FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS’ READING HABIT: THE CASE OF BULLEN AND DEBATIE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS, BENSHANGUL GUMUZ REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The main objective of this surveystudy was to investigate factors affecting students’ reading habits: The case of two preparatory schools, in Metekel Zone, BenishangulGumuz Regional State. It was alsoto assess students’ perceived impact ingeneral reading behavior in the study area. The populations of the study were Grade 12 Students (80) and teachers (11) from the selected study area. Thestudents were selected using systematic random sampling technique whereas availability sampling technique was used for language teachers. Quantitative data wascollected using questionnaire and was analyzed using number and percentage in easy table. Then qualitative data wascollected using interviews and were analyzed and transcribed thematically and integrated with the results obtained through questionnaire. The data were integrated andcomparatively analyzed. As a result, the findings depicted that improper perception of reading background leads them tolack of reading habit and this was due to absence of public library,lack of awareness on how to use timeand uses of library, shortage of time and reading materials and lesssupport given by EFL teachers andless encouragement among their parentsas well as uneducated family background were found out to be the impediments thatresulted for the improperreading habits of the selected preparatory schoolstudents. The consequence of the abovementioned problems have resulted due to lack of consistent reading habits of these students which may affecttheir academic achievement. To that end, academic institutions are better if they regularly organize events like study circles, debate clubs, seminars, essay competitions, quiz competitions, etc. to inspire students to gather knowledge and make their marks in these events. This research providesfurther recommendation that could bring about a change in the improvements of reading habits and its behavior among students in the study area.