Abstract:
Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills for learners not only in English language
learning but also in other school subjects in the school curriculum.The inability of the pupils to read and
comprehend in English language effectively remains a challenge to learners of English as a second language
particularly at primary school level. For the teacher to find out whether learners are comprehending what they
are reading, assessment needs to be done during and after the lesson. The purpose of this paper was to examine
the methods used to assess learners in English reading comprehension skills for effective communicationThe
study was based on Vygotsky’s (1978) theory of social interaction and his concept of zone of proximal
development (ZPD). Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The sample for the study was obtained
through proportionate sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling. The study sample consisted
of 112 Standard 7 pupils and 16 teachers from 8 selected schools. Data was collected using questionnaires,
interview schedules and observation checklist. Piloting of the instruments was done. Reliability of the
instruments was tested using test retest technique. A reliability coefficient above 0.8 was obtained and
considered acceptable. Both qualitative and quantitative data was generated. Qualitative data was organized
according to the study themes and presented descriptively on the basis of the study objectives. Descriptive
statistics was used to analyse quantitative data. Quantitative data was coded and entered in the computer for
analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analysed in line with the
objectives and summarized in tables and pie charts. The study found out thatSeveral methods were used in
assessing learners. The most frequently used method were written questions, then oral questions and silent
reading. However, the most effective method identified was written answers followed by aloud reading and
silent reading.
