Teaching Strategies in Reading Comprehension in Filipino: Effects on Behavioral Engagement and Academic Performance of Frustration-Level Learners

AUTHOR(S)

Vivian S Carado Jennifer D. Seposo Marlyn T. Dalmacio Judelyn B. Mag-Aso

ABSTRACT

—— This study investigates the effects of teaching strategies in reading comprehension in Filipino on the behavioral engagement and academic performance of Grade 7 and Grade 8 frustration-level learners. Many junior high school students continue to experience difficulties in understanding Filipino texts, which often results in low engagement, limited participation, and poor academic outcomes. To address these challenges, the study implements evidence-based, learner-centered instructional approaches aimed at strengthening comprehension and supporting struggling readers. The intervention integrates scaffolding techniques, guided reading sessions, explicit vocabulary instruction, and metacognitive comprehension strategies into regular classroom activities, providing multiple opportunities for learners to engage actively with the text. Data are collected through reading comprehension assessments, classroom observation checklists, and academic performance records to allow a thorough evaluation of learners’ progress. Analyses focus on improvements in comprehension skills, behavioral engagement, and academic performance. Findings indicate that learners who participate in the intervention show significant gains in identifying main ideas, interpreting textual details, and making inferences, reflecting a deeper understanding of Filipino texts. Their behavioral engagement also improves, as evidenced by greater participation, attentiveness, and consistent on-task behavior during reading activities. Academic performance demonstrates notable enhancement, with higher scores in quizzes, written outputs, and classroom assessments. These results suggest that structured, strategy-based instruction fosters a motivating and supportive learning environment. The study concludes that integrating targeted teaching strategies in Filipino reading instruction effectively enhances comprehension, engagement, and overall academic achievement, highlighting the importance of differentiated, evidence-informed practices in junior high school literacy education. Keywords: Reading comprehension, Filipino instruction, teaching strategies, behavioral engagement, academic performance, frustration-level learners