The Use of Repeated Reading in Developing Reading Fluency among Grade Five Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, reading has played a vital role in developing comprehension skills among the learners. More often than not pupils' reading skills do not suit their age. The ability to comprehend and understand one particular text is a skill pupils need in order to prepare themselves to face their future. Every field requires reading skill. However, despite the necessity of acquiring and mastering such skill, it is still evident that more of these students still lack comprehension. It is not enough that one can decode words but should understand the meaning of it as well.

METHODS

The study used Experimental method. It covered 20 participants divided into two groups, Experimental and Controlled Group. Pretest and posttest were conducted in these two groups. The controlled group was given a passage to read orally which was done once. The experimental group was asked to read the same passage read by controlled group. However, this group was asked to read the same passage once a day for 15minutes within eight weeks employing the repeated reading technique. Data gathered was analyzed by looking at the differences between the scores of the experimental group to that of controlled group. At the end of the treatment period, the researcher used a quantitative analysis using t-test.

RESULTS

The results of pretest and post tests showed significant differences between the mean scores of controlled and experimental groups. The experimental group of pupils wherein repeated reading method was employed showed development in their reading fluency as they have increased their scores in the post-test. Hence, the application of Repeated Reading Method facilitated and enhanced the reading performance of pupils who participated in Experimental Group. Thus,employing the repeated reading method familiarizes the learner's ability to decode words properly and develops the ability to comprehend the text.

DISCUSSIONS

The results clearly show the need to develop reading fluency among students. This is an important area that educators should not miss and consider in teaching reading. Thus, reading programs should not only include decoding development and deficits but give equal importance to the reader's understanding and giving meaning to the text read as well. Furthermore, more studies on reading methods and techniques in developing readers' fluency should be established and utilized.