Royal Holloway research has shown that many teenagers do not choose to read, and do not have the reading proficiency that they need at school and in their everyday lives (Ricketts et al., 2020; van der Kleij et al., 2022; 2023).
Award: ECR Public Engagement Bursary (PHD)
Academic: Courtney Hooton
Department: Psychology
Project: Teenage Reading Network | Student Voices
Royal Holloway University is proud to announce an upcoming event that marks a significant step forward in our efforts to tackle the challenges of teenage reading proficiency. Despite the critical importance of reading in both academic and everyday contexts, research led by Professor Jessie Ricketts and colleagues (Ricketts et al., 2020; van der Kleij et al., 2022; 2023) has highlighted a concerning trend: many teenagers do not choose to read, nor do they possess the reading proficiency required for success in school and life.
Introducing the Royal Holloway Teenage Reading Network
Established in 2023, the Royal Holloway Teenage Reading Network represents a dynamic coalition of stakeholders from across the education sector, including psychology and English researchers, teachers, school leaders, educational charities, policy experts, and industry partners. This collaborative initiative has been instrumental in identifying key priorities for research, practice, and policy regarding teenage reading. However, one crucial voice has been notably absent from this conversation: the teenagers themselves.
The Event: Empowering Teen Voices in Reading
Recognising the importance of incorporating the perspectives of teens, Royal Holloway is set to host an event designed specifically for teenagers. This event aims to:
- Communicate Research Evidence:
- Present the latest findings from studies on teenage reading, making the research accessible and relevant to a teenage audience. This will help demystify the challenges and opportunities surrounding teenage reading.
- Engage Teens on the Topic of Reading:
- Provide a platform for teenagers to engage with the subject matter, share their experiences, and voice their opinions on how to make reading more appealing and effective for their age group.
Why Teenagers' Perspectives Matter
Understanding teenage perspectives on reading is vital for several reasons. It enables educators and researchers to tailor interventions and strategies to the actual needs and preferences of teens, rather than relying on assumptions. Furthermore, engaging teenagers in discussions about reading can empower them to take ownership of their literacy journey, fostering a more positive attitude towards reading.
Event Highlights
The event will feature interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions led by experts from the Teenage Reading Network and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of reading, from digital literacy to the joy of reading for pleasure. Importantly, this event will serve as a platform for teens to contribute their ideas on promoting reading engagement among their peers, emphasising the interactive component that requires teenagers to engage with the research and produce something. The nature of this interactive part will be determined by discussions with the teenagers, ensuring the event is co-designed with them, for them, and by them.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Teenage Reading
We invite any schools, educators or individuals working with teenagers that might be interested in this event to follow this space or contact the researcher (Courtney.Hooton@rhul.ac.uk) for more information. Your participation and input are invaluable as we work together to understand and address the challenges of teenage reading proficiency. Stay tuned for more details on the event date, location, and programme.
