Factors affecting reading ability of primary two pupils in Uganda

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to find out the factors that affect the reading ability of primary two pupils in Uganda. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Secondary data which was obtained from Uwezo (2016) survey was used in this study. The data was analysed using the STATA software version 15.1. The data was analysed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The Univariate analysis consisted of descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test a statistically significant relationship between the dependent and the dependent variable at a 5% level of significance. Ordinal regression was fitted for multivariate analysis. Findings revealed that older pupils in P2 were more likely to be very good at reading than their younger counterparts. Girls were more likely to have very good English reading ability than boys. P2 children of mothers with secondary education and greater than secondary were more likely to be very good at reading English than P2 pupils of mothers with no education. P2 pupils who went to private schools were more likely to be very good at reading than P2 pupils who attended government schools. P2 pupils who received private tutoring were more likely to be very good readers of English than those who never received private tutoring. P2 pupils who attended at least one year of pre-school were more likely to have very good English reading ability than those who did not. The study recommends that public pre-schools be built mainly in rural areas to cut the cost of attending pre-school with a steady flow of state funding. This is because pre-school plays a crucial role in helping children learn how to read very quickly and well by building pre-reading skills and richer vocabulary. The study recommends that parents and guardians collaborate with teachers to solve the reading weakness of their children by finding private tutors within the school or even outside the school. This is because private tutoring offers pupils the opportunity to thoroughly understand their classwork with the full attention the tutor gives the pupils.