THE STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF READING CULTURE AMONG NEO-LITERATE ADULT LEARNERS IN ADULT LITERACY CENTRES IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the strategies for the development of reading culture among neo-literate adult learners in adult literacy centres in Benin Metropolis. The researcher was interested in finding out what strategy literacy facilitators employ in helping neo-literate adult learners to develop reading culture. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. A total sample of 49 respondents drawn through a simple random technique was used for the study. The descriptive survey method was adopted for the research design and thus the data for the study were collected with the use of a questionnaire. After experts’ validation of the instrument, it was pilot-tested for reliability. The instrument’s reliability was determined using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) formula and after computation, the correlation coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.63. This revealed that the instrument used was relatively stable. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major findings of the study include the fact that there is a positive association between the strategies adopted by literacy facilitators and the development of a reading culture among neo-literate adult learners in Benin Metropolis and that this relationship is significant. The study concluded that the reading strategy by facilitator influences the reading culture of neo-literate adult learners. The study proffered a number of recommendations which include the fact that literacy facilitators should develop more learner-centred strategies that would promote a reading culture among neo-literate adult learners. It should include learner-specific needs, desires and aspirations; literacy facilitators should be well supported and encouraged by increasing their remuneration. More adult psychologists should be deployed to adult literacy centres across Benin Metropolis to help the neo-literate learners to quickly overcome their psycho-social and emotional challenges among others.