Reading Challenges and Coping Strategies of Grade 3 Learners

A study involving 112 Grade 3 learners in the General Luna District during the 2024–2025 school year investigated reading challenges and coping strategies. Using an embedded mixed-method design, the research analyzed the relationship between learners' socio-economic profiles (sex, parental education, occupation, income, family size) and their difficulties in word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Quantitative data was collected via researcher-made questionnaires.

The study found that learners experienced highly challenging reading difficulties across all domains. Specifically, word recognition challenges were significantly impacted by the learners' sex and family size. Qualitative data revealed that learners used multisensory coping strategies, including phonics, timed practices, readers' theater, thesaurus use, and various graphic organizers.

In response to the findings, the 'Multimodal Enhanced Remediation with Coping Approach in Direct Opportunities' (MERCADO) intervention was developed. MERCADO incorporates multimodal approaches and contextualized reading selections to address challenges in word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The study recommends piloting MERCADO, implementing gender-sensitive educational programs, and conducting further research to ensure continuous improvements in literacy.