Project REALIA -Reading Enhancement Approach Towards Learning and Individual Advancement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teaching reading is a complex phase in the teaching-learning process. Basically, it demands instructional approaches and methods that will suit the students' reading skills and capabilities. It should be developed progressively to the learners from primary to secondary, both in English and Filipino. Through PHIL-IRI, teachers are able to assess the reading level of the students. Upon evaluation of the reading teachers, many struggling readers were found under instructional and frustration levels. From the result of the Pre-reading Assessment, it showed that 18 out of 93 Grade 7 learners or 19.35% had difficulty in word recognition, particularly on insertion and mispronunciation of words. It is for this reason that the researchers set to advance the word-recognition level of students by the end of the school year.

METHODS

Grade 7 and Grade 8 enrollees were subjected to reading profiling through Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI). Reading assessment was conducted which revealed that most Grade 7 students needed guidance and intervention as far as reading was concerned. Data were gathered through one-on-one interviews. The researchers were able to identify the needs and wants of the students, conducted classroom observations and created an enhancement program.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that difficulty in word recognition and following English instructions are the major causes of students' difficulty in reading. It also revealed that strategy in teaching literature should be improved. Furthermore, the REALIA process specifically the Dolch Word Recognition Enhancement Worksheet and Computerized Reading Enhancement and Assessment Materials (CREAM) increased the number of words recognized by the learners, stimulated interest and enjoyment in reading and improved the word recognition level of 18 Grade 7 learners by 83.33%.

DISCUSSIONS

Word Recognition Enhancement Worksheet (WREW) and Computerized Reading Enhancement & Assessment Materials (CREAM) can be utilized by Grade 7 students. Students can attend advanced classes every day. The utilization of WREW and CREAM was discussed to teachers and students. The concerned teacher let the students use the materials during the session after each class or every week. The effectiveness of the materials was assessed by the English teachers and the CIP Team for constant monitoring of students' progress.