DEVELOPING READING STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE UPON READING CULTURE AMONG UPPER PRIMARY PUPILS OF MALSHEGU KIDZ ACTIVE FOUNDATION SCHOOL IN TAMALE, NORTHERN REGION, GHANA

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop reading culture among the upper primary pupils of Malshegu Kidz Active Foundation School through alternative reading strategies. The project guided by the interpretive paradigm adopted a qualitative approach (action research) design to assist 97 upper primary pupils (30 in class four, 34 and 33 pupils in classes five and six respectively). A teacher in each of the Upper Primary classes was also guided as to how to use different teaching strategies to promote reading abilities among the pupils specifically the development of reading culture. The researcher interviewed the teachers, employed both participant and non-participant observation techniques as instruments to achieve the research objectives. The study revealed that reading difficulties among the pupils were not only associated with socio economic or environmental factors but also language factor and learning styles as well as inadequate exposure to books. Moreover, the syllabus was designed in such a way that it did not provide room for creative teaching. Among the numerous strategies employed to improve upon the reading abilities of pupils, the syllabic method was identified as the most successful and effective method for promoting reading abilities and reading culture. This accounts from the fact that the method enabled most of the pupils in the upper primary classes of the school to read fluently which subsequently led to the development of reading culture among them. Based on the outcomes, the researcher made some recommendations for developing reading culture among the pupils. These include placing emphasis on the syllabic method of teaching reading and comprehension at the basic level. Also, reading competitions should be organized periodically in schools. Besides that reward packages should also be kept in place for pupils who excel in these competitions.