ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE INFLUENCE OF YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE ON DEVELOPING APPRECIATION FOR READING

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the perception of engineering students on the inclusion of literary texts in their English language programme for the purpose of developing their appreciation for reading. Student perceptions were gauged on the following dimensions: importance of literature in developing reading skills, text and genre inclination for reading, and the use of short stories and young adult literature in English to develop interest for reading. Findings from the feedback obtained via a questionnaire are discussed with the hope of giving educators a foretaste of the potential use of young adult literary materials in developing appreciation for reading among engineering students.