Kinds of Extensive Reading Materials and their Influence on Learners’ Language Skills in Language Classrooms in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated kinds of extensive reading materials and their influence on learners’ language skills in language classrooms in Kenya. It scrutinized the kinds of reading materials that learners are exposed to in language classrooms and how they influence their language skills. The target population was the teachers and learners of English language in secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select four secondary schools in Eldoret Municipality to participate in the study by giving information through language tests , focus group discussions and interview schedules. All the form three students in the four sampled secondary schools participated in language tests. Twelve students were purposively chosen to participate in focus group discussions and one teacher of English from each of the four sampled schools participated in the interview schedule. Descriptive techniques were used in the analysis of the data collected. It was concluded that secondary schools in Kenya, did not have reading materials that motivated learners to read extensively. It was recommended that, the Ministry of Education should set up network systems that will assist learners’ access plenty and varied reading materials.