Reading Performance of Grade 7 Students of Rosario National High School: Basis for Developing Reading Intervention Materials

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading is the true backbone of most learning. A person who cannot read is deprived of the beauty and meaning of something printed or written, as well as the interpretation of its characteristics or signs. A person who can read learns faster and is more ready to solve problems. Given this glaring importance, this research aims to assess the reading skills of Grade 7 students. The result can be a basis to develop an intervention program to help students improve their reading skills and their academic performance.

METHODS

The researcher used descriptive method designed to gather information to determine the reading performance of Grade 7 students in Rosario National High School that served as the basis for developing an intervention program. The researcher employed a reading skills test to determine the reading performance and the students' level of comprehension. Also, a questionnaire was constructed to determine the remedial measures that can be used to further enhance the reading performance of the students.

RESULTS

The reading assessments showed that 53 of the total student participants struggled in reading across different areas -pronunciation, syllabication and speed rate. In terms of fluency, most of the students have not met the required competencies for the grade seven students as manifested by the results of the analysis. Students' difficulties were attributed to their limited exposure to different English words. With poor vocabulary, a difficulty in pronunciation and syllabication can be expected. There were students who were also considered as slow readers with poor reading comprehension. Furthermore, the results implied that most participants have to be given remediation activities or intervention program to improve their reading skills that will greatly affect their academic performance in the long run.

DISCUSSIONS

With the serious problem of grade 7 students in reading, the results emphasized the need to implement reading intervention programs and activities to help solve the problem. Compilation of video clips about pronunciation and syllabication, prepared instructional and intervention materials which are tailored-fit to the reading capacities of the participants are also of great help to enhance more their reading skills.