to read quite a few different varieties of novels despite all the work I have, and i think it helps the stress allowing my grades to stay fairly high. (Continued…)
Kyle
posted 6/30/09 @ 11:32 AM EST
Yeah, they "probaly" were friends. I love how people complain about the quality of the articles and then go on to make fools of themselves in the comments. (Continued…)
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