Project STAR (Share The Arts of Reading): A Program in Enhancing Reading Ability of Public Elementary School Learners

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The researchers are not aiming to have a 100% reader with comprehension of her class. What they aimed is to decrease at least 60% of the total number of pupils who belonged to the frustration level. This action research project was conducted to improve reading comprehension of grade IV pupils of Pinagsanhan Elementary School for the school year 2018-2019. They intend to improve the reading comprehension by using the higher-order thinking skills such as predicting, making connections, visualizing, inferring, questioning and summarizing. in the classroom, the researchers modeled these strategies through the think-aloud process and graphic organizers. This was followed by the pupils using these strategies through the whole class, small group, and independent practice.

METHODS

This study is a qualitative research. PHIL -IRI Test was one of the tools used and administered to pupils in the fourth-grade classroom in the first week of July 2018 which aimed to determine student growth in reading comprehension. A checklist was used to identify which reading comprehension strategies were being used by the pupils in small groups. This tool provides information on changes in how well the participants understand and use reading comprehension strategies over time.

RESULTS

This study has helped the researchers develop a better understanding of the strategies that the participants need to learn to comprehend. Teacher modeling and think-aloud process are the most valuable tools to use in helping the participants to comprehend well. in the past, we have used both of these tools but failed to see their efficacy. The time when the researchers read texts to the participants, the strategies used have become more productive and lead a better learning experience. Better insight into the participants' lives was also established.

DISCUSSIONS

The researchers observed that pupils had a problem using the strategies within the group setting without a guide sheet to follow. Therefore, they developed a group record keeping sheet for the various strategies pupils were to use before, during and after reading the story in their group. One of the struggles that they encountered with their fourth-grade pupils was a way to know if they were using the comprehension strategies independently. Therefore, most of their pupils still need guided practice for questioning, inferring, and summarizing strategies.