Illiteracy in Gozo : a study of illiteracy in Form I (low-stream) classes in secondary schools

Abstract

This study gives an overview of the literacy levels of Gozitan students in low-stream early secondary education. The first chapter deals with the purposes and development of literacy where we discussed aspects that make it difficult for children to become literate. In the second chapter we give a brief historical overview of literacy levels in Gozo throughout the past hundred years. Our research is based on spelling tests carried out with students in Form l(low-stream) classes in all Gozitan Secondary State Schools. This is then followed by interviews carried out with Year 6 (low-stream) teachers in primary state schools. After analysing the results obtained we suggest aspects of literacy development programs. In this way we tried to propose a viable and effective literacy development program that could be implemented in order to cater for the needs of Gozitan students with literacy difficulties.