Beyond gratification: investigation of academic benefits of recreational reading among University of Ibadan undergraduates

Abstract

Studies have shown that reading and literacy are directly connected, and there is a link between academic success and reading ability. But the extent to which recreational reading can lead to academic success requires further investigation. Recreational reading is a form of reading that provides pleasure and other forms of gratification for the reader. However, beyond this, it is believed that recreational reading can foster social progress, ensure broader knowledge, enhance academic competence, and militate against illiteracy. This proposition requires further empirical proofs. Anchored on the Expectancy Value Theory (EVT), and Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study employed survey and in-depth interviews as the research methods. A total of 1,350 undergraduates of the University of Ibadan selected through stratification, convenience and proportionate sampling techniques responded to the questionnaire while 13 students purposively selected from all the faculties formed the interviewees. Findings show that undergraduates of the University, to a large extent {n= 1166; 86. 4%), exhibit favourable attitude towards recreational reading. Also, the students affirmed that recreational reading, besides providing pleasure, serves as the source of information and knowledge applicable to real life situations, boosts their academic reading efficacy, enhances their understanding of general textural information, and builds their vocabulary competence. The study, therefore, provides evidence that the value of recreational reading is more than generation of pleasure or gratification; it also enhances overall academic success