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English Reading Proficiency and Academic Performance Among Lower Primary School Children in Ghana

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  • Kingsley Nyarko
  • Nuworza Kugbey
  • Collins Courage Kofi
  • Yaa Adubea Cole
  • Kobina Impraim Adentwi

Abstract

There have been several issues about the reading skills and abilities of children in Ghana, and how reading proficiency might influence the academic performance of children. In view of the above, this study examined the influence of reading proficiency on the academic performance of lower primary school children in Accra. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 383 participants (Grades 1-3) were sampled in Accra. The children were administered questionnaires that measured their English reading proficiency, paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and demographic characteristics as well as their academic performance. Results showed that reading proficiency was significantly and positively related with children’s performance on all standard performance tests after controlling for paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and age. Type of school significantly affected academic performance, however, no gender differences were observed in the children’s academic performance. The implications for educational practice and research are espoused.

Suggested Citation

  • Kingsley Nyarko & Nuworza Kugbey & Collins Courage Kofi & Yaa Adubea Cole & Kobina Impraim Adentwi, 2018. "English Reading Proficiency and Academic Performance Among Lower Primary School Children in Ghana," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(3), pages 21582440187, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:8:y:2018:i:3:p:2158244018797019
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244018797019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vuong, Quan-Hoang & La, Viet-Phuong & Nguyen, Thanh-Huyen T. & Nguyen, Minh-Hoang & Vuong, Thu-Trang & Vuong, Ha-My & Ho, Manh-Toan, 2021. "Impacts of parents and reading promotion on creating a reading culture: Evidence from a developing context," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    2. John Nartey Kanamitie & John Nketsiah & Kennedy Asenso, 2023. "English Language Proficiency: A Predictor of Academic Performance in Biology," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(3), pages 358-367, March.

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