Building a
reading
culture
A Nationwide Study of Reading
and School Libraries in
Singapore Secondary Schools
About the Project
Reading is a foundation skill for learning and academic achievement, and in the wake of worldwide concerns with literacy rates, many nations have turned their attention towards reading instruction and strategies. Drawing on findings from two earlier studies on reading in Singapore, this study extends beyond best practices instruction to examine how the secondary school libraries can be utilized more effectively in cultivating a reading and learning culture in Singapore secondary schools.
The twin objectives of the study are to contribute to reading and school library research, and to contribute to the crafting of practical professional development courses and policy changes. This mix-methods study is situated in six secondary schools and aims to answer the following research questions:
1. What are the reading habits and practices of students in six Singapore secondary schools?
2. What are the patterns of reading and library usage in these schools?
3. How are these school libraries integrated into the reading and learning culture of these schools?
OER5/16 LCE, Tier 2 Project
Project Duration: 17 August 2016 to 28 February 2019
Latest updates
From the research, the team has currently put out three reports. Report 1 (2018) is the result of a survey of 6,005 students from six secondary schools in Singapore and discusses the reading habits of Singapore teenagers as observed in 2017. Report 2 (2019) outlines the 21st Century School Libraries Framework which has guided our study of various secondary school libraries in Singapore. Report 3 (2020) provides design patterns as guides for schools looking to improve their library spaces for teaching and learning. The School Libraries Perspectives Study is a related study under Report 3.