FACTORS THAT
AFFECT
READING
PROFICIENCY
Reading Proficiency
Refers to the ability to read and understand texts
effectively. It involves not only decoding the words on the
pages but also comprehend the meaning , making
connections, and interpreting the information. Reading
proficiency is crucial for academic success and is considered a
fundamental skill for life long learning.
COMMON FACTORS
THAT AFFECTS
READING
PROFICIENCY
1. Socioeconomic Status:
Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
may affect challenges in accessing resources and
opportunities that can impact their reading proficiency.
[Link] to Resources:
Students from higher
socioeconomic backgrounds often
have greater access to resources
that support reading proficiency.
They may have more books at
home, access to libraries, and
exposure to a wide range of reading
materials. On the other hand,
students from lower socioeconomic
backgrounds may have limited
access to books and educational
resources, which can hinder their
reading development.
B. Home Environment:
The home environment plays a
crucial role in a child's reading
development. Higher SES households
tend to have more educational
resources, such as books, educational
toys, and a print-rich environment.
Additionally, parents in higher SES
households may have higher levels of
education and literacy skills, which can
positively influence their children's
reading abilities. In contrast, lower SES
households may have fewer resources
and less emphasis on literacy
development, which can impact a
child's reading proficiency.
C. Educational Opportunities:
Socioeconomic status can also affect the quality of educational
opportunities available to students. Higher SES students may have
access to better-funded schools, experienced teachers, and a wider
range of educational programs. These factors can contribute to a
more supportive learning environment for reading instruction.
Conversely, lower SES students may attend schools with fewer
resources and face challenges such as larger class sizes or limited
access to specialized reading interventions.
1. Access to quality education: Students who have access to quality
education, including well-trained teachers, resources, and a
supportive learning environment, are more likely to develop
strong reading skills. On the other hand, students who lack access
to quality education may face challenges in acquiring proficient
reading abilities.
2. Early childhood education: Early childhood education plays a
crucial role in developing foundational reading skills. Children
who have access to early literacy programs, such as preschool or
kindergarten, are more likely to develop strong reading
proficiency later on.
3. Availability of reading materials: The availability of reading
materials, such as books, libraries, and digital resources, can
greatly impact reading proficiency. Students who have easy access
to a wide range of reading materials are more likely to engage in
independent reading and develop their reading skills.
1. Teacher training and professional development: Teachers who
receive proper training in literacy instruction and ongoing
professional development are better equipped to support their
students' reading development. Effective teaching strategies,
such as phonics instruction, comprehension strategies, and
differentiated instruction, can significantly impact reading
proficiency.
2. Small class sizes and individualized instruction: Smaller class
sizes allow for more individualized instruction, which can
benefit students' reading proficiency. Teachers can provide
targeted support, address individual learning needs, and offer
personalized feedback to help students improve their reading
skills.
1. Socioeconomic factors: Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty
and inequality, can impact educational opportunities and, in
turn, reading proficiency. Students from disadvantaged
backgrounds may face additional barriers to accessing quality
education and resources that can hinder their reading
development.
2. Supportive home environment: A supportive home
environment that values reading and provides opportunities
for reading can positively influence reading proficiency.
Parents and caregivers who engage in reading activities with
their children, create a print-rich environment, and foster a
love for reading can contribute to their children's reading
success.
2. Metacognition Strategies:
Metacognition refers to the
ability to think about and
regulate one’s own thinking
processes, such as summarizing,
self questioning, and monitoring
comprehension, tend to have
better reading skills.
How does metacognition help reading proficiency?
1. Monitoring Comprehension: Metacognition helps readers monitor
their understanding while reading. Skilled readers are aware of
when they comprehend the text and when they do not.
2. Strategy Selection: Metacognition allows readers to select
appropriate reading strategies based on the nature of the text and
their reading goals. Skilled readers can choose strategies like
predicting, summarizing, questioning, and visualizing to enhance
their comprehension. They are aware of which strategies work
best for them and can adapt their approach accordingly.
3. Self-Reflection: Metacognition encourages readers to reflect on
their reading experiences. Skilled readers engage in self-reflection
by evaluating their comprehension, identifying areas of strength
and weakness, and setting goals for improvement.
4. Problem Solving: Metacognition enables readers to solve
comprehension problems independently. When faced with
challenges in understanding a text, skilled readers can use
metacognitive strategies to identify the specific difficulty, generate
possible solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of their chosen
approach.
1. Self-Regulation: Metacognition helps readers regulate their
reading behaviors and cognitive processes. Skilled readers
can control their attention, maintain focus, and resist
distractions while reading. They can also manage their
reading pace, adjust their reading speed based on the
complexity of the text, and allocate sufficient time for
comprehension and reflection.
3. Information and Technology (ICT) Skills:
The use of technology, such as
computer and internet,
can influence reading proficiency.
Students with strong ICT
skills may have better access to
digital reading materials and
online resources.
4. Student – Teacher Relationships:
Positive relationships between student and teachers
can create a supportive learning environment, which can
impact reading proficiency.
5. Reading Enjoyment/Motivation/Engagement:
Students who have love for reading, are motivated
to read and actively engage with reading materials are more
likely to develop strong reading skills.
Example strategies:
1. Create a reading-friendly environment
2. Read aloud to children
3. Let children choose their books
4. Set aside dedicated reading time
5. Be a reading role model
6. Make reading interactive
7. Offer a variety of readings materials
8. Celebrate reading achievements
9. Organize book-related activities
10. Emphasizes reading for pleasure
1. Learning disorders:
Students who have learning disorders, such as
dyslexia, may face challenges in decoding, fluency,
and comprehension of texts, which can affect their
reading proficiency
OTHER FACTORS THAT
AFFECT READING
PROFICIENCY
1. Language and Literacy Skill:
Strong language and literacy skills, including
vocabulary knowledge, phonological awareness, and
understanding of grammar, are foundational for reading
proficiency. Difficulties in these areas can impact student’s
reading ability.
Phonological awareness skills Understanding grammar
1. Rhyming 1. Sentence Segmentation
2. Syllable Segmentation 2. Word Order
3. Sound Blending 3. Subject-Verb Agreement
4. Sound Isolation 4. Verb Tense
5. Sound Substitution 5. Pronoun Usage
6. Sound Deletion
7. Sound Manipulation
2. Phonics and Word Recognition:
The ability to decode words accurately and efficiently is crucial for
reading comprehension. Difficulties in phonics (the relationship
between sound and letters) and word recognition can impede reading
proficiency. Phonics helps children decode unfamiliar words by
teaching them the relationship between letters and sounds. When
faced with a new word, children can use their knowledge of phonics to
break it down into individual sounds and blend them together to form
the word. Word recognition, on the other hand, involves quickly
identifying words by sight without having to decode them. It is an
essential skill for fluent reading. When children can recognize words
automatically, they can read more fluently and focus on
comprehension rather than struggling with decoding.
3. Fluency
Fluency refers to the ability to read with speed,
accuracy, and expression. Students who struggle with
fluency may have difficulties with comprehension and
overall reading proficiency. The following can be considered:
1. Accuracy: Fluent readers are able to read words accurately without
stumbling or making errors. This allows them to quickly recognize and
decode words, leading to better comprehension.
2. Speed: Fluent readers are able to read at an appropriate speed, neither too
fast nor too slow. Reading at a moderate pace helps maintain focus and
engagement with the text, leading to better understanding.
3. Expression: Fluent readers use appropriate expression and intonation while
reading. They are able to convey the meaning and emotions of the text
through their tone of voice. This enhances comprehension and makes the
reading more engaging.
4. Comprehension: Fluent readers are able to focus more on the meaning of the
text rather than on decoding individual words. This improves their overall
comprehension and allows them to make connections between ideas in the
text.
4. Comprehension Strategies
Effective reading comprehension strategies, such as
making predictions, summarizing, and making connections,
are essential for understanding and interpreting text. Weak
comprehension strategies can hinder reading proficiency.
5. Instructional Quality
The quality of reading instructions and the strategies
use by teachers can significantly impact reading proficiency.
Effective instructional methods, individualized support, and
and targeted interventions can enhance reading skills
6. Home Support
The support and involvement of parents or care givers
in a child’s reading development can make a difference.
Engaging in reading activities at home, such as reading aloud,
discussing books, providing literate home environment, can
positively influence reading proficiency.
7. Individual Differences
Each individual has unique strengths, weakness, and
learning styles. Factors such as cognitive abilities, attention,
and motivation can influence reading proficiency.
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• https://
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titudes_on_Students'_
English_Reading_Proficiency
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[Link]/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/encouraging-reading-
writing/how-to-motivate-your-child-to-read
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or-pleasure/
• https://
[Link]/article/phonics-and-word-recognition-instruction-reading
-teachers
