Studies have shown that when students have the freedom to choose whichever book they want, they accomplish more reading than they would if they were required to read a certain book. Even though students might feel more motivated if they choose their own books, required readings allow teachers to choose books that really line up with their studies, build specific skills, and encourage a student’s love for reading.
When students are allowed to choose their own book, it allows them to have freedom when reading a type of genre, and to branch out of their comfort zone when reading a book that they have never read before. When students have the freedom to choose their own book for class, it gives them a creative imagination.
“It [choosing books] provides the students with way more freedom as to what kind of book they want to read and will actually enjoy reading.” said Kyree Dunlap, junior.
From time to time, students may like having the teacher give specific book assignments that later might lead to students having projects. Additionally students may enjoy having teachers assign books to them because they get a better understanding or idea of the book.
“I enjoy having the teacher choose a book and teaching guided lessons for it. I find that I learn better when the teacher can give a detailed lesson on a single book, rather than a surface-level lesson that could apply to multiple books. Having the teacher give book-specific lessons also makes me enjoy the book more, as it makes me understand the characters and interpretations of the book in greater detail,” said Emma Kilcup, sophomore.
When teachers give the students freedom to choose their own book for class instead of assigning one, they tend to get more interested in the book, versus when a teacher assigns a book for an upcoming project, the students might get bored with the book more quickly.
“I like my freedom when it comes to choosing a book. Mainly, it keeps me on track since I’m actually reading something I enjoy rather than sitting through a class period bored out of my mind,” said Andie Bakos, freshman.
When a teacher makes students get a required book, it can take the fun out of reading the book because students might feel like it’s forced. When students are genuinely interested in something, they will want it.
“I feel that I have much more freedom when I am able to choose what kind of book versus when the teacher picks the book for me. It lets me and other students choose something they are genuinely interested in and want to read, rather than feeling forced to read and hating a book they could have enjoyed if they chose it on their own” Dunlap said.
