ABSTRACT
The current study presents an analysis of the reading habits of students at the elementary school level in Tehsil Ahmadpur East District Bahawalpur, Punjab. The main objectives of the study were to examine the reading habits (styles) of students and to evaluate factors affecting their reading habits. This study was descriptive in nature. The population of the study consisted of all elementary school students in Tehsil Ahmadpur East. The sample size of the study was 540 students and 90 teachers. A questionnaire was the tool of this study on five point likert scale. The data of the study were analyzed by applying frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA. The findings revealed statistically significant differences in student reading habits based on class, gender, parental qualification, and school type. There was insignificant impact of locality on the reading habits of students. In teachers’ opinions, use of the internet, mobile devices and social media were the main problems for students. It is recommended for teachers to pay proper attention to developing positive reading attitudes to enhance effective reading habits among students. Moreover, students need to develop the habit of reading for pleasure and acquiring knowledge and not only to pass their exams and tests. Institutional heads should concentrate on providing the best reading sources in school libraries, including computers and internet facilities. Library staff should be given training to monitor students while working in libraries and train students to search for and utilize reading sources.
