PERCEIVED VALUES OF LITERATURE-IN-ENGLISH: PERSPECTIVES OFSENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MOBA LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated senior secondary school students’ perceptions of the usefulness ofLiterature-in-English in Moba Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Using asurvey research design, 200 students were randomly selected, and data were collectedthrough a structured questionnaire (r = 0.78). Findings revealed that students generallyheld a positive perception of studying Literature-in-English, with a weighted mean of 3.32,above the threshold of 2.50. Specifically, students agreed that studying the subjectimproves language and communication skills (mean = 3.59), enhances understanding ofreal-life problems and strategies to address them (mean = 3.57), and enriches educationalexperience through exposure to literature from different cultures and historical periods(mean = 3.46). The study also found no significant difference between male and femalestudents in their perceptions of the usefulness of Literature-in-English (t(190) = -0.265, p> 0.05), indicating that gender does not significantly influence students’ perceptions. Thestudy recommends that teachers engage students in diverse learning activities that not onlydeepen appreciation and understanding of Literature-in-English but also foster thedevelopment of effective communication skills.