TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION

AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract
Reading is an interactive process in which readers construct a meaningful representation of a text
using effective reading strategies. Reading is a major language skill and it means the process of
decoding written or printed symbols. Effective reading happens only when the reader
comprehends the idea deeply. In this article, the researcher aims to evaluate the reading skill of
the higher secondary school students and provide proper guidance and advanced techniques to
improve the skill.

Keywords: Reading comprehension, techniques, language skills

Introduction
English is one of the most dominating languages of the world which is having its impact on
every field of work. The dominance of English is colossal; the most widely used language the
world has ever seen. Language is a complex skill which contains several other skills. It is a
serious concern of the English language teacher to help the students to acquire the four fold
major language skills namely listening, speaking, reading and writing (LSRW).
Reading is a major language skill and it means the process of decoding written or printed
symbols. Effective reading happens only when the reader comprehends the idea deeply. Reading
consists of three elements. They are symbol, sound and the sense.

Statement of the Problem

The study that the investigator has undertaken is entitled ‘Techniques to Improve Reading
Comprehension Among Secondary School Students.’ It is aimed at evaluating the reading skill of
the students and providing proper guidance.

Need and Significance of the Study

The major need for conducting this study is to improve the English language usage of the pupils.
Through this study, the investigator tries to find out the difficulties faced by the students while
reading paragraphs. By analyzing and finding the problem faced by the pupils, the teacher will
be able to take up measures and find situations to solve the problem. So this study gains it’s
relevance at this particular scenario.

Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of conducting the study are as follows:
 • To assess the skill of reading comprehension among students.
• To identify the difficulties faced by students while reading a passage and comprehending
it.
• To create an interest in students towards learning through reading.
• To suggest some techniques to improve reading comprehension among students.
• To evaluate the speed and performance of the students in higher secondary in the task of
reading comprehension.

Methodology and Procedure

A sample of twenty students were selected for the survey. A checklist was made by the
researcher in order to get data regarding student’s understanding on reading comprehension. The
questionnaire was made in order to check their basic awareness about reading comprehension,
reading habits and the various techniques. The survey provided the qualitative data for the study.
The investigator prepared a worksheet of reading comprehension considering the mental age of
the students. Later they have asked to perform the task of reading a comprehension passage and
writing answers within the prescribed time limit.

Questionnaire
1. Do you have the habit of referring a dictionary while reading unfamiliar texts?
2. Are you able to understand the meaning of the passage after reading?
3. Can you recollect the summary of the passage after reading?
4. Were you able to complete the task of reading comprehension within the prescribed time?
5. Do you know any advanced methods of reading like skimming and scanning?
6. Do you think that advanced methods of reading help in the purpose of knowledge
acquisition?
7. Do you believe that reading speed has a significant role in the task of reading
comprehension?
8. Are you interested to learn more advanced techniques of reading and apply in your own
reading?
9. How often do you read for pleasure?

Analysis and Interpretation

Al the students believed that they can recollect the summary of the passage after reading. Al of
them thought that advanced methods of reading will help in the purpose of knowledge
acquisition. They all were interested to learn more advanced techniques of reading
comprehension and apply it in their own reading. 20% of the students read occasionally while
25% were frequent readers. 55% students were not interested in learning. 80% students have the
habit of referring a dictionary while reading unfamiliar texts. 90% of the students were able to
understand the meaning of the passage after reading. 10% of them found it difficult to understand
the meaning after reading. 70% of the students didn’t know any advanced methods of reading.
95% of them were interested in learning such advanced methods and applying it in their own
reading. 30% of them were familiar with some of the advanced methods of reading.
The survey and the workshop were very useful for the students. Reading and comprehending a
passage and writing answers to the questions is a sure question of both term-end examinations as
well as competitive examinations. So the study was much helpful for the students.

Findings
• Reading comprehension is a repeated question for the examination. Still many of the
students lack a clear idea about how to approach such a question.
• Many of the students find difficulty in the stage of reading and comprehending the idea
of the passage rather than writing answers to the questions.
• Most of the students couldn’t complete the task of reading comprehension within the
prescribed time limit. They all believed that learning and applying the advanced methods
of reading will increase their reading speed.
• Techniques like skimming and scanning improved the skill of reading comprehension
among students.

Suggestions
• Include reading comprehension tasks in the classroom learning.
• Teach the students advanced methods such as skimming and scanning of reading as part
of the syllabus.
• Assign a variety of tasks to the students especially the task of reading comprehension.
• Make reading part of everyday routine as it helps in improving the speed.

Conclusion
Reading is an essential part of academic performance. Employing various techniques while
reading will enhance the skill of reading comprehension. Skimming, scanning, extensive and
intensive reading are some of the strategies that can be adopted while reading.
Reading comprehension is the ability to process written text, understand it’s meaning and to
integrate with what the reader already knows. Reading comprehension relies on two abilities that
are connected to each other: word reading and language comprehension.
Reading and interpreting multiple forms of texts can be a daunting task. With the purposeful
implementation of these strategies across all subject areas, students can progress from dependent
inactive readers to highly skilled thinkers who independently process information from a text.

Reference
https://www.k12reader.com