Filipino Students’ Reading Abilities: A Note on the Challenges and Potential Areas for Improvement

Authors

  • Mark Vergel Idulog Western Philippines University; Balabac Central School
  • Ronald Gadiano Western Philippines University; Araceli National High School
  • Edmon Toledo Western Philippines University; Bacungan Elementary School
  • Melanie Hermosada Western Philippines University; Valentin Macasaet Sr Memorial Elementary School
  • Hazel Casaldon Western Philippines University; Sta. Monica High School
  • Marianne Mariposa Western Philippines University; Tarusan Elementary School
  • Christie Geron Western Philippines University; Bacungan National High School
  • Elena Dequito Western Philippines University; Roxas National Comprehensive High School
  • Jeromea Genanda Western Philippines University; 9Roxas National Comprehensive High School
  • Mark Anthony Malipot Western Philippines University; Mangingisda West Elementary School
  • Jupeth Toriano Pentang Western Philippines University; Wesleyan University
  • Ronalyn Bautista Saint Mary’s University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v2i2.128

Keywords:

Filipino learners, Literacy Program, Non-Reader, Philippine Education, Reading Comprehension

Abstract

The reading abilities of Filipino students have been a challenge for educators and policymakers alike. Despite government efforts to improve literacy rates in the Philippines, recent studies have shown that many students need help with reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills. This research note examines the current state of reading abilities among Filipino students and potential areas for improvement. The poor reading abilities can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of resources and socioeconomic factors. However, there are identified potential areas for improvement, such as promoting early literacy programs, investing in teacher training, and developing reading materials that are culturally relevant and engaging for Filipino students. These findings have important implications for education policies and practices in the Philippines and for educators and researchers seeking to improve reading abilities among Filipino students.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Mark Vergel Idulog, Western Philippines University; Balabac Central School

 

 

Ronald Gadiano, Western Philippines University; Araceli National High School

 

 

Edmon Toledo, Western Philippines University; Bacungan Elementary School

 

 

Melanie Hermosada, Western Philippines University; Valentin Macasaet Sr Memorial Elementary School

 

 

Hazel Casaldon, Western Philippines University; Sta. Monica High School

 

 

Marianne Mariposa, Western Philippines University; Tarusan Elementary School

 

 

Christie Geron, Western Philippines University; Bacungan National High School

 

 

Elena Dequito, Western Philippines University; Roxas National Comprehensive High School

 

 

Jeromea Genanda, Western Philippines University; 9Roxas National Comprehensive High School

 

 

Mark Anthony Malipot, Western Philippines University; Mangingisda West Elementary School

 

 

Jupeth Toriano Pentang, Western Philippines University; Wesleyan University

 

 

Ronalyn Bautista, Saint Mary’s University

 

 

References

Bilbao, M., Donguilla, C., & Vasay, M. (2016). Level of reading comprehension of the education students. International Journal of Liberal Arts, Education, Social Sciences and Philosophical Studies, 4(1), 342-353. http://ejournals.ph/form/cite.php?id=13762

Boulhrir, T. (2017). Using binary logistic regression to predict long-term effects of early-age home literacy environment on reading motivation. American Journal of Educational Research, 5(8), 858-862. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-5-8-4

Caasi, N., & Pentang, J. (2022). Parental factors affecting students’ self-concept and academic performance amid modular distance learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 1(4), 202-209. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7270542

Catts, H., & Kamhi, A. (2017). Prologue: Reading comprehension is not a single ability. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 48(2), 73-76. https://doi.org/10.1044/2017_lshss-16-0033

Cimmiyotti, C. (2013). Impact of reading ability on academic performance at the primary level. [Master’s thesis, Dominican University of California]. https://doi.org/10.33015/dominican.edu/2013.edu.18

Cruz, K. (2021, November 2). DLSU researchers use machine learning for international student assessment. De La Salle University Dr. Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute. https://altdsi.dlsu.edu.ph/news/2021/11/02/dlsu-researchers-use-machine-learning-for-international-student-assessment

Cunha, V. L. O., & Capellini, S. A. (2016). Characterization of reading comprehension performance of students from 3rd to 5th grades of elementary school. Revista CEFAC, 18, 941-951. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201618421215

Dadzie, P. S. (2008). Reading for education: The roles of libraries. Ghana Library Journal, 20(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.4314/glj.v20i1.33978

DepEd Memorandum Order No. 047. (2021). Research O’clock: Evidence in learning continuity. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DM_s2021_047.pdf

DepEd Memorandum Order No. 173. (2019). Hamon: Bawat bata bumabasa. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DM_s2019_173-1.pdf

DepEd Memorandum Order No. 12. (2020). Adoption of the basic education learning continuity plan for school year 2020-2021 in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/DO_s2020_012.pdf

Duke, N., & Pearson, P. (2009). Effective practices for developing reading comprehension. Journal of Education, 189(1-2), 107-122. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022057409189001-208

Duke, N., Pearson, P., Strachan, S., & Billman, A. (2011). Essential elements of fostering and teaching reading comprehension. What research has to say about reading instruction, 4, 286-314. https://www.readinghalloffame.org/sites/default/files/03-duke-pearson-strachan-billman.2011_rev_copy.pdf

Elish-Piper, L. (2010). Information and ideas for parents about fluency and vocabulary. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 38(2), 48-49. https://www.cedu.niu.edu/literacy-clinic/resources/raising-readers/informational-texts.pdf

Ganaden, A. S. (2022, May 12). Learners’ reading skills during the pandemic. Sulong Udyong. http://www.udyong.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11240:learners-reading-skills-during-the-pandemic&catid=90&Itemid=1368

Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (2002). Attitudes and motivation in second language. Rowley Newbury House. http://eduq.info/xmlui/handle/11515/11464

International Literacy Association. (2015). Literacy in the Philippines: The stories behind numbers. https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2015/08/06/literacy-in-the-philippines-the-stories-behind-the-numbers

Issa, A. O., Aliyu, M. B., Akangbe, R. B., & Adedeji, A. F. (2012). Reading interests and habits of the Federal Polytechnic, OFFA, students. International Journal of Learning and Development, 2(1), 470-486. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v2i1.1470

Juan, R. S. (2019, December 4). DepEd welcomes PISA results, recognizes “gaps” in education quality. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/04/1974229/deped-welcomes-pisa-results-recognizes-gaps-education-quality

Lerner, J. (2000). Learning disabilities: Theory, diagnosis and teaching strategies (8th Ed.). Houghton Mifflin Company.

Llego, M. A. (2014). DepED NCR no read, no pass policy may shock you. TeacherPH. https://www.teacherph.com/deped-ncr-no-read-no-pass-policy-may-shock-you/#NO_READ_NO_PASS_POLICY

Luz, M. J. (2007). Literature and literacy: A nation of non-readers. https://old.pcij.org/stories/a-nation-of-nonreaders/

Miciano, R. Z. (2007). Two reading problems of Filipino students.

Mule, K. (2014). Types and causes of reading difficulties affecting the reading of English language: A case of grade 4 learners in selected schools in Ogong circuit of Namibia [Doctoral dissertation, UNAM University of Nambia]. http://hdl.handle.net/11070/851

Ropero, G. (2019, December 5). Why Pinoy students ranked last in reading comprehension survey. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/05/19/why-pinoy-students-ranked-last-in-reading-comprehension-survey

Sari, L. (2017). Improving reading comprehension through directed reading thinking activity (Drta) strategy for the eight grade students of Smp Negeri 17 Medan in the academic year of 2016-2017 [Masters thesis, State Islamic University of North Sumatera]. http://repository.uinsu.ac.id/2244/

Singh, Y. G. (2011). Academic achievement and study habits of higher secondary students. International Referred Research Journal, 3(27), 2.

Torres, R. (2019, July). Factors affecting the reading comprehension of intermediate level: Basis for an intervention program. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.25114.77766

Yigiter, K., Saricoban, A., & Gurses, T. (2005). Reading strategies employed by ELT learners at the advanced level. The Reading Matrix, 5(1), 124-139. http://www.readingmatrix.com/articles/saricoban/article2.pdf

Downloads

Published

2023-06-10

How to Cite

Idulog, M. V., Gadiano, R., Toledo, E., Hermosada, M., Casaldon, H., Mariposa, M., Geron, C., Dequito, E., Genanda, J., Malipot, M. A., Pentang, J. T., & Bautista, R. (2023). Filipino Students’ Reading Abilities: A Note on the Challenges and Potential Areas for Improvement. International Journal of Education and Teaching Zone, 2(2), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v2i2.128