How to Use a Reading Survey to Assess Students
Reading comprehension is difficult for students in all grade levels. It is important for teachers in different subject and content areas to understand their students’ views on reading for class and pleasure. Preparing a reading survey helps teachers assess their students’ attitudes towards reading and how diverse the reading levels are within the class. This knowledge better prepares teachers to design lessons to utilize their students’ strengths.
Instructions
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Design a reading survey specific to your content or subject area as a teacher. Make a list of statements about reading habits, likes and dislikes, and how reading relates to learning in your class. Write statements like, “I enjoy reading for pleasure,” “I find it difficult to learn by reading” or “I can read more than 15 minutes without getting bored.”
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Give a rating system beside each statement. Use a rating system with more than two options for the best results. Number the ratings from 1 to 4 or 1 to 5. Beside each number write what it means. For example, 1=not at all, 2=not often, 3=sometimes, 4=a little bit and 5=always.
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Code the answers based on whether they are positive or negative toward reading. You may attach numerical values to each answer for a more thorough assessment. Attach 5 points to the most positive answers and 1 point to the most negative. Vary the statements to include positive and negative statements so students do not answer them all automatically.
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Write instructions for the reading survey explaining to students what your purpose is in asking the questions. Include an explanation of the rating system. Say something like, “Read the following statements about reading opinions and personal experiences. Rate how much each statement applies to your personality.”
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Instruct students to answer the questions as truthfully as possible. Remind them they do not have to put their names on the reading surveys and this will not be for a grade. Take all the pressure off the assignment before students participate.
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Gather the reading surveys from students. Compare the answers and make notes about the reading behaviors and habits specific to each class setting you teach. If you used a scoring system, add up the numbers. An average of fours and fives show positive reading behaviors. Lower averages show negative reading behaviors. Use these notes when preparing lesson plans based on heavy content reading. Try to incorporate other activities for better reading comprehension into class settings with more negative results from reading survey assessments.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage students to be as honest as possible. Remind them this is not for a grade and there are no right or wrong answers.
Keep a good attitude and smile when you ask students to fill out the surveys. Do not let them know what results you want to get.
