Developing and Improving Reading Comprehension Skills of Grade IV Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading can be defined as a process of looking at and understanding what is written but it not as simple as that for many understand some things and not others and still be reading. Compared to someone who is reading in his own language, the foreign language reader may not understand many things and will have to develop strategies to overcome the problems encountered. Yet the fact is that despite this view of reading is, the reader does not have to look at or understand it in some measure.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research will be used in this study to gather data. The questionnaire and interview were primary sources of information. Descriptive research provided an accurate portrayal of the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or group. These studies are means of discovering new meaning, describing what exists, determining the frequency with which something occurs, and categorizing information.

Best and Khann (1998) define descriptive research as a method that deals with the relationship between variables, the listing of the hypotheses, and the development of generalization, principal of theories that had universal validity. It is concerned with the functional relationships.

RESULTS

The factors affecting the reading abilities of the pupils are comprehension and reading habits. The highest weighted mean of 4.24 pupils is unable to understand the subject content when words are differently pronounced. About 4.12 weighted mean, pupils develop their comprehension because they are interested in what they read. This factor can be used to develop their reading.

Table 2 Shows that with the highest weighted mean of 4.86, the pupils show that the factor contributes their reading ability is that they believe reading English can support their future career which leads them to have good reading habits shown with a weighted mean of 4.86 interpreted as agreed and rank 1.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the data being tabulated from the questionnaire based on different factors that affect reading ability. Reading habits ranked no.1 with a composite mean of 4.86 based on the answer of the selected pupils of San Juan West Central School in table 2. In reading habits, the length of time to learn English does not guarantee the cultivation of good English reading habits. Since the present study is descriptive and does not involve the application of any classroom teaching techniques, it is suggested that there are further studies on English teaching techniques that can promote good English reading habits.