The teaching of English reading in Maltese primary schools

Abstract

This study investigated the teaching of English reading adopted by seventy-nine Maltese teachers in both state and private schools in Year 3. It also sought to investigate the teacher's views on factors that influence the teaching of English reading. Results showed that most of the teachers adopt a mixture of methods in the teaching of English reading. The 'Phonics' method and the 'Look and Say' methods proved to be the most popular. Results also showed that in the teaching of reading, more importance is given to adopting the right approach, the use of particular techniques and good skills. Teachers tended also to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of the pupils. The results indicate that most of the teachers encounter more difficulties when teaching reading in English, compared to teaching reading in Maltese.