Bibliographies of Camp-related Research

Bibliographies of Camp-related Research

The effects of a short-term reading study program involving some camp-style living on reading achievement, self-concept, and attitudes toward reading.
Konle, M.C.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Marquette University, 1976.

Purpose:
Determine the effects of participation in a short-term reading-study program in a week-long camp experience on reading achievement levels, attitude toward reading, and self-concept of high school freshmen.

Sample:
46 ninth grade students from Wisconsin who scored in the 36th percentile or below on the Iowa Silent Reading Test.

Method/Instruments:
Camp Program: simple small group camp-type living and reading instruction in a rural setting. A six-week prescriptive reading development program followed this experience.

Instruments:

• Iowa Silent Reading Test - measured reading achievement
• Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale
• Iowa Silent Reading Test Reading Survey - measured attitude toward reading

Design: post-test only control group design for reading achievement; pre-test/post-test with control group design for self-concept measure.

Data Analysis:

• ANCOVA for reading achievement data analysis
• t-test for self-concept data analysis
• Chi-Square analysis on attitude data

Results:

• No significant differences between groups on reading achievement.
• No significant differences between groups on self-concept.
• A significantly greater number of treatment group subjects answered "yes" to the question "Do you need extra help in reading?"
• Informal Observations:
  • Researcher commented that the camp experience offered opportunities for teachers to observe and increase understanding of the students as whole persons.
  • Parents expressed appreciation for the program.
  • A few students made large gains in reading ability.
  • Some students were motivated to learn to read better.