Exploring the Reading Level of Alupay Elementary School Learners: Basis for Reading Enhancement Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading, as a cognitive process, is an astoundingly complex and multi-faceted activity. However, it is also common knowledge that many learners struggle to learn reading. Annually, the teachers of Alupay Elementary School face similar challenges in teaching reading to their learners. This study focused on the cognitive factors that affect the reading ability of learners in English. Specifically, this study focused on the five elements of the reading process which include Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Fluency. Embarking in this type of study, the researchers are hopeful to give light to the reading problems encountered by both learners and teachers.

METHODS

The researches employed the descriptive method in completing this research paper. All learners were given the reading assessment test to identify their learning ability. The reading ability test is composed of five sections which include items that would test the ability of learners in Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Vocabulary, Fluency, and Reading Comprehension

RESULTS

Results reveal that Grade 1 learners got the highest frequency of learners with 5 or more mistakes in Phonics with a frequency of 10. None of the learners from Grade 4, 5, and 6 got 5 mistakes or more in Phonics. Result in Phonemic Awareness show that 12 Grade 1 learners got 5 or more mistakes while there were also learners in the higher years that got more than 5 mistakes. In terms of Vocabulary, learners from all year levels showed weakness in vocabulary skills. In terms of Fluency, the learners are given oral test flashed on a screen. Fifteen (15) Grade 1 learners and an average of 12 learners from each year got 5 mistakes or more. Reading Comprehension is also one of the manifested problems in reading in all year levels.

DISCUSSIONS

Results revealed that learners are struggling even at the lowest level which is Phonics and Phonemic Awareness. If these two elements are already difficult for the learners, the rest of the elements will be more difficult. Learners also have limited ability in other elements such as Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension. Activities such as creating a Strategic Intervention Material, improving library facilities, conducting a book drive, holding reading competitions, introducing the use of e-books to learners, conducting a quarterly assessment of reading, and partnering the parents in developing the reading ability of learners are suggested for reading program enhancement.