Factors Affecting Pupils' Reading Performance: Basis for Improving Reading Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading Comprehension is the ability of an individual to understand information from what they have read. The target of the research was to give intervention from what they have read. The target of the research was to give intervention of pupils to improve their reading performance. A reader with insufficient knowledge will find it difficult to draw inferences between information in a text and information in a long-term memory. Being a teacher in a transition period I can't settle down with the poor result with the reading ability of my pupils especially in their reading comprehension that is why I was encouraged to conduct thiskind of research.

METHODS

This study utilized the descriptive method of research to identify the factors affecting the pupil's performance in their reading comprehension, bases for improving the reading remedial program. The respondents of this study were the Grade 3-Durian pupilsof Maasim Central Elementary School who were officially enrolled the school year 2015-2016. There were seventeen (17) males and twenty-six (26) females. They were taken purposively by their adviser as the researcher of this study. This study conducted atMaasim Central Elementary School, West Maasim District, Sarangani Province Division.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of pre-test was 37.07%.usingebel's the criterion of mastery, it was found that the obtained mean percentage of grade three-durian pupils reveal that the pre-test was low performance. The mean percentage of post-test was 70.76%.using the ebel's criterion of mastery, it was found obtained mean percentage of grade three-durian pupils reveal that the post-test performance was high performance in the sense that the story was supplemented by pictures. The result shows that pre-test score 37. 07 % described as low performance while post-test score is 70. 69 %, high performance. It could also be gleaned from the data that there is an increase in the level of performance of pupils based on the result of pre-test which is low compared to the result of post-test which is described as high performance. The result implies that the null hypothesis was rejected. It is very effective to teach reading using illustrations/ pictures because it helps the pupils understand more what they've read. Pupils easily remember pictures than words because pictures engage in the pupil's mind and emotions. They are more attracted to pictures than to merely pure words.

DISCUSSIONS

Word Power development is a complex matter, each factor of which might constitute a barrier/block to the pupils' achievement.With this new perspective, the advantage of providing pupils with a variety of experiences be designed to overcome their low performance in reading comprehension. Results of the reading tests showed that the pupils were average in the general reading skills.

However, tests on memory power, word power and trail ahead shows that the pupil had a very limited vocabulary build-up. It was possible that these hinder them to have their low performance in reading. Using pictures/illustrations is essential in teaching reading to pupils. It will give meaningful learning to pupils, in result, it will enhance their reading skills specifically their reading comprehension. It is essential to add more illustrations in teaching reading to the pupils. Encourage the school to develop a reading program that will cater to the different needs of the learners. Make more reading materials suited to the interest of the learners so that they will be encouraged to explore and read more.