Reading Comprehension as an index for Academic Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This investigation probed on the reading comprehension of the elementary learners as an index of their academic performance. Furthermore, this study also explored the contributing factors affecting the learners' reading comprehension in public elementary schools in Surigao del Sur specifically in the Municipality of Cortes, Surigao del Sur Philippines. The result of the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory was used by the teachers to assess the reading proficiency of the learners wherein many of the takers fell under frustration level for both word recognition and comprehension level. By exploring this area, teachers will be able to understand the need to create opportunities for divergent thinking as they involve their students in various reading comprehension activities.

METHODS

This study used the quantitative-qualitative design to assess the reading comprehension level of the respondents and their academic performance. A reading test served as the key tool for the reading performance and their Mean Percentage Score was considered for academic performance. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data of the study. The qualitative portion was used to look into the factors that affect learner's reading performance. A total of 91 learners of Tigao Elementary School were identified as respondents together with the 15 teachers who took part in the study. The complete enumeration was used in the selection of the respondents.

RESULTS

It can be inferred that the Grade IV learners can perform word recognition. However, for Grade III level, it was found out that they still fall under the frustration level which means that they have not fully developed their meaning-making skill. On the Reading Performance based on the PHIL IRI result, the Grade II performed better than the Grade III learners. The significant relationship between the variables tested connotes that when students actively enhance their reading comprehension, this has an effect on their academic performance.

DISCUSSIONS

It can be construed that developing the reading comprehension skill of the child is a multifaceted goal that can only be achieved when children receive sufficient scaffolding not just from the teachers but also from their parents. Teachers are also suggested to design motivating reading materials. With this, they might be able to detect significant gains from the academic performance of their pupils.