Reading habit and use of electronic media by junior secondary school students in Nsukka Local Government of Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated reading habit and the use of electronic media by 3-6-6 JSS students in Nsukka Local Government in Nigeria. Using questionnaire and focus-group discussion as instrument of data collection, the study showed that students have positive attitudes to both reading and electronic media but spend more time engaged with use of electronic media especially television. Their purposes of reading were primarily academic and informational, while electronic media were used for entertainment and information seeking. The study provided evidences that the use of electronic media for entertainment has reduced the time available for voluntary reading while factors such as inadequate access to pleasurable reading materials and lack of parental support also hinder reading for pleasure. The study, however, recommended that interesting books be provided and made accessible to the students. Besides, students should find ways to utilise electronic media for reading.