Challenges Encountered by Third Grade Teachers Handling Non-Readers In The Division of Davao City

AUTHOR(S)

ARIANNE D. JUMAWID

ABSTRACT

—— This study explored teachers’ experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms and insights in helping struggling readers in the new normal. The research participants were ten (10) selected elementary teachers assigned in schools in the Division of Davao City for school year 2022-2023 and who are currently handling grade 3 learners who are non-readers. The study results showed that the participants utilized various strategies to help struggling readers, such as conducting remedial classes, using phonetics, doing simultaneous reading, and integrating games and reading materials. In addition, the participants also encountered the following challenges: lack of student willingness, lack of parents’ cooperation, lack of time for reading, lack of reading materials, and lack of teacher’s patience. Furthermore, to address the challenges, the participants identified coping mechanisms: having more patience, fostering a supportive learning environment, using teaching strategies, and motivating themselves. Recommendations were made based on a general interpretation of teachers’ strategies, challenges, coping strategies, adjustments, and suggestions for improvement. The suggested recommendations could help the plans of the Department of Education and numerous studies and researchers. Keywords — Challenges, coping mechanisms, teachers’ strategies, struggling readers