Through the Lens of Struggle: An Inquiry into the Reading Difficulties of Secondary High School Learners

Abstract

This research, adopting a Phenomenological approach, focuses on understanding the challenges students encounter in comprehending, decoding, and processing written information. Grounded in G. Reid Lyon's Phonological Processing Deficit Theory, introduced in the 1990s, the study aims to uncover the struggles of secondary high school learners facing reading difficulties. Data were gathered through In-Depth Interview and Focused-group Discussion among secondary teachers. Content thematic analysis was used to craft the main themes. Lived experiences on the struggles of secondary high school learners with reading difficulties were: reading difficulties in secondary learners, weak vocabulary and language skills, comprehension issues, learning disabilities, lacking reading motivations, difficulty with reading instruction, and technology distractions. Coping mechanisms were coined to the following themes: time management, active reading strategies, and multimodal learning resources. And finally, educational Insights that can be drawn to Mitigate reading difficulties of secondary learners: teaching approach and recognition of diverse learners, and effective encouragement through access to books and empowering tools. In the future, DepEd plans a comprehensive policy for reading difficulties, prioritizing tailored teacher training, diverse resources, and continuous support for an inclusive environment, while research informs policy and innovative education approaches.