Improving Grade 5 Learners’ Reading Comprehension Skills through TechPlay Fusion Strategy

Abstract

The Grade 5 Philippine Informal Reading Inventory Assessment conducted in 2023 revealed that out of a population of 204 learners, 61 were categorized as experiencing frustration, as they showed withdrawal from reading situations by refusing to read. These results clearly demonstrate the extent to which learners in the Philippines struggle with reading comprehension. Through this, the researchers conducted this research to be part of the solution regarding reading comprehension of Grade 5 learners. The present study employed quasi-experimental quantitative research design to improve the reading comprehension skills of Grade 5 learners in an elementary school through the TechPlay Fusion strategy - a dynamic teaching approach that blends technology and interactive games to make reading more engaging, and help students improve comprehension, vocabulary, and retention. The respondents were two regular sections of the Grade 5 learners who agreed to attend the face-to-face classes during the third quarter of the school year 2023-2024. Based on the findings, Grade 5 learners attained satisfactory pre-test scores with a difference mean of 1.83, while the post test score went one step higher, from "Satisfactory" to “Very Satisfactory" ratings with a mean difference of 2.41. Based on the significant findings of the study, the strategy is an effective, useful and relevant strategy in improving the Grade 5 learners’ reading comprehension. The TechPlay Fusion Strategy assists not only the learners’ comprehension but also the learners’ vocabulary and retention.