Kathleen
A.
Hinchman
Syracuse
University
Patricia
Zalewski
Syracuse,
New York
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This
study explored the reading-related perspectives of participants in
a 10th-grade global-studies class. Conducted according to the qualitative
research traditions associated with symbolic interactionism, it was
a collaboration between a university-based reading education specialist
and the class’s teacher. Data were collected and analyzed inductively
according to the constant comparative method. The students and teacher
shared understandings about the constitution of classroom activities;
however, their opinions about what it meant to be successful in these
settings differed. For the teacher, reading to understand was most
important. For students, it was getting an adequate grade. We conclude
that there is a need for more understanding of students’ purposes
for reading and the ways in which these purposes affect the results
of their efforts. Likewise, teachers need to craft instruction that
responds to these understandings. |