TITLE:
The Perceived Challenges in Reading of Learners: Basis for School Reading Programs
AUTHORS:
Mary Jane L. Tomas, Erleo T. Villaros, Sheena Mai A. Galman
KEYWORDS:
Reading Skills, Reading Intervention, Reading Programs, Perceived Challenges in Reading
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.9 No.5,
May
12,
2021
ABSTRACT: This
mixed method research study was conducted to investigate the English and Filipino reading profile of
learners, challenges, difficulties and lessons, the schools’ agenda and
initiatives for the enrichment of reading programs to eliminate these reading
challenges and difficulties; and stakeholders’ support and commitment. A total
4056 Filipino reading profiles and 4216 English reading profiles of Grade 1 to
Grade 7 students and responses from the interviews done with school heads and
teachers were described using descriptive measures and analyzed using thematic
analysis. Results showed that majority of the learners were at the frustration
level. Also, the perceived causes, origins and attendant variables of the
students’ reading level were non-mastery of the elements of reading, presence
of learners-at-risk, and no culture of reading. The suggested reading programs
and activities may form part in the creation of contextualized reading
curricula and be used as reading literacy initiatives in the schools. These
initiatives are categorized as Literacy Program, Individual Reading Recovery
Program and Enrichment/Enhancement Program.