Exposure to Book-based Blockbuster Movies: Bridging the Gap in Reading Motivation

Abstract

Extensive research shows that students lack of reading motivation is at the center of
many of the problems teachers are facing in literacy instruction. This dilemma is deeply felt in
the Philippine educational system and often leads to failure in school. Against this background,
this paper considers the utilization of book-based blockbuster movie, which aimed to bridge this
gap in the reading process. Thirty-five Grade Seven high school students in one university in the
Philippines were the participants of the study. McNemar Test was used to analyze the data from
a survey questionnaire. The evidence suggests that exposure to book-based blockbuster movie
positively effect a significant change to students’ motivation to read the book. This implies that
reading teachers could use book-based blockbuster movies as part of their reading instruction,
and could be included as key components in any reading program. Importantly, movies should be
screened and evaluated vis-à-vis learners’ social and cultural orientation, school’s curriculum,
and educational goals and objectives.