This research project is being carried out in collaboration with Stichting Lezen.
The research project Lenses on reading culture (Lenzen op leescultuur) examines the reading culture and reading policies of forty-five secondary schools in the Netherlands over a four-year period. The project was initiated in response to the national trend of declining reading skills combined with a diminishing enjoyment of reading. Many secondary schools have now appointed language coordinators in an attempt to turn the tide, but to what extent have these efforts been effective?
Over the course of four school years, we will conduct extensive questionnaires and interviews at all participating schools, focusing on different aspects of the reading policy. We are looking into:
A. The way in which school management, teachers and support staff promote reading and their attitudes towards it.
B. The way in which students experience such reading promotion initiatives.
C. The expectations of parents/guardians regarding reading promotion and reading policy.
D. Best practices of language coordinators and others involved regarding reading promotion and reading policy.