EFFECT OF TRACE ELEMENT SUPPLEMENTS ON READING COMPREHENSION OF CHILDREN WITH READING DISABILITIES IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of trace elements supplements on reading comprehension of children with reading disabilities in Jos metropolis, Plateau state. The objective was to ascertain the effect of trace element supplements on the reading comprehension of children with reading disabilities. Research question and hypothesis were formulated. The research was an experimental in nature and non-equivalent pre-test, post-test experimental and control group design was employed. Reading comprehension assessment was determined using Umolu’s Informal Reading Inventory. Quantum Magnetic Resonance Analyzer was used to analyse the trace elements status of the pupils with reading disabilities. Ten pupils from primary four and five were used for the study. Five out of the ten pupils were the experimental group, and they received trace element supplements, while the remaining five were the control group and did not receive supplements. The treatment lasted for six weeks. The results of the treatments were analysed using t-test for independent samples and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings on the study revealed the important of supplements in improving the reading performance of pupils as discussed in the text. Finally, the researcher recommended the use of supplements to children with reading disabilities. However, special educators and other professionals should conduct more studies on finding the causes and treatments of central nervous system at the molecular levels, more especially as it concern the learning disabled child.