UNDERGRADUATES OF ENGLISH EXTRA CURRICULUM READING BEHAVIOUR AND ITS IMPLICATION ON THEIR PERFORMANCES IN LITERATURE COURSES IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN OYO STATE

This study examines the Undergraduates of English Extra Curricular Reading Behavior and its implications on their performances in Literature courses. The research design that was employed for this study was a descriptive survey. This method entails the use of direct observation in the collection of data. In descriptive research, it has to do with the collection of information from a representative sample upon which inference were drawn about the perception or opinion of the target population. The design was suitable for the Undergraduates of English Extra Curricular Reading Behaviour and its implications on their performances in Literature courses in selected universities in Ibadan. The population consist all undergraduates in the selected universities in Ibadan, Oyo state. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants of the study which were be taken from the undergraduate in selected universities in Ibadan, Oyo State. However, since everyone cannot participate in this study, stratified random sampling techniques was employed as a method of selecting a representative sample of 100 respondents. Results confirmed the importance of traditional book reading for the development of reading comprehension and vocabulary. In contrast, online activities such as e-mail or chatting related negatively to reading achievement. Furthermore, students could be classified to five distinct latent classes in terms of their extracurricular reading behaviour. The study delves into the reading behaviour of undergraduates students participating in English extracurricular activities and its subsequent impact on their performance in literature courses. Through a combination of surveys and performance evaluations, significant findings emerged regarding the relationship between extracurricular reading habits and academic achievement. Firstly, the research revealed a positive correlation between active engagement in extracurricular reading and academic performance in literature courses. Students who frequently engaged in reading beyond their required coursework demonstrated a deeper understanding of literary concepts and themes, leading to higher grades and more insightful analyses in their coursework. Secondly, the study highlighted the importance of the quality and diversity of reading material in shaping students' comprehension and critical thinking skills. Participants who explored a wide range of literary genres and authors exhibited a broader perspective and a more nuanced approach to literary analysis, contributing to their overall success in literature courses. Based on the investigation of undergraduate English students' extra-curricular reading behaviour and its implications on their performance in literature courses, here are some specific recommendations: Promote Diverse Reading Materials; Encourage students to explore a wide range of literary genres, including novels, poetry, plays, essays, and critical analyses. Providing access to diverse reading materials can enhance students' understanding of different literary styles and themes. Integrate Reading into Curriculum; Incorporate extra-curricular reading assignments or recommendations into the curriculum of literature courses. Designate specific time for independent reading and discussions to foster a culture of continuous learning outside the classroom and Provide Reading Resources; Offer access to libraries, digital archives, and online platforms that curate literary works relevant to course themes. Collaborate with librarians and academic support staff to ensure students have access to quality reading resources.