AN ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF LITERATURE TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was An Analysis of the Use of Literature to Develop Critical Thinking Skills among Secondary School Students. In order to achieve the intended objectives of the study,three research questions was raised and hundred (100) respondents drawn from the students in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State were used. The descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. The tool utilized to collect the data was a self-made questionnaire. Utilizing an expert approach, the instrument was verified. When the instrument's reliability was tested using the Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, a reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained, indicating that the instrument was trustworthy. Frequency and a straightforward percentage were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that Literature help in developing students' critical thinking skills.Analyzing literary text, analyzing the characters motivations and actions,connecting what they read in books to real life situations enhance students'critical abilities. Educators integrate literature into their instructional practices to promote the development of critical thinking skills among secondary school students. Based on the finding of the study,the researcher suggests the following:ensure that educators incorporate a diverse range of literary texts into their curriculum. This should include a variety of genres, cultures,and time periods to expose students to different perspectives and situations, thereby enhancing their critical thinking abilities. Encourage teachers to design activities and discussions that actively engage students in analyzing characters' motivations and actions within literary texts. This can involve character analysis essays, group discussions, or creative assignments that require students to delve deeper into character psychology.