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Abstract:
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The aims of this project were:
a) to collect data on the reading proficiency in English of primary school children in Malawi.
b) to report on methods used by teachers in primary schools in the
c) teaching of reading
d) to describe conditions in schools in terms of class size, books, and
e) teacher qualifications
f) to characterise the approach to reading in teacher training colleges
English is taught as a subject for the first four years (standards) and is the medium of education for the last four years in the primary schools of Malawi. Following an initial preparatory visit to Malawi, it was decided to assess reading proficiency by means of two tests. The first was a specially prepared modified cloze test of 60 items, graded into three subtests aimed at years 3, 4 and 6 of primary schools. The second test was an individual read aloud test with comprehension questions, again graded into subtests for years 3, 4 and 6. In both cases all testees were to attempt all subtests. |