A STUDY ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN LITERARY CRITICISM AND APPRECIATION IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting senior secondary students' performance in literary criticism and appreciation in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three objectives and three research questions were raised to guide the study: Three null hypotheses were formulated. A survey research design was used and a 4-point Likert Scale questionnaire titled "Factors Affecting Senior Secondary School Students Performance in Literary Criticism and Appreciation -Questionnaire (FASSSPLCA-Q was used to solicit information from the teachers and students. The population of the study comprised 2,820 students of Jos North Local Government Area. The sample comprised 200 students and 12 teachers randomly selected from the population. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Frequency, Mean and Standard Deviation). Chi-square was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings were that: both students and teachers recognize the benefits of therapy criticism and appreciation proficiency for secondary school Students highlight its role in deriving moral lessons, cultural awareness, and enhancing interpretation skills, while teachers emphasized its impact on fostering critical thinking, enriching classroom dynamics with diverse perspectives, and improving pedagogical strategies. However, challenges identified by both groups include lack of engagements outside the classroom, uninspiring learning environments, and ineffective teaching methods. The research recommended among other things that; government should prioritize integrating literary criticism and appreciation skills into the national curriculum to promote cultural understanding and critical thinking among students. Teachers theoldado centerboard teaching methods that cater for diverse learning ylen, hancing students comprehension and appreciation of literature.