Abstract
The development of a strong reading culture among students in senior secondary schools is pivotal for academic success and lifelong learning. School libraries, as resource centers, play a crucial role in fostering this culture. This study examines the utilization of school libraries by both teachers and students in developing a reading culture within senior secondary schools. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews, the study explores the frequency of library use, the types of materials accessed, and the role of teachers in encouraging library usage among students. The findings reveal that while school libraries are acknowledged as essential for academic growth, their potential is often underutilized due to factors such as inadequate resources, lack of time, and limited library programs. The study concludes by recommending strategies to enhance the effectiveness of school libraries in promoting a reading culture, emphasizing the need for improved resources, better training for teachers, and the integration of library activities into the broader educational curriculum.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background of study
Reading is an activity which helps to develop the mind and personality of human beings and ultimately enriches their intellectual lives. As students learn to enjoy reading, learning becomes relevant and in that way improves their reading ability and self concept. Free reading helps readers have mastery of their lives, and situations in life. Examples of how people in the books managed their situations give them knowledge of how to cope with similar situations.
According to Elaturoti (2001), young people can only achieve their potentials in life if they have developed interest in reading. This is because reading helps an individual to achieve greater control, increased independence and a greater sense of self worth and belonging ((Meribe, 2004).
Apart from provision of reading materials, school libraries provide reading programmes that motivate students to read for pleasure. Reading programmes are reading activities school libraries provide to create awareness of the collection and motivate students to read for pleasure. They are reading experiences provided in the school library to encourage students’ use of the collection and inculcate free voluntary reading habits in students. These programmes include display, exhibition, access to reading materials, lending of books, storytelling, debate, book talks (Carbo and Cole 1995) Engaging students in variety of reading experiences through book talks, readers theatre, storytelling will help students develop habit of listening, comprehension and recall. Students’ participation in debate and book club will challenge them to read widely and seek information in the library.
The issue of poor reading culture in the Nigerian society cannot be overemphasized.
Because reading makes great people and great nations, the researchers were moved to carry out this study to see how far the use of school library programs can go in promoting the dilapidating reading culture which is getting worse.
Providing equity of access to reading resources, engaging authors’ visits, and supporting books fairs, exhibition and displays are means to building lifelong readers. Specifically reading promotion is one of the cardinal roles of school library (Dike, 1998). Four out of the nine contributions expected of the school libraries in Nigeria are on reading development. According to the Minimum Standard, school libraries:
· Promote the development of reading skills and encourage long term learning habits through reading, listening to and viewing a variety of learning materials. Reading habits form the key to continuous success in school as well as personal enrichment of the student/pupils.
· Provide opportunities for further reading and use of materials other than prescribed classroom textbooks.
· Stimulate research and independent study by providing a wide variety of materials so that it does not only supply information in printed form, but also in pictures, films, tapes etc. This makes learning more exciting.
· Provide materials for recreation and encourage students/pupils to read for pleasure.
Free voluntary reading also helps student in the acquisition of other language skills, success in their academic, improved reading ability, vocabulary knowledge, emotional stability, enjoyment of leisure hours, and increased knowledge of political, economical and social issues in his environment.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The importance of a robust reading culture in senior secondary schools cannot be overstated, as it directly influences students' academic performance and critical thinking abilities. Despite this, many schools struggle to cultivate such a culture, often due to underutilized or inadequately resourced school libraries. The problem lies in the disconnect between the availability of library resources and their actual use by both teachers and students. Teachers, who play a critical role in modeling and promoting reading habits, often fail to integrate library use into their teaching practices, while students frequently overlook the library as a valuable resource. This study seeks to address the issue by investigating the current patterns of library usage in senior secondary schools and identifying the barriers that prevent these libraries from fulfilling their potential in developing a reading culture.
1.3 Objectives of the study
The study generally intends to look into the different programmes provided by the school libraries to promote free voluntary reading and how such programmes help students. Specifically, the study intends to
1. Find out the school library reading programmes employed in promoting free voluntary reading of secondary school students.
2. Establish the influence of school library reading programmes on free voluntary reading of secondary school students.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What school library reading programmes are employed to promote free voluntary reading of secondary school students in Imo State?
2. What is the influence of school library reading programmes on free voluntary reading of secondary school students?
1.5 Hypothesis
The following hypothesis formulated to guide this study was tested at 0.05 level significance.
Ho: There is no significant relationship between the reading programmes and students free voluntary reading.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it addresses a critical gap in the educational framework of senior secondary schools, where the development of a reading culture is often neglected. By focusing on the role of school libraries, the study highlights the need for educational institutions to harness these resources effectively. The findings of this study will provide insights into the challenges faced by both teachers and students in utilizing school libraries, offering practical recommendations for enhancing library programs and resources. Additionally, the study's outcomes will be valuable to policymakers, educators, and librarians in formulating strategies to promote reading habits among students, ultimately contributing to improved academic outcomes and lifelong learning skills. By emphasizing the importance of reading culture, this research underscores the broader educational goal of producing well-rounded, literate individuals prepared for the demands of the future
For more Library & Information Science Projects Click here
===================================================================Item Type: Project Material | Size: 35 pages | Chapters: 1-5
Format: MS Word | Delivery: Within 30Mins.
===================================================================
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.