Dawn Clark, Associate Lecturer Essential Skills, Stratford-upon-Avon College
Thirty three learners, from a range of courses and three tutors, all from Stratford-upon-Avon participated in Six Book Challenge 2009.
Staff at the town library have been very supportive - the librarian showed the learners round the library, including the Quick Reads collection and built up their confidence. It was felt important to encourage learners to use the town library as well as the college library so they could continue the reading habit after leaving college.
All students visited the college library on a regular basis and were given a tour when they first enrolled on the course. One member of the library staff was very committed and involved in the running of the Six Book Challenge and all staff encouraged and welcomed the students.
Students were given their diaries and various learning activities were built around the SBC. Students produced information sheets about the Six Book Challenge and wrote book reviews which were displayed in the college library to celebrate World Book Day.
Students were presented with a chocolate bar or a pen for every book they had read, with the College having their own prize draw for the completers. The main prize was a dinner for two plus a bottle of wine, at The Stratford Manor Hotel which gave the competition a 'local feel'.
Benefits have included: increased reading activity /enthusiasm for books; greater student confidence in using library services; provision of a useful activity to start each lesson while waiting for 'stragglers' to arrive; promotion of discussion amongst learners and introduction of a competitive element (particularly amongst the males!); students reporting greater confidence in their literacy skills.
"It was a good way to start reading books again as you can get lost in a good book." Isobel, Learner, Stratford-upon-Avon College
"I really enjoyed the Challenge, I felt that I could relax more when I am reading and I have learnt a lot more from reading. I am going to carry on reading as I really enjoy it."
Louise, Learner, Stratford-upon-Avon College
"I enjoyed reading the different books and learning that I could read a book from start to finish, it was a challenge".
Stephen, Learner, Stratford-upon-Avon College
"I am not much of a reader but I have read 6 books on different subjects"
Totter, Learner, Stratford-upon-Avon College
