Abstract
M.Ed.
The purpose of this study is primarily to evaluate
the curriculum of the subject Communication English
with specific reference to the component of reading
and spelling. The rationale is to determine whether
or not the reading and spelling skills of college
students comply with the requirements of the private
sector and, if found to be inadequate, appropriate
recommendations would be made. The detrimental effect
of reading and spelling problems on a person's entire
being and self-actualization is attested by the
literature.
A needs analysis was done by means of questionnaires
to establish how the course makes provision for various
aspects of a communicative language curriculum. The
questionnaires were completed by three groups, these
being the N2 and N3 students, the lecturers of
Communication English and various members of the
private sector. For purposes of this study only the
relevant questions concerning reading and spelling
from the questionnaires were highlighted.
The results of the reading and spelling tests showed
that there is a significant discrepancy between the
students' reading and spelling ages and their
chronological ages, it would appear as if they
are below the required norm by approximately four
years.
From the responses of the questionnaires it was
apparent that a high premium was attached to competence
in reading and spelling skills.