Summary Skills and Learner Achievement in Reading Comprehension in Nairobi, Kenya: Prospects, Constraints and Policy

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