Investigating reading culture among students in higher learning institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents findings of a survey conducted in some selected higher educationlearning institutions in Tanzania to determine the reading patterns of students when theyundertake extracurricular activities.. The purpose was to ascertain whether studentsutilize their time in reading various informational materials for purposes other thanacademic activities. Electronic questionnaires were conveniently distributed to students atDUCE, IDRP Dodoma, Law School of Tanzania, RUCU Iringa, SLADS Bagamoyo, SUAMorogoro, SUZA, Tumaini University (DSM campus), UDSM and Zanzibar University. Thestudy findings indicate that students spend their spare time reading print and e-newspapers,books and magazines, and access social media that cover aspects such as sports, economic,technological and social issues. They are motivated to read by their desire to learn newaspects of life, expanding their vocabularies, improving reading skills, and acquiring newinformation. The findings also indicate that students spend their time watching TV, talkingto friends, listening to radio, playingand watching games. Furthermore, it was revealedthat too much academic work, limited internet connection and family responsibilities areamong factors that inhibit their reading habits. The study recommends that academiclibraries should work out means to create conducive reading environment for students bystocking more reading resources, conduct more outreachprograms to attract more readers,create reading and writing clubs at schools to empower students in education at large andlaunch TVprograms which will attract more students to read and learn when undertakingextracurricular activities