READING WORKSHOP IN SPANISH: AN EXPERIENCE IN DEVELOPING READING HABITS AND CRITICAL THINKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The objective of this research is to describe the launch and development of the Taller de lectura en español, a reading club, in the Library of the Higher School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESE IPP), with the fundamental objective of supporting reading habits among the student population, stimulate critical thinking and promote intercultural dialogue. The activity has been in operation for two complete years, 2022-23 and 2023-24, being carried out in modules corresponding to each semester. The methodological approach is mostly qualitative with recourse to observation and analysis of the debates generated among readers and the participants' statements about their experience as readers. As for the activity itself, it was developed in biweekly sessions throughout the semester around the reading of a narrative work of Spanish or Latin American literature. The results, still incipient, are promising and point to the convenience of offering higher education students the opportunity to deepen their reading, promoting good habits, reading for pleasure, reflection on what they have read, the exchange of ideas and the intercultural dialogue. The Taller de lectura en español was designed and directed and guided by the author of this research.