Factors Affecting and Causing Poor Reading Abilities of Grade III Pupils in Palangue 3 Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study is concerned with the factors affecting and causing poor reading abilities of Grade III pupils. Reading skill is an important skill. It is a stepping stone in the walk of knowledge. It is an activity which involves comprehension and interpretation of ideas. Reading is an essential life skill. It does not only increase knowledge, but it also builds maturity and character, sharpens thinking, and widens awareness in social, economic, political, and environmental issues.Johnsson-SmaragdiandJönsson(2006) best summarized the many benefits of reading. Reading is also supposed to enhance the communication potential by developing our language and vocabulary, by affecting the ability of logical reasoning, the capacity of expressing oneself and by affecting the level of comprehension and understanding. Practical reasons that speak in favor of reading mainly pertain to the area of work life and studies and to the ability to act as a citizen in the democratic process. These reasons underscore the importance of understanding texts and the ability to produce texts and formulate arguments in discussions.

METHODS

The essentials of action research design follow a characteristic cycle whereby initially an exploratory attitude is adopted, where an understanding of a problem is developed, and plans are made for some form of interventional strategy. Then the intervention is carried out (the "action" in Action Research) during which time, pertinent observations are collected in various forms. The new interventional strategies are carried out, and this cyclic process repeats, continuing until enough understanding of the problem is achieved. The protocol is iterative or cyclical in nature and is intended to foster deeper understanding of a given situation, starting with conceptualizing and particularizing the problem and moving through several interventions and evaluations.

RESULTS

After implementing the steps in improving reading skills, Grade III pupils ofPalangue3 Elementary School can now read properly, and their grades were all high. The factors affecting students' propensity to read were their source of reading materials, their perception of the benefits of reading, family and peers influencing them to read, and having an environment conducive to reading.

DISCUSSIONS

The result demonstrates the need for more steps in improving the reading skills of the pupils and the factors affecting student's propensity to read.