Improving the Word Recognition Skills of Grade 8 Students through "My Time, Your Reading Time" Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Comprehension among students is important as it provides the foundation for further learning in higher levels. Some students however fail to master the skill for their current level. Thus, several programs should be used to bridge this gap. In the context of Maglambing Integrated School, it can be noted that the problem of low comprehension of Grade 8 students was due to a low level of word recognition. Thus, the researcher employed the “My Time, Your Reading Time" program to cure the said problem.

METHODS

In this research, different methods were employed. First, an analysis of students' Oral Reading Proficiency Test results were done to determine the Reading Scale of students. Second, questions were asked after a reading activity and students were rated depending on the content of their answers based on the Reading Miscues Scale. Third, a program was used to compare the results of the reading scale of the identified students before and after the implementation of the program. In analyzing their reading comprehension before and after the implementation of the program, the researcher used the reading scale mandated by Enclosure No. 1 to Regional Memorandum No. 164, s. 2009 in the interpretation of the results. Percentile method was also adopted in analyzing the number of students belonging to a specific reading scale.

RESULTS

It was found that all identified Grade 8 students belong to the category frustration level. It was also found that the main reason behind a low level of word recognition was the lack of guidance and supervision from parents. Further, the results of the pre-reading and post-reading assessments show that 23% of students improved their reading comprehension, now at instructional level on the reading scale, which indicates that the use of the program has a potential in improving the word recognition skills of Grade 8 students.

DISCUSSIONS

The results indicate that the use of the intervention improved the word recognition skills of Grade 8 students by 23%. The results also indicate that the adoption of “My Time, Your Reading Time” Program is effective as it helps in improving the word recognition skills of students in the English subject.