The analysis of current situation of reading among
undergraduates
Report prepared for ×××, Professor Teacher of communicating in the 21st century
Prepared by ×××,
Student of communicating in the 21st century
April 13, 2013
MEMO OF TRANSMITTAL
TO: ×××, Professor FROM: ××××, student of Teacher Ling DATE: April 13, 2013
Attached please find the report that current situation of reading among students in university and analysis.
Reading has always been played a quite significant role in human ’s life, young undergraduates are also included. However, I find out that in current situation, not everyone could clarify the importance of reading and only a few students in university can regard reading as one of their important activities.
Because of it, I and other two of my classmates made a questionnaire survey about it among students in university. And then, analyzed data of questionnaire and finished this report by myself.
The report can be divided into three main parts. They are the current situation of reading, some factors and reasons about this situation, and some suggestions.
The main resources of this report are data of questionnaire and some other information collected from the Internet. Because the researchers are freshmen in ××× University, the data have limitations. But the data can still show the common situation of reading in current undergraduates to some degree.
If you want to discuss any of this report, please call me at any time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE 1.2 SCOPE
1.3 SOURCES AND METHODS
1.4 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS 1.5 BACKGROUND
1.5.1 The importance of reading
1.5.2 The current situation of reading in China 1.6 APPROACH TAKEN IN THIS REPORT
2.0 THE CURRENT SITUATIONS OF READING AMONG FRESHMEN 2.1 THE QUANTITY OF REDING 2.2 THE QUALITY OF READING 2.3 THE HABITS OF READING 2.4 THE INFLUENCE OF READING
2.5 OTHER SITUATIONS ABOUT READING
3.0 REASONS WHICH LEAD TO THESE SITUATIONS 3.1 INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS 3.1.1 The limitation of time 3.1.2 The interests in reading 3.1.3 The purpose of reading 3.2 INTRALPERSONAL ASPECTS
3.2.1 The habits or atmosphere about reading 3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 3.3.1 The influence of internet 4.0 QUESTIONNAIRE
4.1 QUESTIONNAIRE OF STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY READING BOOKS SURVEY 5.0 CONCLUSIONS
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS
6.1.1 Set clear purpose and directions to reading 6.1.2 Form good habits of reading.
6.2 OUTER ENVIRONMENTAL SUGGESTIONS 6.2.1 Reading environments sand communications. 6.2.2 The library in university 6.2.3 The Internet orientation. 7.0 REFERENCES APPENDICES
SUMMARY
This report states some current situation of reading. And then analysis the factors which lead to those negative situations to find out some solutions or suggestions about reading.
The current situation of reading among freshmen is not optimistic. The report describes the undergraduates’ conditions of reading in various aspects, the quantity of reading, the quality of reading and the influence of reading. Besides, we also state some other situations about reading in eyes of undergraduates.
After we state some main situation of reading, we then turn to find out some main factors in relation to reading situation. The reasons are divided into three aspects, intrapersonal aspect, interpersonal aspect and environmental aspect.
In this report, we list some suggestions or solutions about reading, according to the reasons we have analyzed above.
Reading problem is the most complex, and thus most of this report is taken up with the analysis of some main aspects of reading in connection with the questionnaire among students in university.
The main idea in this report is that we reading play an important role in our daily life. Even though the current situation of reading is not optimistic, we need to pay enough attention in reading. What we need to do in this report is to find out some main reasons and then try to solve them.
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to describe the current reading situation among the freshmen in university, finding out some factors which limit people to read books, and then giving some suggestions for those actualities.
1.2 SCOPE
The report considers a plenty of personal situations in reading in the university, including the motivations, the selections of books, the evaluations, and the habits of reading books. Other situations among people outside the university in reading books are not considered. The externalities which influence the personal current situation in university are not considered either.
1.3 SOURCES AND METHODS
Main information was collected from the outcomes of questionnaire. Other information was collected from books, professional journal articles, websites, and newspapers.
1.4 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
There was some urgency in the preparation of this report, primarily because of the research making. The question setting may have some restrictions which cannot reflect all the problems in undergraduates’ reading. Besides, the options of research people are limited by the freshman in Business College. Students in other college in
××× University are assumed to be having the similar options in Business College.
1.5 BACKGROUND
In current social environment, the undergraduates also read fewer books than before. They choose to surf the internet, watch entertainment programs or films, leaving their books alone. Is that because book is much less necessary to one’s mental life? The answer is absolutely not. Book is and all the while the most important to human beings. And this kind of phenomenon should be paid enough attention.
1.5.1 The importance of reading
“Book, is the human ladder of progress.” As we all know, reading is an important part in our daily lives. When we were little children, we have been told that:” good books are best friends who never turn their backs upon us.” We get a lot from books, such as world outlook, values and knowledge. It contains a lot history and thinking, which can support us during the whole life. There is no activity that can contribute to supporting the teens in building, improving and maintaining their comprehensive skills like readin g books. What’s more, Books serve as gentle companion or faithful friends who teach us, stay with us and never betray us. All of us should admit the importance of book and we should keep reading in our daily life.
1.5.2 The current situation of reading in China
However, with the rapid development of techniques, more and more people have been busy about their works and amusements, ignoring the importance of reading books. Most of them have been reading less day by day. People pay much attention in internet, television and their mobile phone, ignoring the importance of reading. This is a bad phenomenon which we should concentrate on. Although the rate of reading has been improved since recent years, the historical data shows that from 1995 to 2005, the rate of Chinese reading has declined from 60.4% to 48.7%. That is to say, the rate of Chinese reading in 2011 is rather low when it is compared to the rate in the end of last century. The society has been developing at a top speed for 12 years while the rate of reading is in the backward situation. The development of internet attracts people to surf it. But about 71.3% people prefer to chat online instead of reading. The current situation is not optimistic and we should attach more importance to this situation.
1.6 APPROACH TAKEN IN THIS REPORT This report considers some main approaches: (1) Literature Survey (2) Questionnaire Survey
(3) Investigation & Statistical method
2.0 THE CURRENT SITUATIONS OF READING AMONG FRESHMEN
The current situation of reading among freshmen is not optimistic. Under the questionnaire, we can see that a large amount of students are not reading enough. Not only about that, students who enjoy reading now prefer to have fast reading and cannot form good habits when read books. Because of all those actualities, students feel that they can get limited values from reading.
2.1 THE QUANTITY OF REDING
Unfortunately, the quantity of reading among freshmen is not big enough. It’s clear to see that near 1/3 students will just read 1 to 5 extra-curricular books per semester. Only about 11% can read more than ten extra-curricular books every semester (page 2). It refers that about 90% of students cannot read 10 or more books in their spare time every semester and it is quite sorry to say that just about a quarter students can read more than one books per month (page 2).
2.2 THE QUALITY OF READING
It’s happy to see that about 84% students consider that reading is a pleasant thing and they enjoy reading (page 1). However, when we turn our eyesight to the types of books which they choose to read, our motions will sank into the button again. The most popular type students choose to read is amusement and relaxation. Just 20% people say that they will choose professional books to read (page 7). Although philosophy of life is another kind of popular book among students, entertaining book or novel is the first choice for students to read. They are not willing to or even dare to have a look at professional books. They know less about the essence of a good book
and just maintain in the level of pleasure.
2.3 THE HABITS OF READING
The habits of reading play an important role in reading, and a good habit can improve the value of reading. Apparently, under the current situation of reading, freshmen’s habits of reading aren’t quite satisfied. More than 90% students don’t have a plan of reading (page 6). They read just occasionally and have no notes about them.
2.4 THE INFLUENCE OF READING
When it comes to the influence of reading, over a half researchers claim that the value of reading is common, about 5% researcher even can’t clarify the effects of reading in their career (page 12). Under the current situation of reading among students, we are sorry to come to a new situation that books have limited effects on our undergraduates. About 77% researchers consider that what books bring them most is to relax and please them (page 13). Due to the small number of reading and the limitation on time, few people could read large amounts of books and really gets personal ideas. What’s more, the interests of undergraduates are concentrated on recreational books or novels which contain no nutrition in those articles. And because of it, books will bring limited meaningful values to our undergraduates and it may cause huge influence in future career.
2.5 OTHER SITUATIONS ABOUT READING
Some other situations also contained in this report. From the questionnaire, we can find out that most of people keep a positive aspect in reading. Even though the e-book or some other new media is quite popular in human’s life. The media of TV or internet play an important role in our study, work and amusement. Book will be existent perpetual (page 15).
3.0 REASONS WHICH LEAD TO THESE SITUATIONS
Many reasons may cause to this kind of current situation. These causes can help us have a better understanding of the situation of reading, and then, we can list some advice or some methods to mend this situation. This time, causes can be dividend into three parts to have analysis. They are interpersonal aspects, intrapersonal aspects and environmental aspects.
3.1 INTRAPERSONAL ASPECTS
Intrapersonal aspects refer to the personal themselves reasons. It may be some personal character reasons or some objective reasons.
3.1.1 The limitation of time
From charts, we can see that about 34% students feel that the huge pressure of learning and limitation of time is their main factor which hinders their reading (page 3). They do not want to have a read, but learning and time block them to read more.
3.1.2 The interests in reading
It is clearly to see that, except the limitation by learning and time, about 25% researchers make clear that they have few interests in reading, and it lead to the few quantity of reading (page 13). In current society, ways of entertainment has been updated frequently and rapidly. People can have various choices to have a rest, and the developments of entertainment reduce the interests in reading.
In addition, people can also have many choices in education. We don’t need to be limited in reading anymore. The developments of multi-media enlarge choices of education, and undergraduates may turn to have few interests in facing bald words.
3.1.3 The purpose of reading
Before we begin to reading, even before the time we choose a book to read, we need to clarify our purposes of reading. From the charts, we can see that 71% consider that their standard of book choosing is their interests (page 10). And about 43% researchers figure out that, the interests is a main aim about their reading. Only few people will set learning as their reading goals a (page 11). And then choose appropriate books to complete the structure of knowledge. Sadly, a large number of people aren’t set reading as their interests and reading will be set behind some other interests.
3.2 INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS
Interpersonal aspects refer to the reasons which come from person to person. The relationships among people and their communications may also have influence on the situation of reading to some degrees.
3.2.1 The habits or atmosphere about reading
With the result of current research, although internet is a main approach to look for books, the introduction from friends is also another main approach for students to choose books to read. From charts, we can see that about 90% undergraduates share books or reading experiences among friends occasionally. Less than 10% undergraduates will talk with their friends about books frequently (page 8).
Many people prefer choose books by the way of introduction from friends, but seldom of them are willing to spend time on chatting with their friends about it (page 9). Communication is a good way to promote a good atmosphere of reading. Unfortunately, lacking of communication among students is another reason which causes the current situation.
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Outer environment can also have influence on reading situations. A positive environment can persuade more people to read. Inversely, a negative environment can have an opposite influence on reading.
3.3.1 The influence of internet
When it comes to students’ spare time, about 70% students will choose to surf on the
internet (page 4). With the quick development of internet, internet has played a quite important role in people’s whole life. According to the 30th China internet network development status report , it shows that people will usually use internet to communicating, searching, and having various entertainments and so on. Network literature just rank 13th which contains the meaning of reading is far behind the music, video and blog. Reviewing our research, we can see that only 14% people will choose to read on their spare time (page 4). Internet entertainments make grave influences on reading among undergraduates.
4.0 QUESTIONNAIRE
4.1 QUESTIONNAIRE OF STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY READING BOOKS SURVEY ·
You think reading is a thing which is
(Page 1)
·
How many books have you read each term?
(Page 2)
·
Reasons of reading few book
(Page 3)
·
What activities do you usually do in your spare time?
(Page 4)
·
What is your reading style?
(Page 5)
·
Do you have a plan of reading books?
(Page 6)
· Which kind of book do you usually choose to read? (You can choose more than one
answer)
(Page 7)
· Will you talk to your friends and mates to share your reading experience?
(Page 8)
·
How do you choose books to read? (You can choose more than one answer)
(Page 9)
·
What is the standard of choosing books?
(Page 10)
·
What is your main aim about reading?
(Page 11)
· You think reading helps you
·
You think reading helps you on (You can choose more than one answer)
· Do you think books in school’s library can meet your need?
· Do you think TV
, internet and other new media can replace books?
(Page 12)
(Page 13)
(Page 14)
(Page 15)
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of all the data we have analyses above, it is clear that although most of people understand the importance of reading, the current situation of reading is not positive. Most of people may have various reasons to ignore reading. There are several reasons which cause some reading situations: · In current society, students in university are lack of reading. Many reasons prevent students’ reading behavior. One of the most important reasons admitted by students is heavy burden of study. Others like online entertainments and little communications about reading are also the main reasons of this problem. · The low level of reading quality appears more obviously day by day. Most students in university are interested in amusement books, ignoring other meaningful books. In addition, only few students can keep good habits of reading and this behavior hinder the improvement of the reading level. · Under this kind of reading situation, most students think that books bring limited effects to them. The limitation of reading quantity and quality must be one of the most important factors, but there exists other reasons. People hold impropriate goals when they are reading, using impropriate standard to choose books. And then, lead to limited affections.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Once we figure out some main reasons of reading situation, we can find some approaches to improve this kind of reading situation. On the next part, I will list some recommendations about reading in some aspects. Improving reading situation is our tasks. Not only the society or schools, but also ourselves should work together to create a good environment of reading and enhance reading atmosphere. .
6.1 PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS
Each of us should be concerned about the way of reading. We are the main body of reading. Many personal factors can have huge affections in reading and we can improve reading situations by ourselves.
6.1.1 Set clear purpose and directions to reading
For each of freshmen in the present age, it is quite necessary to set explicit goals of reading. Reading is a lifelong task which all of us should pay enough attention about. Our goal of reading can affect our choices of books and reading efficiency. So before we read, we need to think about our purpose of reading and our reading directions.
6.1.2 Form good habits of reading.
Reading can be separate in several approaches. Some may just finish reading quickly; the others may read slowly and carefully, to think more about the contexts. A good habit of reading, like notes and reading plan, can help you reach goals of reading with the half effort.
6.2 OUTER ENVIRONMENTAL SUGGESTIONS
Outer environmental aspect can influence the reading situation too. As a result, we also need to concentrate our eyesight into building good reading environments.
6.2.1 Reading environments sand communications.
Reading environments can influence the reading situations in some degree. It is quite necessary to form a good reading environment, enforce the communication of reading. A good environment of reading may encourage more and more people to begin reading. In addition, reading cannot leave away from communication. Communicating with others can promote popularity of reading. More and more people can know good books from others and then have a try. Environments and communications are outer influencers and we need to pay enough attentions to them.
6.2.2 The library in university
The library in university should try to know about student’s demands of reading, make suitable changes and adjustment in books, according to the demands. The library in university is an excellent resource for students to have book reading. The lack of required books may reject students’ reading and we need to avoid this circumstance.
6.2.3 The Internet orientation.
As we all know, internet has become human’s main tool in entertainment and working areas. From the chart, we can see that the first choice for students to acquire book information is to search online. However, the current situation is that people will choose to surf the Internet for fun or relax, not for reading. If we can try to create a positive orientation of reading on the Internet, more people will choose to read in their spare time.
7.0 REFERENCES
(1). Article “The national reading present situation ” Selected from http://culture.people.com.cn/GB/22219/14453860.html, sources from Guangming Daily (2). Article “The importance of reading” Selected from http://www.docin.com/p-586695145.html
(3). Article “The current situation of the national reading: don't read, no books to read and can't afford to read. ” Selected from http://www.cqn.com.cn/news/whpd/zjlt/rdpl/560915.html
(4). Article “The domestic current situation of the reading (a)” selected from http://www.worlduc.com/blog2012.aspx?bid=1117422
APPENDICES:
Questionnaire of Students in University Reading Books Survey 1. You think reading is a thing which is A. Enjoyable B. Boring C. Heavy burden
2. How many books have you read each term? A. None B. 1-5 C. 6-10 D. A lot
3. If you think you read few books, why?
A. Heavy study pressure and having no time B. Having no interest C. Not being good at reading D. Other reasons
4. What activities do you usually do in your spare time?
A. Reading books B. Doing exercise C. Surfing on the internet D. Doing nothing 5. What is your reading style? A. Reading fast then putting it away B. Writing some notes while reading
C. Reading attentively, but not writing notes D. Others
6. Do you have a plan of reading books? A. No B. Yes
7. Which kind of book do you usually choose to read? (You can choose more than one answer)
A. About profession B. Philosophy of life
C. Amusement and relaxation D. Journal and magazine
8. Will you talk to your friends and mates to share your reading experience? A. Often B. Seldom C. Never
9. How do you choose books to read? (You can choose more than one answer) A. Teachers recommendation B. Friends introduction C. Searching on the internet D. From journal and magazine
10. What is the standard of choosing books?
A. Complete the structure of knowledge B. Interest C. Aimless D. No standard 11. What is your main aim about reading?
A. Study B. Accomplishment C. Interest D. Entertainment 12. You think reading helps you
A. A lot B. Just so so C. A little D. None E. Can’t say it clearly
13. You think reading helps you on (You can choose more than one answer) A. Study B. Accomplishment C. Entertainment D. Other
14. Do you think books in school’s library can meet your need? A. Satisfied B. Satisfied basically C. Not satisfied D. I don’t know
15. Do you think TV, internet and other new media can replace books? A. Yes B. No
16. Please write down one or two your most favorite books, or a book which influence you most
_____________________________________________________________________
Thank you very much for your cooperation!
The analysis of current situation of reading among
undergraduates
Report prepared for ×××, Professor Teacher of communicating in the 21st century
Prepared by ×××,
Student of communicating in the 21st century
April 13, 2013
MEMO OF TRANSMITTAL
TO: ×××, Professor FROM: ××××, student of Teacher Ling DATE: April 13, 2013
Attached please find the report that current situation of reading among students in university and analysis.
Reading has always been played a quite significant role in human ’s life, young undergraduates are also included. However, I find out that in current situation, not everyone could clarify the importance of reading and only a few students in university can regard reading as one of their important activities.
Because of it, I and other two of my classmates made a questionnaire survey about it among students in university. And then, analyzed data of questionnaire and finished this report by myself.
The report can be divided into three main parts. They are the current situation of reading, some factors and reasons about this situation, and some suggestions.
The main resources of this report are data of questionnaire and some other information collected from the Internet. Because the researchers are freshmen in ××× University, the data have limitations. But the data can still show the common situation of reading in current undergraduates to some degree.
If you want to discuss any of this report, please call me at any time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE 1.2 SCOPE
1.3 SOURCES AND METHODS
1.4 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS 1.5 BACKGROUND
1.5.1 The importance of reading
1.5.2 The current situation of reading in China 1.6 APPROACH TAKEN IN THIS REPORT
2.0 THE CURRENT SITUATIONS OF READING AMONG FRESHMEN 2.1 THE QUANTITY OF REDING 2.2 THE QUALITY OF READING 2.3 THE HABITS OF READING 2.4 THE INFLUENCE OF READING
2.5 OTHER SITUATIONS ABOUT READING
3.0 REASONS WHICH LEAD TO THESE SITUATIONS 3.1 INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS 3.1.1 The limitation of time 3.1.2 The interests in reading 3.1.3 The purpose of reading 3.2 INTRALPERSONAL ASPECTS
3.2.1 The habits or atmosphere about reading 3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 3.3.1 The influence of internet 4.0 QUESTIONNAIRE
4.1 QUESTIONNAIRE OF STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY READING BOOKS SURVEY 5.0 CONCLUSIONS
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS
6.1.1 Set clear purpose and directions to reading 6.1.2 Form good habits of reading.
6.2 OUTER ENVIRONMENTAL SUGGESTIONS 6.2.1 Reading environments sand communications. 6.2.2 The library in university 6.2.3 The Internet orientation. 7.0 REFERENCES APPENDICES
SUMMARY
This report states some current situation of reading. And then analysis the factors which lead to those negative situations to find out some solutions or suggestions about reading.
The current situation of reading among freshmen is not optimistic. The report describes the undergraduates’ conditions of reading in various aspects, the quantity of reading, the quality of reading and the influence of reading. Besides, we also state some other situations about reading in eyes of undergraduates.
After we state some main situation of reading, we then turn to find out some main factors in relation to reading situation. The reasons are divided into three aspects, intrapersonal aspect, interpersonal aspect and environmental aspect.
In this report, we list some suggestions or solutions about reading, according to the reasons we have analyzed above.
Reading problem is the most complex, and thus most of this report is taken up with the analysis of some main aspects of reading in connection with the questionnaire among students in university.
The main idea in this report is that we reading play an important role in our daily life. Even though the current situation of reading is not optimistic, we need to pay enough attention in reading. What we need to do in this report is to find out some main reasons and then try to solve them.
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to describe the current reading situation among the freshmen in university, finding out some factors which limit people to read books, and then giving some suggestions for those actualities.
1.2 SCOPE
The report considers a plenty of personal situations in reading in the university, including the motivations, the selections of books, the evaluations, and the habits of reading books. Other situations among people outside the university in reading books are not considered. The externalities which influence the personal current situation in university are not considered either.
1.3 SOURCES AND METHODS
Main information was collected from the outcomes of questionnaire. Other information was collected from books, professional journal articles, websites, and newspapers.
1.4 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
There was some urgency in the preparation of this report, primarily because of the research making. The question setting may have some restrictions which cannot reflect all the problems in undergraduates’ reading. Besides, the options of research people are limited by the freshman in Business College. Students in other college in
××× University are assumed to be having the similar options in Business College.
1.5 BACKGROUND
In current social environment, the undergraduates also read fewer books than before. They choose to surf the internet, watch entertainment programs or films, leaving their books alone. Is that because book is much less necessary to one’s mental life? The answer is absolutely not. Book is and all the while the most important to human beings. And this kind of phenomenon should be paid enough attention.
1.5.1 The importance of reading
“Book, is the human ladder of progress.” As we all know, reading is an important part in our daily lives. When we were little children, we have been told that:” good books are best friends who never turn their backs upon us.” We get a lot from books, such as world outlook, values and knowledge. It contains a lot history and thinking, which can support us during the whole life. There is no activity that can contribute to supporting the teens in building, improving and maintaining their comprehensive skills like readin g books. What’s more, Books serve as gentle companion or faithful friends who teach us, stay with us and never betray us. All of us should admit the importance of book and we should keep reading in our daily life.
1.5.2 The current situation of reading in China
However, with the rapid development of techniques, more and more people have been busy about their works and amusements, ignoring the importance of reading books. Most of them have been reading less day by day. People pay much attention in internet, television and their mobile phone, ignoring the importance of reading. This is a bad phenomenon which we should concentrate on. Although the rate of reading has been improved since recent years, the historical data shows that from 1995 to 2005, the rate of Chinese reading has declined from 60.4% to 48.7%. That is to say, the rate of Chinese reading in 2011 is rather low when it is compared to the rate in the end of last century. The society has been developing at a top speed for 12 years while the rate of reading is in the backward situation. The development of internet attracts people to surf it. But about 71.3% people prefer to chat online instead of reading. The current situation is not optimistic and we should attach more importance to this situation.
1.6 APPROACH TAKEN IN THIS REPORT This report considers some main approaches: (1) Literature Survey (2) Questionnaire Survey
(3) Investigation & Statistical method
2.0 THE CURRENT SITUATIONS OF READING AMONG FRESHMEN
The current situation of reading among freshmen is not optimistic. Under the questionnaire, we can see that a large amount of students are not reading enough. Not only about that, students who enjoy reading now prefer to have fast reading and cannot form good habits when read books. Because of all those actualities, students feel that they can get limited values from reading.
2.1 THE QUANTITY OF REDING
Unfortunately, the quantity of reading among freshmen is not big enough. It’s clear to see that near 1/3 students will just read 1 to 5 extra-curricular books per semester. Only about 11% can read more than ten extra-curricular books every semester (page 2). It refers that about 90% of students cannot read 10 or more books in their spare time every semester and it is quite sorry to say that just about a quarter students can read more than one books per month (page 2).
2.2 THE QUALITY OF READING
It’s happy to see that about 84% students consider that reading is a pleasant thing and they enjoy reading (page 1). However, when we turn our eyesight to the types of books which they choose to read, our motions will sank into the button again. The most popular type students choose to read is amusement and relaxation. Just 20% people say that they will choose professional books to read (page 7). Although philosophy of life is another kind of popular book among students, entertaining book or novel is the first choice for students to read. They are not willing to or even dare to have a look at professional books. They know less about the essence of a good book
and just maintain in the level of pleasure.
2.3 THE HABITS OF READING
The habits of reading play an important role in reading, and a good habit can improve the value of reading. Apparently, under the current situation of reading, freshmen’s habits of reading aren’t quite satisfied. More than 90% students don’t have a plan of reading (page 6). They read just occasionally and have no notes about them.
2.4 THE INFLUENCE OF READING
When it comes to the influence of reading, over a half researchers claim that the value of reading is common, about 5% researcher even can’t clarify the effects of reading in their career (page 12). Under the current situation of reading among students, we are sorry to come to a new situation that books have limited effects on our undergraduates. About 77% researchers consider that what books bring them most is to relax and please them (page 13). Due to the small number of reading and the limitation on time, few people could read large amounts of books and really gets personal ideas. What’s more, the interests of undergraduates are concentrated on recreational books or novels which contain no nutrition in those articles. And because of it, books will bring limited meaningful values to our undergraduates and it may cause huge influence in future career.
2.5 OTHER SITUATIONS ABOUT READING
Some other situations also contained in this report. From the questionnaire, we can find out that most of people keep a positive aspect in reading. Even though the e-book or some other new media is quite popular in human’s life. The media of TV or internet play an important role in our study, work and amusement. Book will be existent perpetual (page 15).
3.0 REASONS WHICH LEAD TO THESE SITUATIONS
Many reasons may cause to this kind of current situation. These causes can help us have a better understanding of the situation of reading, and then, we can list some advice or some methods to mend this situation. This time, causes can be dividend into three parts to have analysis. They are interpersonal aspects, intrapersonal aspects and environmental aspects.
3.1 INTRAPERSONAL ASPECTS
Intrapersonal aspects refer to the personal themselves reasons. It may be some personal character reasons or some objective reasons.
3.1.1 The limitation of time
From charts, we can see that about 34% students feel that the huge pressure of learning and limitation of time is their main factor which hinders their reading (page 3). They do not want to have a read, but learning and time block them to read more.
3.1.2 The interests in reading
It is clearly to see that, except the limitation by learning and time, about 25% researchers make clear that they have few interests in reading, and it lead to the few quantity of reading (page 13). In current society, ways of entertainment has been updated frequently and rapidly. People can have various choices to have a rest, and the developments of entertainment reduce the interests in reading.
In addition, people can also have many choices in education. We don’t need to be limited in reading anymore. The developments of multi-media enlarge choices of education, and undergraduates may turn to have few interests in facing bald words.
3.1.3 The purpose of reading
Before we begin to reading, even before the time we choose a book to read, we need to clarify our purposes of reading. From the charts, we can see that 71% consider that their standard of book choosing is their interests (page 10). And about 43% researchers figure out that, the interests is a main aim about their reading. Only few people will set learning as their reading goals a (page 11). And then choose appropriate books to complete the structure of knowledge. Sadly, a large number of people aren’t set reading as their interests and reading will be set behind some other interests.
3.2 INTERPERSONAL ASPECTS
Interpersonal aspects refer to the reasons which come from person to person. The relationships among people and their communications may also have influence on the situation of reading to some degrees.
3.2.1 The habits or atmosphere about reading
With the result of current research, although internet is a main approach to look for books, the introduction from friends is also another main approach for students to choose books to read. From charts, we can see that about 90% undergraduates share books or reading experiences among friends occasionally. Less than 10% undergraduates will talk with their friends about books frequently (page 8).
Many people prefer choose books by the way of introduction from friends, but seldom of them are willing to spend time on chatting with their friends about it (page 9). Communication is a good way to promote a good atmosphere of reading. Unfortunately, lacking of communication among students is another reason which causes the current situation.
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Outer environment can also have influence on reading situations. A positive environment can persuade more people to read. Inversely, a negative environment can have an opposite influence on reading.
3.3.1 The influence of internet
When it comes to students’ spare time, about 70% students will choose to surf on the
internet (page 4). With the quick development of internet, internet has played a quite important role in people’s whole life. According to the 30th China internet network development status report , it shows that people will usually use internet to communicating, searching, and having various entertainments and so on. Network literature just rank 13th which contains the meaning of reading is far behind the music, video and blog. Reviewing our research, we can see that only 14% people will choose to read on their spare time (page 4). Internet entertainments make grave influences on reading among undergraduates.
4.0 QUESTIONNAIRE
4.1 QUESTIONNAIRE OF STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY READING BOOKS SURVEY ·
You think reading is a thing which is
(Page 1)
·
How many books have you read each term?
(Page 2)
·
Reasons of reading few book
(Page 3)
·
What activities do you usually do in your spare time?
(Page 4)
·
What is your reading style?
(Page 5)
·
Do you have a plan of reading books?
(Page 6)
· Which kind of book do you usually choose to read? (You can choose more than one
answer)
(Page 7)
· Will you talk to your friends and mates to share your reading experience?
(Page 8)
·
How do you choose books to read? (You can choose more than one answer)
(Page 9)
·
What is the standard of choosing books?
(Page 10)
·
What is your main aim about reading?
(Page 11)
· You think reading helps you
·
You think reading helps you on (You can choose more than one answer)
· Do you think books in school’s library can meet your need?
· Do you think TV
, internet and other new media can replace books?
(Page 12)
(Page 13)
(Page 14)
(Page 15)
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of all the data we have analyses above, it is clear that although most of people understand the importance of reading, the current situation of reading is not positive. Most of people may have various reasons to ignore reading. There are several reasons which cause some reading situations: · In current society, students in university are lack of reading. Many reasons prevent students’ reading behavior. One of the most important reasons admitted by students is heavy burden of study. Others like online entertainments and little communications about reading are also the main reasons of this problem. · The low level of reading quality appears more obviously day by day. Most students in university are interested in amusement books, ignoring other meaningful books. In addition, only few students can keep good habits of reading and this behavior hinder the improvement of the reading level. · Under this kind of reading situation, most students think that books bring limited effects to them. The limitation of reading quantity and quality must be one of the most important factors, but there exists other reasons. People hold impropriate goals when they are reading, using impropriate standard to choose books. And then, lead to limited affections.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Once we figure out some main reasons of reading situation, we can find some approaches to improve this kind of reading situation. On the next part, I will list some recommendations about reading in some aspects. Improving reading situation is our tasks. Not only the society or schools, but also ourselves should work together to create a good environment of reading and enhance reading atmosphere. .
6.1 PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS
Each of us should be concerned about the way of reading. We are the main body of reading. Many personal factors can have huge affections in reading and we can improve reading situations by ourselves.
6.1.1 Set clear purpose and directions to reading
For each of freshmen in the present age, it is quite necessary to set explicit goals of reading. Reading is a lifelong task which all of us should pay enough attention about. Our goal of reading can affect our choices of books and reading efficiency. So before we read, we need to think about our purpose of reading and our reading directions.
6.1.2 Form good habits of reading.
Reading can be separate in several approaches. Some may just finish reading quickly; the others may read slowly and carefully, to think more about the contexts. A good habit of reading, like notes and reading plan, can help you reach goals of reading with the half effort.
6.2 OUTER ENVIRONMENTAL SUGGESTIONS
Outer environmental aspect can influence the reading situation too. As a result, we also need to concentrate our eyesight into building good reading environments.
6.2.1 Reading environments sand communications.
Reading environments can influence the reading situations in some degree. It is quite necessary to form a good reading environment, enforce the communication of reading. A good environment of reading may encourage more and more people to begin reading. In addition, reading cannot leave away from communication. Communicating with others can promote popularity of reading. More and more people can know good books from others and then have a try. Environments and communications are outer influencers and we need to pay enough attentions to them.
6.2.2 The library in university
The library in university should try to know about student’s demands of reading, make suitable changes and adjustment in books, according to the demands. The library in university is an excellent resource for students to have book reading. The lack of required books may reject students’ reading and we need to avoid this circumstance.
6.2.3 The Internet orientation.
As we all know, internet has become human’s main tool in entertainment and working areas. From the chart, we can see that the first choice for students to acquire book information is to search online. However, the current situation is that people will choose to surf the Internet for fun or relax, not for reading. If we can try to create a positive orientation of reading on the Internet, more people will choose to read in their spare time.
7.0 REFERENCES
(1). Article “The national reading present situation ” Selected from http://culture.people.com.cn/GB/22219/14453860.html, sources from Guangming Daily (2). Article “The importance of reading” Selected from http://www.docin.com/p-586695145.html
(3). Article “The current situation of the national reading: don't read, no books to read and can't afford to read. ” Selected from http://www.cqn.com.cn/news/whpd/zjlt/rdpl/560915.html
(4). Article “The domestic current situation of the reading (a)” selected from http://www.worlduc.com/blog2012.aspx?bid=1117422
APPENDICES:
Questionnaire of Students in University Reading Books Survey 1. You think reading is a thing which is A. Enjoyable B. Boring C. Heavy burden
2. How many books have you read each term? A. None B. 1-5 C. 6-10 D. A lot
3. If you think you read few books, why?
A. Heavy study pressure and having no time B. Having no interest C. Not being good at reading D. Other reasons
4. What activities do you usually do in your spare time?
A. Reading books B. Doing exercise C. Surfing on the internet D. Doing nothing 5. What is your reading style? A. Reading fast then putting it away B. Writing some notes while reading
C. Reading attentively, but not writing notes D. Others
6. Do you have a plan of reading books? A. No B. Yes
7. Which kind of book do you usually choose to read? (You can choose more than one answer)
A. About profession B. Philosophy of life
C. Amusement and relaxation D. Journal and magazine
8. Will you talk to your friends and mates to share your reading experience? A. Often B. Seldom C. Never
9. How do you choose books to read? (You can choose more than one answer) A. Teachers recommendation B. Friends introduction C. Searching on the internet D. From journal and magazine
10. What is the standard of choosing books?
A. Complete the structure of knowledge B. Interest C. Aimless D. No standard 11. What is your main aim about reading?
A. Study B. Accomplishment C. Interest D. Entertainment 12. You think reading helps you
A. A lot B. Just so so C. A little D. None E. Can’t say it clearly
13. You think reading helps you on (You can choose more than one answer) A. Study B. Accomplishment C. Entertainment D. Other
14. Do you think books in school’s library can meet your need? A. Satisfied B. Satisfied basically C. Not satisfied D. I don’t know
15. Do you think TV, internet and other new media can replace books? A. Yes B. No
16. Please write down one or two your most favorite books, or a book which influence you most
_____________________________________________________________________
Thank you very much for your cooperation!