Self-assessment and Parts of Speech to Improve Reading Comprehension

Abstract

This innovation focused on self-assessment and parts of speech to improve reading comprehension. During four weeks, this action research was applied to 26 second baccalaureate students at an A1 English level in a public high school institution in Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador. This paper is a mixed study that combined quantitative and qualitative instruments. The instruments applied to collect data were pre and post-tests, survey and checklists. Findings show that the innovation’s impact was Cohen d= 1.42, which indicates a large effect size. As showed in the pre and post-test, after applying the innovation, learners improved their reading comprehension skills. According to the pre and post checklists, participants could improve word recognition and use them correctly in a text. According to the survey students’ perspectives, they said that it was difficult to interpret passages at first because they did not know the meaning or function of the words, but they overcame their concerns after the innovation. This research is important for those who are interested in the educational field and EFL teachers who are focused on teaching reading strategies.