Exploring the Influence of Reading Habits on Academic Performance in English: A Case Study of Higher Secondary Students in Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan

Abstract

Students’ academic performance in English is closely influenced by their ability to read. This study investigated the impacts of students’ reading habits on their academic performance in English in one of the higher secondary schools in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag (district). The study adopted a qualitative case study approach. The population of the study consisted of 12 students from Class 9 and 10 and 2 teachers teaching them English. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The data collection tools included a semi-structured interview and document analysis. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis propounded by Braun and Clarke (2018). The finding showed that reading impacted students’academic performance in English. Further, the study showed that teachers play a vital role in the development of students reading habits through the use of various strategies and methods. However, the study highlighted that students spend less time on reading owing to various challenges such as inability to understand the word, inability to comprehend the text, time constraint, lack of guidance, poor conducive environment, limited resources, and limited library time. The study recommends parents, teachers, and schools strive to enhance the reading habits of all students.