Investigating reading difficulties among class six pupils of Kolbure PrimarySschool in Tempane District of the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the reading difficulties among Class 6 pupils of Kolbure Primary School in the Tempane District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. It followed the qualitative research design approach. To obtain a sample of the population for the study, the researcher adopted the simple random sampling technique, selecting 15 participants for the study. He adopted this technique because of the similar characteristics exhibited by the pupils. Three research instruments used in the study included observation, interview and test. The observation and interview revealed that the unavailability of reading books, pupils lack of knowledge of the sound of the English alphabet, lack of support for reading at home, poverty and poor teaching methods were some of the causes of reading difficulties among pupils. The results showed that 100% of the participants did not have reading materials. The test results indicated that teaching reading using the phonic approach is beneficial to pupils because the results after the intervention was positive. The researcher recommends that schools should make reading materials available for use by pupils and also teachers should be trained to handle reading effectively especially the use of the phonic method in teaching reading. The government through the ministry of education as well as organisations and individuals should help to equip schools with adequate learning materials.