Making a case for the teaching of reading across the curriculum in higher education

Abstract

Over the past two decades there has been much written in the literature about the \nimportance of reading and the importance of teaching students reading strategies \nto improve their reading comprehension. Reading is one of the most important \nacademic tasks encountered by students. In higher education, students are exposed \nto a number of texts and textbooks that require independent reading. At this level \nthey are expected to comprehend what they read so that they can analyse, critique, \nevaluate and synthesize information from various sources. Many students entering \nhigher education are not adequately prepared to meet these challenges. This article \nhighlights the literacy situation in South Africa with a particular focus on reading \nboth in school and in higher education. In addition, the article highlights the importance \nof teaching students reading strategies across the curriculum in order to improve \ntheir reading comprehension, thereby enhancing their chances of academic \nsuccess. The implications of this research for policy makers and academics in higher \neducation institutions are outlined and some suggestions are made.