In a newly published study, Ingie Hovland (University of Georgia), Jodie Lyon (UGeorgia), and Lindsey Harding (UGeorgia) explore students’ motivations for completing assigned readings before class. Through repeated surveys of 287 undergraduate students, the researchers found that about two-fifths of students reported completing all readings in advance of class. Those who completed a reading commonly pointed to reasons such as wanting to be prepared for in-class activities (17%) or do well in the course (14%). Those who did not complete the readings commonly said it was not a high enough priority (24%) or that they found a more efficient alternative (13%). The authors conclude with recommendations for encouraging undergraduate students to complete their assigned readings, such as connecting readings to assignments.
