Development of Literacy Scheme in Enhancing Struggling Readers' Skills in Identifying Characters of Afro-Asian Literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading literacy in schools was intensified by the Department of Education through different reading programs and activities. These endeavors aim to make every Filipino child a successful reader as they believed that reading would not make the minds stagnant but instead improve them further. However, in our school, the majority of the students particularly the Grade 8 Laurel are considered struggling readers. This study is to develop a literacy scheme that will help the struggling readers in Grade 8 Laurel in enhancing their skills in identifying characters in the short stories on Afro-Asian Literature.

METHODS

This study used the descriptive qualitative type of research to describe the data and characteristics of what is being studied. Initially, the researcher identified thelevel of the students in their skills of identifying characters in the short stories. A 30-item test which consists of short stories and questions on identifying characters was administered to the students of Grade 8 Laurel. in addition, the researcher conducted informal interviews on students focusing on their encountered difficulty in identifying characters of the stories.

RESULTS

The study revealed the learner's level in the skills of identifying characters of Afro-Asia literature: beginner level is 27or 65.86%; developing level are 12 or 29.27; 2 or 4.87% are in the proficient level; advanced level is 0%. Results showed that the majority of the learners need specific help that will aid them to enhance their skills in identifying characters. Moreover, the study showed the common difficulties of struggling readers in identifying characters of short stories. Wrong interpretation of words ranked 1st, lack of knowledge in identifying characters ranked 2nd. Lack of vocabulary ranked 3rd and lack of time in reading ranked 4th. in addition, the literacy scheme consists of suggested activities, games, simulations and sample worksheet that will help the struggling leaders.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that struggling readers are having difficulty in identifying characters in the short stories because of lack of vocabulary, wrong interpretation of words, lack of knowledge in identifying characters and insufficient time in reading. This means that there is a significant need for the teacher to provide appropriate activities and strategies like a literacy scheme to help them overcome these difficulties. It is recommended that a follow-up study may be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the literacy scheme.