Techniques and Strategies Employed by Multigrade Teachers of Mahabang Gulod Primary School: Basis for Enhancement Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Multigrade teaching is a situation in which one teacher has to teach many grades, all at the same time. As a facilitator of learning in multigrade class, a teacher multiplies his responsibility in creating harmonious and effective teaching and interaction in a class. He should engage everyone to develop their self-esteem and be confident to share opinions and ideas. He also has this responsibility to be creative in making activities that will catch the attention of the learners and make them focus on the activity they engaged in.

METHODS

This study used questionnaires as a tool to gather data. The researchers sent letters of approval to the school administrators or school heads. Moreover, questionnaires were issued to the respondents. The researchers used sampling design which allows the selection of an available group of respondents. In this study, the selection of the respondents is based on the years of service.

RESULTS

Based on the results gathered from the questionnaires issued, 50% of multigrade teachers from Mahabang Gulod Primary School had to serve the Department of Education for 3 years. 25% of them served for 2 years and another 25% serve for 15 years. A great number of them agreed that the most effective technique and strategy in multigrade teaching are by Organizing Group and Activity. They believe that this help students develop their sense of belongingness with their classmates and share their ideas and opinions. This was followed by using Positive Discipline; they consider this strategy because they believe that this can motivate children to study harder. They also use Giving extra attention to children with special needs. Thisis very effective with students with special needs. In a class, there is always a fast learner, average learner, and slow learners.

DISCUSSIONS

This study shows that there are many teaching techniques and strategies a multigrade teacher uses to deliver the lesson efficiently and effectively. Among those strategies, the most commonly used are the Organizing groups and activity, Using Positive Discipline and Giving extra attention to children with special education needs. The teachers find this technique useful and helpful to the students for their better understanding. This also showed that students developed their sense of belongingness and developed their sense of responsibility.