Sample Action Research Proposal

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

 _______________                               _________________

 _______________                               _________________

                              During Implimentation

_______________                               _________________

_______________                               _________________                                 

                                Post - Implementation

_______________                                ________________

_______________                                ________________

Proposed Budget:

                                     Expected Expenses                                         Proposed Budget

                                      * Computer's Ink                                             Php. 1, 606.00

                                      * Bond paper                                                   Php. 108.00

                                                                                                      Prepared by:

                                                                               

                                                                                                 _________________

                                                                                                             Teacher- I

    Noted:

                    _______________________

                               School Head

    Recommending Approval:

                          ______________________              ___________________

                    Public Schools District Supervisor                   ES - I English

                                     Approved:     

                                                            ___________________________________

                                                                 Asst. Schools Division Superintendent