Abstract

The role of academic writing in the development of academic literacy in university students has been
considered in some depth in the literature. However, the view of lecturers as to the role and value of
academic reading is notably less explored and warrants further exploration. Academic staff from a broad
range of subject areas were invited to participate in a survey on the role and function of academic
reading. Using an explorative approach, the study investigated academics’ views about reading behaviour
with regards to the students’ academic journey, their own academic development, and its incorporation
into their teaching. All comments were thematically analysed, resulting in a number of elicited themes
and subthemes. The paper highlighted the key role of academics in the modelling, rewarding, and
teaching of academic reading and discusses practical implications for Higher Education, particularly with
regards to academic teaching and students’ skills development.