Reading Comprehension - ELementary School

Impact of Using Graphic Organizers on

Reading Comprehension in Elementary School Children

A Dissertation

Presented to

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

of

Submitted By

2007

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to verify if there would be any considerable difference in comprehension test scores when students were instructed with and without graphic organizers with traditional basal reading instruction . The target population consisted of students from elementary school . Subjects , sixth-grade students , were involved in one-year study . Poor reading comprehension and vocabulary

skills contribute to lower achievement . Evidence for the existence of this problem included report card grades , Iowa Test of Basic Skills , and teacher observations . Analysis of possible cause indicated factors contributing to reading scores contain low intellectual ability , high mobility rate , poor reading skills , and inability to link new material with prior knowledge . A review of current literature and analysis of the identified problem in the targeted school led to the use of graphic organizers to improve comprehension

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The completion of this work would not have been possible without the assistance and support of faculty , family and friends . I would like to acknowledge some of the individuals who provided essential contributions to this work and to the completion of my doctoral studies . I wish to acknowledge and express my appreciation to my committee members who have provided guidance and assistance in the preparation of this study

I especially appreciate my professor and supervisor ______ for his full support throughout this study . I am very positive that no other person could have been a better chair for me than him . He has worked closely with me to coordinate and produce this study . I would also thank my parents and my friends who have been very encouraging

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii

CHAPTER

1 INTRODUCTION

Background

Purpose of the Study

Theoretical Framework

Statement of the Problem

Research Questions and Variables

Significance of the Study

Definition of Terms

Summary

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

Reading Comprehension

Graphic Organizers

Impact of Graphic Organizers on Reading Comprehension

Summary

3 METHODOLOGY

Introduction

Setting and Subject

Instrumentation

Materials

Research Method

Procedure

Limitations of the Study

Summary

4 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

Introduction

Research Findings

Analysis of Findings

5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Introduction

Summary

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Background

There is growing concern about how to teach reading in to produce higher reading standardized lest scores . Both educators and the general public are aware that critics blame the educational system for poor reading habits and low comprehension skills among students in our public schools (Sower , 1992 . The ability to read well is essential to successful learning and living (Snow et al , 1998 . Reading is one of the most critical skills a person can possess for survival in this information-driven age (Lemann , 1997 . Comprehension is a major issue in education . Many children have trouble in classrooms understanding textual content . According to Hendricks (1995 "The ability to read and comprehend is a necessary life skill that can direct future opportunities and...