Enhancing Reading Comprehension through Reading Short Stories (Project Reading Short Stories "RSS")

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Poor level of reading comprehension is one of the problems that schools are currently facing. Learners may know how to read but some may lack comprehension of what they read. Many researchers and educators have attempted to find more efficient ways for the learners to become more proficient readers. Previous researches established a link where content knowledge is considered as essential factor in the learning process of reading comprehension. Literary texts, short stories, and more can be a source of content knowledge. In this study, the researcher attempts to determine whether the selected Grade 4 pupils of Asis Elementary School will enhance their reading comprehension level through reading short stories, the “Project RSS".

METHODS

The study used the descriptive research design and used pretest and posttest as an instrument for gathering the data needed. This study used paired sample t-test to test the significance of the Project RSS in the Grade 4 pupils' comprehension level. The respondents were the Grade 4 pupils who were under "Frustration" level of reading comprehension. In this study, the reading comprehension level of the pupils was described using Phil-IRI level of comprehension. The short stories used were adapted from different references such as textbooks and other reading materials appropriate for Grade 4.

RESULTS

As a result of this study, after conducting the "Project RSS" within a month, improvements were seen among the selected Grade 4 pupils, from "frustration" level to "independent" and "instructional”. This result was based on the analysis of the data gathered, where the pre-test scores are less than the post test scores. Using the paired sample t-test, the researcher tested the pre-test and the post test scores. The researcher found out that there was a significant difference to conclude that “Project RSS” was indeed effective in improving the level of reading comprehension among the selected pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the result of the study, it clearly showed that the pupils who were engaged in "Project RSS" were most likely to improve the level of their reading comprehension. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to implement "Project RSS" or use a similar strategy that uses various sources of content knowledge for the pupils to be able to enhance the pupils’ level of reading comprehension. Moreover, practice reading can also improve fluency, reading comprehension, and written expression of learners. Further research is advised for the validation of the current study.