INVESTIGATING FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS READING MOTIVATION: THE CASE OF GRADE 10 STUDENTS IN TERHOGNE SECONDARY SCHOOL, IN GURAGE ZONE

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting grade 10 students‟ reading motivation in Terhogne Secondary School in Gurage Zone. The study was conducted in one secondary school with a sample of 47 students and three English teachers. To achieve objectives of the study, the researcher used descriptive case study design with mixed research approach. Therefore, the researcher used questionnaire, semi structured interview and classroom observation as data collection instruments. The quantitative data collected through questionnaire from the students were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools like percentage, whereas, the qualitative data from the teachers interview and classroom observation were analyzed using narrative form and interpretative way. The result of the study has shown several factors that affect students reading motivation. Such as students‟ poor background knowledge, poor vocabulary skill, not using reading strategies and anxiety they had during reading were found as students related factor affect their reading motivation. Furthermore; students low awareness, low interest and negative attitude on the reading lesson were also another factors obtained from the study. In addition to this; teachers‟ way of teaching reading lesson, teachers less emphasis on reading lesson or teachers‟ attitude on reading lesson, not using rewards during reading lesson and teachers‟ lack of ability to use different strategies of reading are major factors that obtained from the study. Finally, lack of reading resources in the school like magazine, short stories, news paper and other reading material that motivates students to read found as factors of students reading motivation. Therefore; based on the major findings, possible recommendations were forwarded to the teachers to incorporate different motivational techniques and strategies during the reading class. Furthermore; the school community and the government should fulfill different books in the school in order to enhance the students reading motivation.