Reading Habits And Its Effect On Academic Performance Of The Students Of St. John’s Grammar Senior High Secondary School, Accra

ABSTRACT Habitual reading is considered as one of the most important exercise for enhancing one’s academic performance. Regular reading increases one’s vocabulary and ability to think, improves one’s verbal and writing abilities, and broadens one’s horizon Thus, it is important for students to adopt the reading culture for improved academic performance. The main objectives of the study is to: investigate the reading habits of students of St. Johns Grammar Secondary School, find out the types of materials they read, ascertain their purposes for reading and their perception of reading habits and academic performance, and lastly to find out factors that affect or hinder their reading habits. The study used the survey methodology and questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. Simple random sampling was used to select 133 students to participate in the study. Out of the 133 copies of questionnaires distributed, 131 were completed giving a response rate of 98.5%. The data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency tables were used to present the findings. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents acknowledge the importance of reading, read story books, textbooks and class notes. Their purposes for reading included acquiring acknowledge, learning new things, improving their vocabulary and grades, passing examination and for pleasure. The participants unanimously agreed that reading habits have a direct influence on students’ academic performance. The study recommended that both parents and school authorities must encourage students to read habitually for increased academic performance. The school library must be stocked with current, relevant and interesting books to increase library use and love for reading among the students.