Reading Habits and Educational Achievement of Secondary Schools Learners in Bishan, Singapore
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5155Abstract
Reading habits have been singled out as having a significant impact on learners' intellectual output. Good reading habits allow learners to develop their critical thinking skills and eventually improve their academic performance also reading non-academic novels helps learners improve their linguistic skills. Learners with weak reading habits have made noticeable improvements after taking part in lengthy reading assignments. Learners nurture skills such as thinking, valuing, flexibility and creativity are helped by extensive reading habits. The study found that learners who read both academic and non-academic literature regularly improve their conceptual understanding, critical thinking abilities and language fluency which leads to improved academic achievements. The study noted that reading habit at home is hampered by the lack of a comfortable environment. Several factors such as home environment, family income, access to books, and parental involvement can influence students' reading habits. Students from homes with a reading culture, those with access to a wide range of reading materials, and those whose parents encourage and model reading are more likely to develop good reading habits. The study concluded that reading is a fundamental skill that should be encouraged continually throughout childhood to help people become lifelong learners. The lack of reading resources, poverty and conventional ideas all have a detrimental impact on how readers develop their habits. The study recommends that teachers should create strategies for encouraging learners to read more. This involves making sure that reading materials are available in the libraries and resource areas. In order for books to become an integral part of learners’ life, let them be easily accessible both in schools and in homes. Schools should create a schedule for library hours to enable learners to visit the library for reading. Parents should encourage their children to read in a calm environment at home.
Keywords: Reading Habits, Educational Achievement, Learners, Singapore
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