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A SURVEY OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF POOR READING HABIT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The global assertion and maxim that education is a potent instrument for attainment of sustainable development in all human society today cannot be over-emphasized. Education is conceived as a powerful tool which is instrumental in bringing about the desired changes in the social, cultural, and economic life of a person. This education can only be attained through a formal or informal way of teaching which relies on the supplies of library and information services. Reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. It is a cognitive process that involves decoding symbols to arrive at meaning. Reading is a skill, and it can be acquired with a sound mind.

Ogbonna (2014) defined reading as the ability to recognize and understand meaning from a text. The reader seeks to understand the meaning of a written text; evaluates its significance and uses what he has read to enhance his knowledge, effectiveness or pleasure. Ogugua (2015) regarded reading as an active mental process that makes one use his brain and at the end, becomes smarter. He also saw it as a fundamental skill builder, because every course of study on the planet has matching books to grow with.

It helps one to improve vocabulary and expands one's horizons. It improves memory and helps to build self-esteem. Every child is supposed to be fully competent in reading to succeed in school and discharge responsibilities as a citizen of a country. Reading is the only form of entertainment that is also an essential life skill. It is a skill that must be nurtured from a child's earliest years or else the child will not read well (bad reading habit).

Reading habit refers to habitual and regular reading of books and information materials among individuals. It is one of the attributes of a developed nation. Reading habits can be enhanced through provision of suitable reading materials at home, schools and public places. Reading habits can be imparted in children early enough through lullabies, songs, toys, music, choice of television programs, use of libraries, resource centers and book clubs. Bad reading habit is a calamity that can befall a nation. It is quite unfortunate that many parents in developing countries are not exposed to the hidden treasures in reading. Alternatively, they can spend a huge amount of money on other things they may consider pertinent to them. Little did they know that those things can 'vanish' in one day under the custody of a child that is wallowing in ignorance. A child gets a lot of exposure, understands his culture and his environment when books are read.

Good reading habits will increase the knowledge of an individual as well as widen the understanding of such individuals which will translate to improved performance. Performance is a task seen in terms of how successful it is performed. It is also an accomplishment of a given task measured against preset known standards of accuracy, completeness, cost, and speed. In a contract, performance is deemed to be the fulfillment of an obligation, in a manner that releases the performer from all liabilities under the contract.

Bad reading habit occurs in a child when that child knows how to read, but is not supported to reach a full potential as a reader. This situation is obtainable both in children and adults because reading, in Nigeria, is not considered a relevant leisure activity as it cannot be compared with interactive activity on the internet. Bad reading habits has taken deep roots in the part of the students, either as a result of paucity of qualified teachers, ill-health of students, bad method of teaching, outdated textbooks, family background, psychological factors and poor teaching methods on the part of teachers to mention but a few. Bad reading can cause several problems in a student but the most worrisome is when it affects the four areas of life-physical, mental, social and spiritual. The activities of these four areas of life are interwoven. What affects one can be transferred to the others. For instance, when one is not physically well, let's say: worries and anxiety of many "carry over" in exams.

These worries and anxiety may flow into other areas of life, causing mental illness or depression, the student and even the family will face social disorder. In most developing countries, people are still struggling with irregular electric power supply. One cannot rely on electric power supply for any business no matter how small. Children and adults cannot enjoy regular television programs due to power failure. This situation goes to prove that the best option to get information is through reading. Indeed, it is good to read because an informed person is a reformed person. Thus, it is in the researchers interest to find out the effect of bad reading habits of students.

However, to the best knowledge of the researcher, no previous studies had identified the effect of bad reading habits on the four areas of life - physical, mental, social and spiritual; which is worrisome to humanity.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The prevalence of poor reading habits among Nigerian students poses significant challenges to their academic success and overall development. Despite efforts to promote literacy and access to educational resources, many students continue to struggle with inadequate reading skills and habits. This study seeks to investigate the underlying causes of poor reading habits among Nigerian students and examine their effects on academic performance, cognitive development, and personal growth. By understanding the root causes and consequences of poor reading habits, this research aims to inform targeted interventions and strategies to foster a culture of reading and enhance educational outcomes among Nigerian students.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine a survey of the causes and effects of poor reading habit

Specific objectives include;

1. To identify the primary factors contributing to poor reading habits among the target population.

2. To investigate the immediate and long-term effects of poor reading habits on academic performance, cognitive development, and personal growth.

3. To propose effective interventions and strategies for improving reading habits and mitigating the negative consequences associated with poor reading habits.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the main factors contributing to the development and persistence of poor reading habits among individuals within the target population?

2. How do poor reading habits impact academic performance, cognitive abilities, and personal development over time?

3. What interventions and strategies are most effective in promoting positive reading habits and mitigating the negative effects of poor reading habits among the target population?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. H1: There is a significant correlation between lack of access to diverse reading materials and the development of poor reading habits.

   H0: There is no significant correlation between lack of access to diverse reading materials and the development of poor reading habits.

2. H1: Poor reading habits negatively affect academic performance, cognitive development, and personal growth.

   H0: Poor reading habits have no significant impact on academic performance, cognitive development, and personal growth.

3. H1: Implementation of targeted interventions and strategies aimed at improving reading habits leads to positive outcomes in terms of academic performance, cognitive abilities, and personal development.

   H0: Implementation of targeted interventions and strategies aimed at improving reading habits has no significant impact on academic performance, cognitive abilities, and personal development.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this research is to look into causes and effects of poor reading habits among secondary school students. It is hoped that the research will achieve the following;

i. It will be immense benefits to the students since it will make them know their areas of weakness and remedies. It is therefore aimed at making students develop good understanding so as to perform excellently in their examination.

ii. With the awareness of the cause of poor reading habit in students in secondary schools principals and curriculum planners can update their knowledge reading. The essence is to improve reading habits among students.

iii. It will also serve as an eye open to parents and teachers in regard to their children in schools.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to poor reading habits among students in Nigerian schools and examine the consequent effects on academic performance and cognitive development. It will focus on both primary and secondary schools across different regions of Nigeria. The study will assess various factors such as access to reading materials, teaching methodologies, socio-economic background, and cultural influences. Additionally, it will explore potential interventions to address and improve reading habits within this context.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Limitations of the study may include potential biases due to the selected sample population, which may not represent the entirety of Nigeria's school system. Additionally, constraints in data collection methods, such as reliance on self-reporting or limited access to certain regions or schools, could affect the comprehensiveness and generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, cultural, socio-economic, and regional variations within Nigeria may influence the interpretation of results.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Poor Reading Habit: A pattern of reading behavior characterized by infrequent, inconsistent, or ineffective engagement with written texts, leading to limited comprehension, retention, and enjoyment of reading material.

2. Causes: Factors or influences that contribute to the development, perpetuation, or exacerbation of poor reading habits, including environmental, psychological, educational, and sociocultural variables.

3. Effects: The consequences or outcomes resulting from poor reading habits, which may include academic underachievement, limited intellectual growth, decreased critical thinking skills, diminished vocabulary development, and reduced opportunities for personal enrichment.

4. Reading Engagement: The extent to which individuals are actively involved in and motivated by reading activities, encompassing factors such as frequency of reading, duration of reading sessions, choice of reading material, and emotional or cognitive responses to reading experiences.

5. Intervention: Systematic efforts or strategies designed to address and improve poor reading habits, typically involving targeted educational programs, instructional techniques, behavioral interventions, or environmental modifications aimed at promoting positive reading behaviors and outcomes.

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