News Release

Book clubs help teachers improve skills, build networks

Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of Toronto

Teachers can learn from the success of the Harry Potter series by starting book clubs to polish their skills and provide professional support, says a University of Toronto education researcher.

The Harry Potter phenomenon, based on the books by J.K. Rowling, has encouraged legions of young readers around the world, says Professor Mary Kooy of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of U of T (OISE/UT). "I'd like teachers to experience that same level of reading enthusiasm in book clubs. This reading engagement will ultimately help them in their careers."

Over a two-year period, Kooy analysed the discussions in two book clubs composed of high school teachers – one group with experienced teachers, one with novices. Each club chose fictional books with education-related themes.

In their discussions, the novice group related the books to problems common to all new teachers; the more seasoned group used the stories as a starting point in sharing experiences and expanding knowledge. Both groups considered the clubs as peer support for the exchange of new ideas and solving problems.

Kooy's study, Riding the coattails of Harry Potter: Readings, relational learning and revelations in book clubs, was published in the October issue of the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. The study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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CONTACT: Professor Mary Kooy, OISE/UT, 416-923-6641 x 8029, mkooy@oise.utoronto.ca or Sue Toye, U of T public affairs, 416-978-4289, sue.toye@utoronto.ca


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