ABSTRACT
In pursuing the theme of this volume, creating a world of engaged readers, we think it is crucial to consider reading motivation. The phrase engaged reading refers to the fusion of cognitive strategies, conceptual knowledge, and motivational goals during reading (for an explication see Guthrie & Anderson, 1999). Central to reading engagement are many aspects of motivation that relate to reading. In this chapter, we first distinguish among intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, interest, and attitude. We then discuss how these aspects of motivation are important contributors to the cognitive and conceptual processes that are vital to reading comprehension. Having argued that reading motivation is indispensable to reading engagement, we present several dimensions of the instructional and school contexts that facilitate reading motivation. We have formulated these dimensions into principles for promoting reading motivation. They consist of the following: (a) conceptual themes, (b) real-world interactions, (c) support for self-direction, (d) using interesting texts, (e) cognitive strategy instruction, (f) social collaboration, and (g) supporting students’ self-expression (see also Guthrie, Cox, Anderson, Harris, Mazonni, & Rach, 1998). Each principle is described briefly. In addition, cautions or pitfalls that should accompany the implementation of each principle are discussed.
