Project iCARE (interactive Community Assisted Reading Enhancement): Helping Pupils at-Risk of Reading Failure Reach the Benchmark in Reading

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading is very significant to a child's success in learning. It allows him to discover new things and builds his self-worth to the world he lives in. Unfortunately, not all students manifest strong reading skills. Many contributing factors causes a delay in reading including limited learning experiences and lack of interest due to poor reading strategies and materials. To address the issue, the researcher developed the Program iCARE to help pupils reach the benchmark of reading with the help of technology and the community. Studies show that technology can be used as a platform to support students word reading strategies and provide a number of advantages that enhance reading experiences.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was used in the study. The main goal of the study was to determine the attitudes of the pupils when using digital applications instead of the traditional approach in teaching reading. The program was participated by 23 struggling readers who took pre-assessment in reading but failed to reach the level of expectations. These pupils undergo six months of intensive reading intervention assisted by the researcher and the community volunteers. The pre-test and post-test scores of the participants determined the achievement of pupils on the implementation of the program.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of the reading program was measured by the test results gathered after the treatment. The results showed that the reading ability of the participants increased and the program brings significant transformation on student's attitudes towards reading. Community volunteers who participated also noticed a remarkable change on students. Students were more motivated, learn faster and was fascinated in learning reading with the use of technology. Their scores were high on the assessment after each reading lessons and gradually increased up until the end of the program.

DISCUSSIONS

The need for digital advancement in education is essential to improve learning. Evidence from the study shows that a child was more enthusiastic and enjoy learning when using technology. Vital to the implementation of the study are the resources that include access to sufficient technological application and materials for reading, parent involvement, and support from the agency during the implementation. Although technology enhanced reading ability, problems were still seen in some students who have difficulties in decoding words and these need another study that will focus on the child's reading disability.