Comprehension Challenges Among Learners: Intervention and Support System of Teachers

Abstract

This study explored the perspectives of Grade 2 teachers in addressing the reading comprehension challenges of struggling learners in the Santa Maria West District, Davao Occidental Division. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive research design, data were collected through interviews to capture teachers’ observations, instructional practices, and insights within their natural classroom settings. Anchored on the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, the study examined comprehension as influenced by linguistic, cognitive, instructional, and systemic factors. Findings revealed that learners experience significant difficulties in vocabulary development, word recognition, and higher-order comprehension skills such as sequencing, retelling, and inferencing. Language barriers were evident, as many learners demonstrated greater proficiency in Bisaya and Filipino than in English, often resulting in disengagement and low participation during classroom activities. To address these challenges, teachers implemented scaffolded and adaptive strategies, including guided reading, differentiated instruction, translanguaging, vocabulary enrichment, and the use of visual and interactive materials to enhance engagement. However, systemic constraints such as limited instructional time, insufficient professional training, lack of structured literacy programs, and minimal parental involvement hindered the effectiveness of these interventions. Teachers emphasized the importance of sustained institutional support through targeted professional development, adequate resource allocation, school-wide literacy initiatives, and strengthened family engagement. The study proposes a contextualized literacy support framework integrating teacher capacity building, structured instructional resources, and collaborative partnerships to improve literacy outcomes.