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  • 标题:Reading habits of senior secondary students at Allahabad City, U.P., India.
  • 作者:Kumar, Devendra ; Ansari, M.M.A. ; Shukla, Sanjay Kumar
  • 期刊名称:Library Philosophy and Practice
  • 印刷版ISSN:1522-0222
  • 出版年度:2010
  • 期号:December
  • 语种:English
  • 出版社:University of Idaho Library
  • 摘要:The school library is the central focus in the teaching and learning process. The emphasis these days is very much on learning and developing information acquisition skills, instead of teaching. Rather that wait to be taught to master facts, students now needs to be taught information acquisition skills and how to learn. The role of the teacher-librarian, therefore, includes encouraging students to cultivate both individual and collective habits of reading more especially when reading is not part of our background at home.
  • 关键词:High school students;Reading interests;School libraries

Reading habits of senior secondary students at Allahabad City, U.P., India.


Kumar, Devendra ; Ansari, M.M.A. ; Shukla, Sanjay Kumar 等


Introduction

The school library is the central focus in the teaching and learning process. The emphasis these days is very much on learning and developing information acquisition skills, instead of teaching. Rather that wait to be taught to master facts, students now needs to be taught information acquisition skills and how to learn. The role of the teacher-librarian, therefore, includes encouraging students to cultivate both individual and collective habits of reading more especially when reading is not part of our background at home.

One of the major goals of the school library is to inspire a love for reading--to promote a reading culture among its users. This implies the need to create the awareness of written letters, the need to read not only textbooks but also to engage in creative, leisurely, and pleasurable reading (Segum 1995). The library can do this by:

* Making available a collection of books, magazines and audio-visual materials.

* Providing a conductive environment for:

* Reading,

* Writing,

* Story telling,

* Research; and even

* Debate and drama.

* Providing library and study skills on how to find books and maximize their utility;

* Providing tips on reading skills through interactive talks, video tapes and films; and

* Promoting a variety of activities that could enhance love of reading and libraries.

Reading is usually a private act, a personal and individual relationship with a book; but then, it is the environment as long as it is favourable, which according to Gault (1982: p 16) encourage the setting up of this relationship. The school library must in this case serve as the needed environment. And this it should do, by integrating itself completely into the educational system to achieve the overall objectives of the school. And what, better ways are there to do this than to stimulate the intellectual growth of the child through the provision of appropriate instructional materials for teachers and reading materials for students. It should go further by not only transforming itself into a research centre of some sort where students are taught how to sift data through independent reading, but also by providing a workshop setting for supervised studies of individuals and groups.

Previous Studies

This paper presents a selective review of studies conducted in India and abroad, including Anderson (2007), Shahriza (2007), Train (2007), Bostrom & Lassen (2006), Corradini (2006), Dent (2006), Celep & Cetin (2005), Brier & Lebbin (2004), but this type of research is unusual, since it studies the reading habit of the senior secondary students. Schools curriculum incorporates an expressive and exploratory from interactive education system, so that they develop an inquisitive mind and discover the power of self-determination and discipline to grow up into successful professionals and good human beings.

Limitation of the Study

The present study is limited to the senior secondary students belonging to five senior secondary schools i.e. Kendriya Vidyalaya New Cantt, Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir, Mary Lucas School, St. Joseph's College, St. Mary's Convent Inter College of Allahabad City, U.P. (India).

Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study is to find out the mother tongue, motives of study, reading materials borrowed from library, time spent for the serious reading, use reference materials, languages of newspaper that read daily, sections of newspapers read, place of reading, and to develop some suggestions for solution of the problem. This study will help to establish whether senior secondary schools are on par with their peer in other countries in the acquisition of intellectual skills.

Methodology

The study uses the case study method. A well structured questionnaire was designed and used for collecting data. The sample for the study was selected purposefully from those noticed in the school library more frequently. 400 questionnaires were distributed to the senior secondary students i.e. class XII & XI. 75 returned from Kendriya Vidyalaya New Cantt, 72 returned from Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir, 70 returned from Mary Lucas School, 70 returned from St. Joseph's College, and 70 questionnaires returned from St. Mary's Convent Inter College. Therefore, a total of 357 questionnaires were returned and used for this study. The results of the findings were presented in tables using percentage.

Data Analysis and Discussion

The Table-2 shows that the 93.28% students mother tongue were as Hindi, whereas 9.72% as mother tongue English.

The above Table-3 depicts that 46.78% students were read the books, newspapers & magazines for getting the information, 38.09% students to improve the general knowledge, 7.84% to derive pleasure, and 12% says its hobby.

Table-4 reveals that most students study between 3 to 4 hours daily.

The above Table-5 shows that 91.59% of students borrowed reading materials from library.

Table-6 depicts that 78.83% of the students were borrowed reading materials from library related to their subjects, whereas 20.17% students were borrowed reading materials from library like recreational materials.

(Multiple answers allowed)

The above Table-7 shows that 64.42% of students were used as English languages for study, whereas 68.90% as Hindi, followed by 5.32% students were used other languages.

Table-8 depicts that 63.86% of students were used reference materials like dictionaries, 51.26% encyclopedias. 48.46% year books, whereas 17.09% used maps, globes.

The above Table-9 shows that 88.79% of students were read English newspaper daily, while 68.79% read Hindi newspapers.

Table-10 shows that 32.49% of students were like most sections of newspaper i.e. sport news, 17.92% political news, 17.65% sensational news, 13.16% cinema news, 9.52% advertisement, and 6.72% read editorial. The least number of users i.e. 2.52% like letters to the editors.

The Table-11 shows that 64.42% students were read magazine like reader digest, 61.06% competition success review, 33.05% blitz, 31.09% India today, 30.81% physics today, 28.85% biology today, 27.45% science reporter, 27.17% cricket today, 26.61% mathematics today, 25.21% chemistry today, 24.92% science today, 24.37% outlook, 19.89% film magazines, and 16.52% sports today. The least number of students were read magazine like pc quest i.e.14.28%.

The above Table-12 shows that 48.74% students were read at home, 37.81% in school library, whereas 13.44% students were read at public/local library.

The above Table-13 revealed that 59.94% of students their source of getting books were the school library, 37.81% from friends, 19.05% home, and 13.44% public library. Thus, the majority of the respondents sources of getting information about books from school library.

The above Table-14 shows that for 5546% student's sources of getting the newspaper and magazines were the individual subscription, 37.81% school library, 6.72% friends, and 6.44% getting from public/local library.

Findings of the Study

* The result of the present study revealed that a majority of the student's mother tongue is Hindi.

* The result of the present study revealed that a majority of the students their reading motives is getting the information, and to improve the general knowledge.

* The result of the present study revealed that a large majority of the students study between 3 to 4 hours daily.

* The result of the present study revealed that most of the students

borrow reading materials from their school library.

* The result of the present study revealed that a large majority of the students reading materials related to their subjects.

* The result of the present study revealed that most of the students proffered reading materials in Hindi and English languages.

* The present study most of the students used reference materials like dictionary as well as encyclopaedia.

* The result of the present study revealed that a majority of the students reading newspapers daily published in English as well as Hindi.

* The present study revealed that most of the students like sports sections of the newspapers daily.

A large number of students are reading magazines like reader digest, and competition success review.

* The result of the present study revealed that a majority of the students reading place are their home, and school library.

* The result of the present study revealed that most of the students getting reading materials from their school library.

* The result of the present study revealed that a majority of students getting newspapers, and magazines by individual subscription.

Conclusion and Suggestions

The above findings of this study lead us to conclude that senior secondary students need to improve their reading habits. It will be beneficial to have a record of their reading habits in order to make predictions about their academic success in the study. For effective promotion of reading habits, skills and culture, reading must be made pleasurable and voluntary. All shades of opinion must be catered for be well considered. It is such a demonstration of democratic sensitivity that can turn even a reluctant reader to a lover of books. In library there should be adequate reading area and related facilities to accelerate reading habits. There are still barriers to creating a reading environment that will inculcate good reading habits in senior secondary school students. The library is still the best place for quiet study. A serious senior secondary student should give priority to studying in the library. Library periods should be included in the time table to improve the reading habits among students. Book-discussion-clubs may be encouraged in each school. if a group of students reads books and meets weekly to discuss the books they have read, they may find a new sort of fellowship and they will able to speak intelligently not only about books, but also about all problems. So book club in each school may be encouraged by the authorities in order to cultivate healthy reading habits among students. The production of reading materials with Indian background for cultural reading should be encouraged so as to enable students to know the greatness of our rich culture and civilization. The findings of this survey lead us to conclude that senior secondary students need to improve their reading habits. It will be beneficial to have a record of their reading habits in order to make predictions about their academic success in the academic programme. Both librarians and other course lecturers concur that generally their expectations of their students' reading ability, have not been met. It would be helpful to librarians to have a heightened awareness of the reading difficulties faced by our students. One of the steps taken to minimise reading problems would be to incorporate study skills components within the courses or to make reading lists (in particular literature texts) more manageable. This activity can assist in the promotion of autonomous learning and make students more independent and resourceful. We hope senior secondary students will continue to read after secondary exam passed when the pressure to read is absent thereby helping to foster a reading culture in our society.

References

Anderson, Karen. "Education and Training for Records Professionals." Records Management Journal 17.2 (2007): 94-106.

Apeji, E. Adeche. "Developing Reading Habits and Skills in Schools". Library Herald 47.1 (2009): 15-22.

Bostrom, Lena and Lassen, Liv M. "Unraveling Learning, Learning Styles, Learning Strategies and Meta-Cognition." Education + Training48.2/3 (2006): 178-89.

Brier, David J and Lebbin, Vickery Kaye. "Teaching Information Literacy Using the Short Story. Reference Services Review 32.4 (2004): 383-87.

Celep, Cevat and Cetin, Buket. "Teachers' Perception about the Behaviors of School Leaders with Regard to Knowledge Management." International Journal of Educational Management 19.2 (2005):102-17.

Corradini, Elena. "Teenagers Analyze Their Public Library." New Library World 107.11/12 (2006): 481-98.

Dent, Valeda F. "Observations of School Library Impact at Two Rural Ugandan Schools." New Library World 107.9/10 (2006):403-21.

Gallik, J. D. "Do They Read for Pleasure? Recreational Reading Habits of College Students." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 42.6 (1999): 480.

Gault, Michel. The Future of the Books: Part II--The Changing Role of Reading. Paris: UNESCO, 1982. 9-10.

Igun, Stella E and Adogbeji, Oghenewopaga Benson. "Study Habits of Postgraduate Students in Selected Nigerian Universities." Library Philoshophy and Practice (e-journals) Annual volume, November 2007.

Metsala, J. L. and McCann, A. D. "Children's Motivations for Reading." Reading Teacher 50.4(1996): p360.

Segun, Mabel. "Children's as Tools for Promoting Reading of Books." Journal of Book Research and Development 1.1&2 (1995): 40-47.

Shahriza, nor. "Reading Habits and Attitude in the Digital Age: Analysis of Gender and Academic Program Differences in Malaysia." The Electronic Library 25.3 (2007): 285-98.

Stadler, Alois. "Children of Guest Workers in Europe: Social and Cultural Needs In Relation To Library Services." Library Trends29.2 (1980): 325-334.

Train, Briony. "Research on Family Reading: An International Perspective." Library Review 56.4 (2007): 292-98.

Devendra Kumar

Library Professional & Faculty

Department of Library & Information Science

Chaudhary Charan Singh University

Meerut, U. P. (India)

Dr. M. M. A. Ansari

Sr. Assistant Librarian & Course Co-ordinator

Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Jamia Milia Islamia

New Delhi (India)

Sanjay Kumar Shukla

Librarian

Sambhu Nath Institute of Engineering and Technology

Allahabad, U.P., India
Table 1: Size of the Sample

                                          Class      Class
                                          XIIth      XIth
                                                                Total
School                                    DQ (RQ)    DQ & RQ    RQ

Kendriya Vidyalaya. New Cantt, Allahabad   35 (30)    45 (45)   75
Maharishi Patanjali Vidya Mandir           35 (35)    45 (37)   72
Mary Lucas School                          35 (32)    45 (38)   70
St. Joseph's College                       35 (29)    45 (41)   70
St. Mary's Convent Inter College           35 (27)    45 (43)   70

Total                                     175 (153)  225 (204)  357

(Figure in brackets received questionnaires).

Abbreviations: DQ = Distributed Questionnaires; RQ = Received
Questionnaires

Table 2: Mother Tongue

S.N.      Mother Tongue     No. of students     %

1.        Hindi             333                 93.28
2         English           24                  9.72

Total                       357                 100

Table 3: Motives of Reading

S.N.     Access the Information             No. of students    %

1        To get information                 167                46.78
2        To derive pleasure                 28                 7.84
3        To improve my general knowledge    136                38.09
4        It is my hobby                     26                 7.28

Total                                       357                100

Table 4: Time Spent for Daily Reading

S.N.      Time spent for reading     No. of students     %

1.        1 to 2 hours               33                  9.24
2         2-3 hours                  73                  20.45
3.        3-4 hours                  187                 52.38
4.        5 hours and above          64                  17.93

Total                                357                 100

Table 5: Are you Borrow Reading Materials from Library?

S.N.      Books borrow from library     No. of students     %

1.        Yes                           327                 91.59
2.        No                            30                  8.41

Total                                   357                 100

Table 6: Kinds of Reading Materials Borrow from Library

                                                    No. of
S.N.    Kinds Books borrow from library             students   %

1.      By subject                                  285        78.83
2       Recreational (i.e. fiction, poetry, etc.)   72         20.17

Total                                               357        100

Table 7: Languages of Reading Materials Do You Read

S.N.     Languages     No. of students     %

1.       English       230                 64.42
2.       Hindi         246                 68.90
3.       Others        19                  5.32

Table 8: Uses of Reference Materials

S.N.     Reference books     No. of students     %

1.       Encyclopedias       183                 51.26
2.       Dictionaries        228                 63.86
3.       Maps, globes        61                  17.09
4.       Year Books          173                 48.46

(Multiple answers allowed)

Table 9: Read Newspaper Daily

S.N.     Reference books        No. of students     %

1        English newspapers     317                 88.79
2        Hindi newspapers       192                 68.90

(Multiple answers allowed)

Table 10: Which Sections of Newspaper like Most?

S.N.      Newspaper Section     No. of students     %

1.        Advertisement         34                  9.52
2.        Editorial             24                  6.72
3.        Cinema News           47                  13.16
4.        Letter to editors     9                   2.52
5.        Politics              64                  17.92
6.        Sensational news      63                  17.65
7.        Sport                 116                 32.49

Total                           357                 100

Table 11: Read Magazines

S.N.     Magazines                      No. of students     %

1        Reader digest                  230                 64.42
2        Film magazine                  71                  19.89
3        India Today                    111                 31.09
4        Outlook                        87                  24.37
5        Mathematics Today              95                  26.61
6        Competition Success Review     218                 61.06
7        Blitz                          118                 33.05
8        Science Today                  89                  24.92
9        Science Reporter               98                  27.45
10       Chemistry Today                90                  25.21
11       Physics Today                  110                 30.81
12       Biology Today                  103                 28.85
13       Cricket Today                  97                  27.17
14       Sports Today                   59                  16.52
15       PC Quest                       51                  14.28

(Multiple answers allowed)

Table 12: Place of Reading

S.N.      Reading                      No. of students     %

1         Home                         174                 48.74
2         School Library               135                 37.81
3         The Public/Local Library     48                  13.44

Total                                  100                 100

Table 13: Sources of Getting Reading Materials

S.N.      Sources of getting books     No. of students     %

1         School Library               214                 59.94
2         Friends                      48                  37.81
3         Home                         68                  19.05
4         Public/local Library         27                  13.44

Total                                  357                 100

Table 14: Sources of Getting Newspapers/Magazines

S.N.      Sources                     No. of students     %

1         Individual Subscription     198                 55.46
2         Friends                     24                  6.72
3         School Library              135                 37.81
4         Public/Local Library        23                  6.44

Total                                 357                 100
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