IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION

THROUGH THE USE OF HIGHER ORDER THINKING ACTIVITIES

I - Proponent:

Noel R. Dauran

Master Teacher - I

Baya Elementary School

Ragay, Camarines Sur

II - Background of the Study:

The area of focus for my project is improving Reading Comprehension Through the Use of Higher
Order Thinking Skill Activities. Without the solid foundation of reading skill the researcher feels the children
will be struggle hard throughout their schooling and adult life. By learning the best comprehension
strategies and how to best teach these strategies to the pupils, the researcher hopes to provide the solid
foundation needed to succeed . Although the school's NAT result has meet or exceed its expectation, still
the researcher has a thought of a way to improve it. In reading class, the grade three pupils scored84%, but
the scores dropped in the 4th grade. So the researcher concludes that the pupils score decreases because
of the pupils have very poor higher - order thinking skills to increase reading test scores and develop
meaningful reading experience to the pupils.

III - Statement of the Problem:

As the researcher of this research, I have found out that many of my pupils in grade III are able to
read fluently, but still have difficulty in answering the "how" and "why" questions. I am hoping that by
incorporating higher order thinking skills my pupils would be able to transfer and make connections to
reading. This is important in order for a child to be successful. I feel that incorporating reading strategies
and showing students how to reflect about what they have read, would improve their reading
comprehension and to become life-long learners. I am looking forward to working on this area of concern,
and sharing my findings with my co-teachers.

IV- Significance of the Study:

 The study will be deemed important for the proper recognition of the improving Reading
Comprehension Through the use of higher - order thinking activities on the academic Performance of the
grade III pupils, Likewise, the findings of this research may prove useful to the following, to wit;

Pupils. Having a clearer view and firsthand experience of the teacher's performance, this will
further enhance pupil's knowledge of the importance of mastering the basic skills of their competencies so
they will make an effort to do best. This may lead to better enthusiasm and develop good study habit.

Teachers. This study may heighten their awareness in identifying the learning tasks that are
well developed as well as the least. This may further be a motivating factor to adapt measures and new
strategies for the improvement of instructions in reading.

Parents. The result of this study will serve as bird's eye view of the parent to know the
needs of their children with regards to improving their reading comprehension.

School Administrator and Supervisors. Results of this investigation may encourage administrators
and supervisors help their teachers upgrade their teaching performance in improving reading
comprehension through closer supervision and faculty development and training programs.

Department of Education Camarines Sur Specially Ragay District. With the use of the
results of the study, any educational upliftment will benefit the municipality of Ragay as it may improve the
quality of working force of the municipality or the quality of life of their respective constituents.

Curriculum Planners. The findings of this study may assists the planners in the proper
selection of methods, techniques, and strategies that need to be reinforced.

Community.The result of this study may benefit the community in as much they know that
the teachers of their children are equipped with the necessary tools and competence in teaching them.

Researcher Himself. This may serve as inspiration in teaching his pupils above and
beyond his capacity.
 Future Researcher. The information and insights that will be gained from this study may
serve as guide for other researcher in framing their conceptual framework and design and at the same time
encourage them to conduct lateral studies within their area of preferences.

V- Scope of the Study

The general focus of the present study was on the Improving Reading Comprehension Through
the use of Higher Order Thinking Skills Activities of the grade III pupils in Baya Elementary School, District
of Ragay, Division Of Camarines Sur.The study covered the PHIL-IRI assessment result of the school year
2011-2012 utilizing the post -test. The aspect s in Improving Reading Comprehension that the present
study will look into the different reading strategies. Predicting, making connections, visualizing, Inferring,
questioning, and summarizing are shown on this research to improve reading comprehension.

VI - Research Design

A. Methodology

This study employ the pre-Experimental one shot case study. According to De Jesus

the pre experimental one shot case study is a design in which a single group is only studied

once, subsequent to a treatment is the instruction of reading strategies . It is important to teach

the strategies by naming the strategy and how it should be used, modelling trough think aloud

process, group practice, partner practice and independent use of the strategy.

The second tool used was the Phil-Iri test administered to the pupils in the grade III

pupils in the first week of July, 2011. This tool used to determine student growth in reading

comprehension.

The teacher observation checklist was used by the researcher to gather data

throughout the intervention. This tool provides information of changes on how well his pupils

understand and use reading comprehension strategies over time.

B. Sampling Design
 Purposive sampling was employed in selecting pupils - respondent of the study.
The

pupils who were selected were enrolled in the third grade class for the school year 2011-2012.

C. Description of Instrument Data and Gathering Form.

The Metacomprehension Strategy Index had a total of 25 questions divided into three parts that
asked about the strategies pupils used to help them better understand the story. Part I of MSI is consist of
statement about the strategies used prior to reading a story, Part II of the MSI consist of statement about
the strategies used while reading a story, and the part III of the MSI consist of statement about the
strategies used after reading the story.

VI - Work Plan

Pre - Implementation

Date Activities

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During Implimentation

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Post - Implementation

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Proposed Budget:

Expected Expenses Proposed Budget

* Computer's Ink Php. 1, 606.00

* Bond paper Php. 108.00

Prepared by:

_________________

Teacher- I

Noted:

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School Head

Recommending Approval:

______________________ ___________________

Public Schools District Supervisor ES - I English

Approved:
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Asst. Schools Division Superintendent