Developing Reading Comprehension Skills of Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Learners of BJMP -Cantilan District Jailthrough "Close Reading" Strategy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading comprehension is one of the problems encountered by learners in the field of reading. In the context, Alternative Learning System (ALS) at BJMP -Cantilan District Jail has 19 learners at the secondary level. Out of these, 12 learners encountered problems in difficulty in identifying the main idea of a selection resulting in poor reading comprehension. An intervention was designed and implemented to develop the reading comprehension skills of 12 inmate learners.

METHODS

12 out of 19 learners were picked on this study. The purposive sampling and descriptive research methods were used in this research. Data collection was based on the learner's comprehension level in 10 sessions. The teacher used the traditional way of teaching reading during the pre-test and the close reading strategy. The data gathered was based on their answers from the questionnaire floated by the researcher and the results were triangulated and confirmed the primary causes of their problem.

RESULTS

Based on the result, most inmate learners were found to be poor in reading comprehension. They are classified as slow or frustration, average, and fast level. Out of 19 learners, 12 belong to frustration level, 4 on average and 3 on the fast or advanced readers. If not given intervention, the learners cannot participate in learning activities.

Comparative result of reading comprehension level of inmate learners before and after the intervention.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, there was an increase in learners' reading comprehension skills through close reading strategies. This research proved that this strategy is effective in developing and improving learners' reading comprehension skills.