Causes and Effects of Low Reading Tendency among the Students of the University of Science and Technology – Sana'a: A Field Study

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the causes and effects of low reading tendency among undergraduate students. The researcher followed the analytical descriptive method, and developed a questionnaire which was administered to a sample of (66) students (male and female) from the University of Science and Technology. The study results revealed certain reasons behind low reading tendency. First, most of the books that participants read are general knowledge, religious and specialized books, respectively. Second, the majority of the participants do not buy daily newspapers. Third, parents and university professors sometimes play a role in affecting the students’ tendency to read. The study also revealed some negative effects of such low tendency. The major one is that students become less expressive, and afraid of talking to others and interacting with educated people. The study recommended reducing curriculum burdens on students, providing interesting reading materials to them and buying interesting books, newspapers and learning materials that would develop students’ knowledge and experience.