ASSESSING FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION, THE CASE OF GRADE NINE IN MEHAL MEDA SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL AT MENZ DISTRICTS IN NORTH SHOA OF AMHARA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess factors that affect grade 9 students’ reading comprehension. Mixed method design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data for the study. Participants of the study were 500 female and male students and 20 EFL teachers. From the total population of 500 grade 9 students, 50(10%) student sand20 teachers were selected by random sampling technique. Questionnaire was a major data collecting instrument and interview, textbook analysis and classroom observation were supportive tools. Students ’and teachers’ questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively and used tables, numbers and percentages. Teachers’ interview, textbook analysis and classroom observation were analyzed qualitatively. Thus, the findings of the study showed poor foundation of students in reading, poor teaching reading techniques and strategies, low students motivation and shortage of reading materials at students ‘home and library. The other findings was students reading difficulties in comprehending English texts include: lack of concentration during reading, little or no awareness about reading strategies, word recognition deficiencies particularly that is evoked from the negative language interference between the local language and the reading text.