Abstract:
Summary skills support acquisition of reading capabilities by strengthening knowledge of text through
identification of critical ideas, creation of concise notes and restatement of concepts for sustainable comprehension
competencies. In instances where the technique is inadequately developed, capacity of the learner to sift through content in text
to identify themes, filter own words and integrate messages may be compromised. The study examined effect of summary
skills in acquisition of reading for learner achievement in comprehension. The targeted eight schools arrived at a sample of 476
using purposive, simple random sampling, principles of Solomon Four Group design and census model. Quasi-experimental
design based on Solomon Four Group Design was used yielding 223 learners assigned to experimental while 253 control
groups and 8 teachers of English. Reading comprehension tests, questionnaires, in-class observation and follow up discussion
sessions were used in capturing data. Learners in experimental group obtained post-test mean of 33.47 (SD=15.55); control
group obtained mean of 26.82 (SD=12.76), indicating that experimental scored highly in post-test than control group, not
exposed to task-based learning method. The analysis obtained t-statistic of 3.24 (df=428, p=0.001), suggesting up to 99%
chance that mean obtained by learners in experimental and control groups were significantly different. In addition, variable
school was significantly associated with learning outcomes in comprehending text (p<0.000). Analysis revealed up to 95%
chance that learner achievement in reading comprehension significantly associated with restating ideas in own words (X
2
=20.823, df=9, p-value=0.013). Furthermore, results indicated that main concept displayed significant and positive association
with learner achievement in reading comprehension in experimental and control groups at 95% CI and 90% CI respectively;
(Model 1: Beta = 2.223, t = 2.120; Model 2: Beta = 1.673 t = 1.754. The study suggested that teachers be enlightened about the
need of adopting multiple techniques to assist the learner to develop summary abilities in order to heighten greater levels of
understanding and better grades.
Keywords: Main Idea, Making Notes, Reading Skills, Restating Ideas, Summary Skills
