MIKAKATI YA KUFUNDISHIA STADI YA KUSOMA KWA KUTUMIA VITABU VYA HADITHI, KATIKA SHULE ZA MSINGI ZA KAUNTI YA KAKAMEGA NCHINI KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the instructional strategies used in teaching reading skills using story books in primary schools. Reading skills are essential and a foundation for communication in life and a success to a learner in Education. It is appaling that some students can‟t read. A learner who is not able to read fluently encounters problems in communication and learning at school due to poor interpretation or low speed of reading. This study therefore sought to investigate the strategies used in teaching reading skills by using Kiswahili story books in class 4 within Kakamega municipality in Kakamega Central Sub-county of Kakamega County in Kenya. The strategies used by teachers included choosing the story books, teacher preparation, the use of the story books and the participation of the learners towards reading story books. The study was guided by the Behaviourism Theory which was proposed by Skinner. (Davis School District Curriculum and Instruction 2016, Laurete Education 2015, Rodgers 1976 and Skinner 1957). This theory explains the development of behaviour after repeated practice of activities. The theory explains that effective learning occurs when there is a lot of practice done through drilling and repeated activities as well as motivation. The study was guided by a descriptive survey. Stratified, purposeful and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting 12 primary schools which included 8 public schools and 4 private schools which were used in this research. 65 teachers of Kiswahili and class 4 learners were included in the study. Questionnaires and classroom observation were utilized in data collection. Data was analysed in line with the objectives of the study and presented in simple percentages, tables, pie charts and explanations of the respondents derived from the answers of the respondents. The research findings showed that story books had an important role in enhancing the reading skills, despite some teachers hardly use them. Those attempting to use them do it without following any clear preparation. It is randomly done. The research recommends that proper strategies be put in place to enable teachers to use story books to enhance reading skills in an organized manner.Thereading of Kiswahili story books be made compulsory and examinable at primary level in preparation for the teaching of fasihi in secondary and university level of Education.