Assessment of Reading Comprehension Functioning Level of Class Three Pre-Lingually Deaf Learners in Kenya
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 9
Abstract
Learners in different countries are currently being taught language at their functioning level irrespective of their grade levels. District English Evaluation Tests in Kenya indicate that Class Three prelingually deaf learners are being taught English above their functioning level. However, the results did not show the learners’ functioning level in reading comprehension. The purpose of the current study was to assess the learners’ functioning level in reading comprehension. Theory of Syntax by Noam Chomsky which holds that learners acquire language by mastering the vocabulary and structure of the target language was adapted and used. The study employed evaluative and qualitative research designs. The population consisted of 337 Class Three prelingually deaf learners and 65 Class Three English teachers. Multi-Stage sampling technique was used to select 178 Class III prelingually deaf learners while purposive sampling technique was used to select 16 Class III English teachers. Data was collected using a questionnaire and a reading comprehension test. The instruments were verified for face and content validity by Class III English teachers of the deaf. The reliability of the instruments was established through test-retest using 34 (10%) learners and was determined using Pearson Product-moment correlation (r) at 0.70 or above, p<0.05. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. None (0.0%) of the 178 learners obtained the criterion pass mark of 50%. The learners’ functioning level in reading comprehension was found to be at Class I level at the beginning of the school year and they were lagging behind the curriculum by three academic years. It was found that the learners’ low functioning level in reading comprehension was due to lack of mastery of vocabulary, sentence patterns, cohesive ties and prior knowledge of the world around us to sustain reading for literal meaning, implied meaning and relationship of thought at sentence and short passage levels.. It was recommended that the teaching of English to Class III prelingually deaf learners in Kenya should begin at Class I level at the beginning of the school year. The findings may be used by schools to start teaching Class Three prelingually deaf learners English at their functioning level and by the Ministry of Education to inform policy. Keywords: assessment, class, functioning level, reading comprehension, Kenya.
Authors and Affiliations
Ogutu Tobias Adera, Kochung Edwards J, Adoyo Peter Orach, Matu Peter Maina
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP378819
- DOI -
- Views 133
- Downloads 0
Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies Among Secondary School Teachers
The present study aims at finding out the level of occupational stress and its relation to coping strategies in relation to their gender, subject streams and nature of job. Occupational Stress Index and self constructed...
Social Media and Policing: An Indian Perspective
In today’s society the role of police and media are very important. The main aim of both organizations is to serve the public. Media can include numerous services which distribute information to the general public which...
Local Perception on Crime Pattern in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study on Dhaka North
The study tried to explore the crime pattern in Bangladesh. This is the first phase of this study series that was conducted on the northern part of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The study revealed the crime patterns...
AIDS: A Socio-Behavioural Study on Truckers with Sex Workers
AIDS is a major public health concern today in India. AIDS does not discriminate between classes, castes or communities. It is caused by HIV, which is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse. India has one of the l...
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Residents of Larion Bajo, Tuguegarao City on Viral Influenza
This study was conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the Residents of Larion Bajo, Tuguegarao City on Viral Influenza. There were 70 residents who were taken as the respondents using the descript...