Date Approved
4-28-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Elizabeth Stolle
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
Though strong literacy skills are commonly understood to be essential for a successful life, reading comprehension rates continue to fall in the United States. A major factor in this literacy trend is a disinterest and lack of motivation to read among high school students. Research shows that students lose interest in reading as they progress through school, often due to a lack of choice and relevancy of school assigned texts. To address this issue, this project aims to provide educators with a replicable unit plan that will motivate students to read, and subsequently strengthen their literacy skills. It pairs a curriculum required text, which is read aloud by the teacher, with high interest young adult texts, which are self-selected by students and read in a book club format. Through its focus on thematic book clubs, this project incorporates research backed practices by providing students opportunities for choice, autonomy, collaboration, and socialization. These practices create a positive reading experience that motivates and supports students in their development of important literacy skills.
ScholarWorks Citation
Haskin, Isabella, "Improving Reading Motivation for Upper High School Students: Thematic Book Clubs for the ELA Classroom" (2026). Culminating Experience Projects. 676.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/676
