Thesis Organization Research Design

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1.6 Thesis Organization

This study is organized in the five chapters. The first chapter is about general introduction. Chapter two presents my own perspective on relevant literature comprising the theories which have given shape to this study. The theories are to do with values of assessing reading comprehension and classroom- based assessment. Chapter three describes the research methodology of this study. The research methodology comprises the research design, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Chapter four elaborates findings and discussion. And chapter five attempts to offer conclusion and suggestions of this study. 39 CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH This chapter describes methodology aspects of the present study which attempts to find information about the teachers’ understanding of classroom-based reading assessment, the techniques employed by the teachers in assessing reading comprehension, and the way the teachers construct classroom-based reading assessment. Three main methodology aspects of the study are discussed, i.e. first, research design, second, data collection method, and third, data analysis. Data collection method consists of questionnaire, interview, observation, and document analysis.

3.1 Research Design

The present study is qualitative in nature. It concerns a detailed description of situation. The data are collected in natural setting without being manipulated. Every detail of data contributes to a better understanding of behavior. The data focuses on process, and participants’ item of view is essential. Therefore, the objective of qualitative research is to understand participants from their items of view McMilla, 1989. To have a good understanding of a process, such a study needs observing, describing, and interpreting Lynch, 1996. This study is to do with the people such as three English teachers as research participants. In line with this, Merriam 1998 quoted in Sary, 2006:48 mentions that a case study presents the case which could be person such as a teacher, a student, a program, and so on. 40

3.2 Data Collection