Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive investigation on how reading materials impact students'
English performance in Lower Secondary Schools within the Shyira Sector of Nyabihu District.
By focusing on two schools one with a well-equipped library and the other with limited
resources the study aims are to explore the role of the Reading materials to improving students’
English performance on Lower Secondary Schools in Shyira Sector. The study employed a
mixed methods approach, merging quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques.
Quantitative data underwent descriptive analysis using Excel and the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data from interviews underwent thematic analysis for
deeper insights. The data were collected from the study population consisting of 102 individuals,
including 92 Lower Secondary School students and 10 teachers. The total number of students
who wanted to bring their contributions was 113, and we put all English teachers to participate
because their size was small; the 5 English teachers from each school were selected based on
census sampling. This with 92 students ultimately participating due to selection criteria with
purposive sampling. Additionally, a significant positive correlation is revealed between the
availability and utilization of reading materials and students' English language performance.
Over a six-month period, the study evaluated students' language skills development and the
influence of the reading materials used. Notably, schools equipped with rich libraries
demonstrate superior performance. The study identifies factors such as inadequate access to
reading materials, insufficient guidance, and low motivation that hinder reading material
utilization. To address these issues, the study indicates a good number of strategies like
enhancing material adequacy, fostering a reading culture, motivating students, and promoting
teacher role modelling.
The findings reveal a positive relationship between tailored reading materials and improvements
in students' English language proficiency. To further enhance students' English language skills,
the study recommends the continued integration of diverse reading materials into the curriculum.
