Exploring the Prevalence of Poor Reading Culture and Its Effects on Learning Development amongst Primary School Pupils in Kano South Senetorial Zone, Kano State

This study examined the prevalence of poor reading culture and its effects on learning development among primary school pupils in Kano South Senatorial Zone, Kano State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the causes of, and factors responsible for the prevalence of poor reading culture among primary school pupils in the study area. The study also examined the effects of poor reading culture on learning development of primary school pupils in the study area, with a view to proposing effective strategies for improvement. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population comprised primary school headteachers, teachers, pupils, and parents. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select the sample. Questionnaires and interview scales were used to collect the data for the study. The instruments were face and content validited and reliability checks were conducted and found to be valid and strongly reliable for the study. The data collected were analyzed thematically and statistically in line with quatitative and quanlitative data analysis procedures. Findings of the study revealed that the major causes of poor reading culture included lack of scheduled reading lessons, lack of reading and storybooks, poverty, influence of modern media, and inadequate parental support. The findings also showed that factors responsible for the prevalence of poor reading culture included poor teacher welfare, poor classroom conditions, political interference, and a shortage of qualified literacy teachers. In addition, the effects identified included poor academic performance, lack of interest in learning, and general educational backwardness among pupils. Based on these findings, the study recommended improved provision of reading materials, enhanced teacher welfare, better learning environments, increased parental involvement, and policy interventions to promote a sustainable reading culture among primary school pupils in the study area.

Poor reading culture, causes, factors, effects

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