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Abstract:
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Research reported in educational literature suggests that the decline in
voluntary reading is linked to student's poorer performance in school. As an
elementary school educator, who is always looking for new literature for primary
students to read, it has come to this researchers attention that graphic novels continue
to grow in popularity with each year.
This paper provides an introduction to text features graphic novels provide
which are critical in developing a reader's ability to navigate a piece of literature. It
also specifically addresses the benefits and purposes of graphic novel use in the
classroom. This study provides pertinent information to add additional perspective on
the issue of graphic novels, and their ability to help lead non-readers back to books.
The purpose of this thesis was to research and assess the effectiveness and effects on
motivation that graphic novel exposure might have on students to read more for the sheer pleasure of reading. Determining if graphic novels are an acceptable reading
genre for schools. This study contains a quantitative analysis of pre and post interest surveys and
anecdotal observational notes of students' classroom and library reading behaviors
determining the motivational effect of graphic novel exposure. A quantitative analysis
of local school libraries was conducted to determine the quantity of graphic novels
available for student check-out and how the graphic novel collections were acquired.
A qualitative analysis was also conducted using Accelerated Reader log entries and
Status of the Class Record Sheets to determine change in students reading habits after
they were introduced to graphic novels. This research data has identified through the systematic, quantitative approach,
genuine insight into students' reading motivation, interest, and also their struggles
with literature. A description of the conclusions gained from this research design, and
assessment instruments were described. Obvious conclusions were ascertained: the
results provide valid evidence for placing graphic novels in school libraries, as well as
in the school classrooms. It highlighted the necessity to consider the importance of the
motivational aspect graphic novels provide as a learning component in a classroom
environment to increase reading for pleasure. It is clear that graphic novels can be a
powerful tool for reaching many different learning styles. The use of visual elements in teaching and learning are important for students to be able to connect the daily use
literacies from their multi-media world into their educational learning. Students need
to utilize these visual literacy skills in order to survive and communicate in a highly
complex world. All students reading competency will be boosted through graphic
novel use. |
