Methods used to assess learners in English reading comprehension skills for effective communication in Public Primary Schools in Keiyo North Sub-County, Kenya.

Abstract

Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills for learners not only in English language learning but also in other school subjects in the school curriculum.The inability of the pupils to read and comprehend in English language effectively remains a challenge to learners of English as a second language particularly at primary school level. For the teacher to find out whether learners are comprehending what they are reading, assessment needs to be done during and after the lesson. The purpose of this paper was to examine the methods used to assess learners in English reading comprehension skills for effective communicationThe study was based on Vygotsky’s (1978) theory of social interaction and his concept of zone of proximal development (ZPD). Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The sample for the study was obtained through proportionate sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling. The study sample consisted of 112 Standard 7 pupils and 16 teachers from 8 selected schools. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist. Piloting of the instruments was done. Reliability of the instruments was tested using test retest technique. A reliability coefficient above 0.8 was obtained and considered acceptable. Both qualitative and quantitative data was generated. Qualitative data was organized according to the study themes and presented descriptively on the basis of the study objectives. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data. Quantitative data was coded and entered in the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analysed in line with the objectives and summarized in tables and pie charts. The study found out thatSeveral methods were used in assessing learners. The most frequently used method were written questions, then oral questions and silent reading. However, the most effective method identified was written answers followed by aloud reading and silent reading.