INTRODUCTION

“Experience is the best teacher. Proverb”

Reading is an ubiquitous aspect of everyone’s lives. People engage in varying degrees of

reading--some more than others, some out of necessity. Regardless, reading remains an integral

part of every individual’s life, a practice that has been ingrained in us since time immemorial.

Reading experiences are journeys of the mind, enabling individuals to immerse

themselves in a realm of words, ideas, and imagination. Reading is a fundamental human activity

treasured for centuries, serving as a conduit of communication, education, and entertainment.

Whether it is a captivating novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction book, a poem, or an

informative article, reading unveils a realm of possibilities and provides a distinctive and

personal experience for each reader. Within the pages of a book, readers can traverse distant

lands, journey through history, and interact with diverse cultures and characters.

It is believed that everyone has their own unique reading experience. One remarkable

aspect of reading is its ability to transport us to different times, places, and perspectives.

As shared by Lee (2023):

My most indelible reading experience came when I was eight years old. I
was always a bookish kid but became even more so when my father was
diagnosed with cancer that same year. As the world around me grew busier and
more frantic, I retreated further into the make-believe world of stories, where
events made sense and where characters learned things from adversity. In
reading about children who had to survive embarrassing or traumatic situations, I
began to understand that maybe one day I would look back on my father’s illness
and death as part of something bigger, as part of the trajectory of my life and life
in general. (Paragraph Number 7)

In a world inundated with a myriad of information sources and forms of entertainment,

the act of reading often resides in the shadow of its more visually stimulating counterparts.

Nevertheless, the significance of reading cannot be overstated. It stands as a cornerstone of

human knowledge acquisition, cognitive development, and cultural enrichment.

 Beyond its utilitarian function, reading transcends boundaries, opening doors to new

perspectives, experiences, and worlds.

Reading allows the integration of knowledge that facilitates training processes and

successful coping with academic and personal situations. In higher education, this reading

comprehension has to provide students with autonomy to self-direct their academic-professional

learning and provide critical thinking in favor of community service.

Reading enables the integration of knowledge, fostering effective training processes and

successful coping with academic and personal challenges. In higher education, reading

comprehension must empower students with autonomy, allowing them to self-direct their

academic-professional learning and engage in critical thinking to contribute to community

service.

Reading also stimulates the imagination, awakening our creativity and broadening our

mental horizons. As we visualize the scenes described in a book, we breathe life into the worlds,

constructing vivid landscapes, complex characters, and intricate plots within our minds. The

power of literature resides in its ability to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and challenge our

beliefs, all while instilling a sense of wonder and enchantment. Moreover, reading serves as a

valuable tool for acquiring knowledge and deepening our understanding of the world.

Whether we seek information about a specific topic, delve into academic research, or

explore philosophical concepts, books furnish us with a wealth of information and insights.

Reading enhances our critical thinking skills, improves our vocabulary and language

proficiency, and cultivates a lifelong love of learning. In the digital age, reading experiences

have transcended traditional print books. E-books, audiobooks, and online platforms have

widened access to literature, rendering it more convenient and accessible to readers worldwide.

Through reading, we gather and experience so much from everyone around us. These

shared experiences become opportunities to learn. A foundation in reading has always been the

cornerstone of our educational system since its inception. Through reading, we uncover new
methods to enhance student’s interest in fundamental reading skills, such as reading

comprehension.

Many educators promote the practice of reading beyond the classroom to enhance reading

comprehension, vocabulary, general knowledge, and cultural awareness. Students who engage in

independent reading demonstrate higher levels of reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and

general knowledge compared to their non-reading counterparts. They evolve into comprehensive

readers, achieving higher scores on examinations or quizzes across all subject areas and

possessing greater content knowledge than peers who do not prioritize reading.

Furthermore, reading aids students in developing critical thinking and enhances reading

comprehension, contributing to the benefits observed across all subject areas in this study.

Reading can reinforce previously taught skills, including grammar and reading comprehension.

According to Thomson (2023), the study results, along with students’ experiences in
reading, are as follows:

Students who very much like reading had a score that corresponded to
them “agreeing” a lot with four of the eight statements and “agreeing” a little
with the other four. They also reported that they read for fun and read things they
chose themselves “every day or almost every day,” on average. Students who do
not like reading had scores that corresponded to “disagreeing a little” with four
of the eight statements and “agreeing” a little with the other four. They also
reported that they read for fun and read things they chose themselves only “once
or twice a month, on average. (Page 2/Paragraph 7)

Reading and learning are skills that should not be taken for granted. They are not

something that can be set aside. Reading is a skill that all learners will need and value throughout

their lives.

Additionally, reading introduces you to different words and perspectives, strengthening

your language skills and sharpening your sentence structure. It provides you with a better

command of the language, all of which are crucial for mastering it.

Ultimately, reading experiences are deeply personal and subjective. Each reader brings

their unique background, interests, and perspectives, which influence the way they interpret and
connect with the written word. It is acknowledged that frustrated readers can have a range of

experiences that significantly impact their enjoyment and engagement with a book.

Here are some common frustrations that readers may encounter: (1) lack of interest; (2)

pacing of reading; (3) poor writing and editing; (4) excessive description or info-dumping; and

(5) level of difficulty of the topic.

They are among the readers who encounter the greatest challenges with Modular

Approach. Given that face-to-face classes are still prohibited in most schools, they rely on their

Modules or Modular Books for assistance.

The Modular Approach is burgeoning trend in educational thinking that transitions from

the traditional method of instruction to an Outcome-Based Learning Paradigm. Modularization is

grounded in the principle of dividing the curriculum into small, discrete modules or units that are

independent and typically short in duration. A learner can experience the following within the

Modular Approach:

1. Flexibility and Personalization: One of the primary advantages of the modular

approach is its flexibility. Learners can advance at their own pace, selecting modules

according to their individual needs and interests.

2. Clear Learning Objectives: Modular learning typically entails well-defined learning

objectives for each module. Learners understand what they are expected to achieve or

learn within a specific module.

3. Enhanced Understanding and Retention: By focusing on one concept at a time,

learners can concentrate on comprehending and internalizing the material thoroughly.

The modular approach encourages deeper exploration, critical thinking, and reflection

on each topic, fostering a more comprehensive understanding. This often leads to

better retention of information in the long term.

Therefore, this aligns with the main objective of the research. The aim is to develop a

Reading Intervention Program for Frustrated Readers, aiding their learning in both the Modular
Approach and during Face-to-Face Classes. The aim is to enable them to acquire the necessary

skills without succumbing to frustration.

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter provides an overview of relevant works that have been conducted to

investigate the subject. The literature review incorporates both local and foreign pieces of

literature and studies that are pertinent to the present research. Each piece of literature provides

insights into the sources of frustration and difficulties experienced by readers.

A noteworthy contribution comes from an article by Tutornereds titled “5 Reasons Why

Reading Comprehension Frustrates Your Child,” Tutornerds (2021) articulated that:

One of the biggest reasons why learners feel frustrated when they are reading, is
because of the subject matter. Many learners feel and become frustrated with
what they are reading because it takes time to understand the text. They don’t get
the satisfaction of completing a difficult task. (Page 1 / Paragraph #1).

In another article, this time published by Oxford Learning, they shed light on the

matter. In their article titled “Why Students Struggle with Reading (& What to Do If Your

Child Is Falling Behind),” Oxford Learning (2019) asserted that:

Learners nowadays get frustrated in reading because of the lack of support they are
getting. Different learners have different support needs. Support includes the availability
of reading materials, one-on-one support from teachers, and additional learning
accommodations. Without these resources, learners who require additional help begin to
fall behind and feel frustrated. (Paragraph 1 and 2)

Taking a deeper dive, another article by Cicerchia (2022). Her article titled “7 Ways to

Help a Frustrated Student” articulated that:

Learners are more emotional nowadays. They feel more frustrated, and they tend to be
more defensive. As a result, their reading comprehension starts to degrade, and they
feel less motivated. It is best to review and help the learner on a one-on-one basis.
(Paragraph 5)

Furthermore, in the article titled “Problem-Solving the Complexities of Reading

Comprehension Minds” by the National Association of School Psychologists (2021), they

expounded:
 One of the biggest difficulties for a learner to Reading Comprehension is Reading Fluency.
A learner’s Reading Fluency must be sufficient to support comprehension and focus their
attention on understanding the meaning of the text, rather than on decoding words. Fluent
readers not only read words accurately and effortlessly, but they also simultaneously
integrate the understanding of vocabulary and prior knowledge in the text. (Paragraph 4)

Finally, delving into perspectives from abroad, Lynch (2020), and his article titled “Why

Students Struggle with Reading Comprehension” shares his insights, emphasizing that:

One of the biggest reasons why learners are having difficulty in comprehending what
they read is because of Lack Phonological Awareness. When a learner does not know
how to say the words they are reading it takes time for them to understand what the
text is all about. Hence, they need more time to read and learn what they are reading.

Similarly, in the Philippines, numerous learners encounter similar challenges in reading.

Referencing the article titled “Frustration Level: 42K Iloilo Learners Have Reading Problem” by

Sornito (2020), the author provides a compelling insight into the struggles that learners face in

relation to reading as:

The learners reached this level because of their lack of getting the main idea of the
text. The text, according to the learners, is too difficult for them and it takes an
amount of time to understand it. (Paragraph 3)

Moreover, in the context of the Philippines, a writer has presented alarming information

that holds relevance in today’s educational landscape. Manlapig’s (2020) article, titled “What’s

to Blame for the Low Reading Comprehension of the Filipino Youth?” states:

Most of the materials of the learners are not properly managed. They are only giving
out materials that are approved by the Department of Education, but no adjustments
were considered to the interest and needs of the students. That is why most students
find it too difficult to read. Hence, they sort to other easier materials. Thinking that
they will learn faster there. However, the learners may not be sure if the materials
suffice their learning needs. (Paragraph 8)

Finally, Cruz (2019), in her news article titled “Why Can’t Our Students Read?” shares

pertinent information on the subject as she posits:

 Most of the learners tend to feel frustrated in reading the text mainly because of the lack of
feedback and intervention. With the growing number of learners, each learner has different
needs in their tasks. This means the teacher needs to cater to them all. (Paragraph 2)

However, these learners have the potential for improvement from their current situation.

Frustration does not mark the end for them; rather, they can discover ways to enhance their status

as Frustrated Readers. Numerous articles and research have articulated and offered insights on

this matter.

In an article written by Indeed (2022), they stated that:

One of the most effective ways to build your skills is to practice. Developing your reading
skills will ultimately take time. Every day, give at least 10 to 15 minutes each day to read.
You can read news articles, fiction, magazines, or any kind of text, if you are taking the time
to practice your reading skills. (Paragraph 12)

In another article written by Montgomery (2022), she suggested that:

Reading and comprehension rely on a combination of vocabulary. So, you must be able to
understand words before you can understand the text. If you are struggling to understand
a specific word, it's sometimes possible to pick up meaning through context clues (how
the words are used in the sentence). Also, another idea is to look up the definitions of
words with which you aren't familiar. As you read, make sure to keep a list of words you
don't readily recognize and make yourself a set of flashcards of the words and their
definitions. Dedicate fifteen minutes two or three times a week to learn and practice these
new words you learned. (Paragraph 24)
Furthermore, the article entitled “Try These 7 Effective Strategies to Improve Reading

Fluency for Your Child or Student” by Wise (2022) provides ideas on enhancing reading skills.

The researchers recommended:

One of the best ways to improve your reading skills is to Encourage independent
reading about topics of interest. Encourage yourself to read independently as often as
possible. Allow yourself to choose topics that interest you. Be open to many kinds of
knowledge you can learn from. (Paragraph 3)

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, various researchers, articles, and other mediums have

shared their insights on the subject. Notably, Mangila, et al. (2020) in their research titled

“Helping Struggling Readers to Read: The Impact of the Care for the Non-Readers (CRN)

Program on Filipino Pupils' Reading Proficiency,” suggested that:

 One of the best ways to improve one's reading skills is Private Reading. It is a
cognitive process that involves a reader trying to follow a message from a writer who
is distant in space and responds to it. Regardless of anonymity, a writer’s reading and
response are not explicitly observable. (Page 198/Paragraph 1)

Moreover, in another research conducted by Atordido (2022), the study titled “Improving

Struggling Readers' Reading Attitude and Comprehension using LINKS (i.e., An Integrated

Literature-Skills Instructional Framework)” elaborated that:

There must be constant intervention and constant follow-up to the reader’s development
of the skill. The home literacy environment supports the kind of instruction given by the
school in providing readers with authentic and interesting materials and encouraging
reading for pleasure and enjoyment. (Page 45/Paragraph 3)

Finally, the research titled “Impact of Continuous Improvement Program (i.e., Project

Readers) in the Reading Level of Grade 7 Students under Frustration Level in San Isidro

National High School, Antipolo City” provides a comprehensive explanation of the topic. The

researcher discussed:

How a design program can help improve as well as involve both teachers and parents
to closely help and monitor their children in reading at home. In addition, creating a
team that will ensure strict monitoring and evaluation of the reader’s skills can help the
learners. (Page 439/Page 2)
REFERENCES

BOOKS

An Individual Approach in English Language Teaching: An Evaluation of Modular

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Improving Struggling Readers' Reading Attitude and Comprehension using LINKS (An
Integrated Literature-Skills Instructional Framework). Catherine C. Atordido. 2022.

Modular Approach: Its Effect on Learners’ Reading Attitude and Proficiency in the New
Normal. 2021. Aslima M. Marohombsar. International Journal of Linguistics Studies.

Survey on the Reading Difficulties Of K-12 Learners in Selected Tagalog-Speaking

Provinces: Basis for Intervention. Annalyn Jawili-Decena. 2021. Marinduque State College.

A Short Analysis of the Nature of Reading. Feng Liu. 2020. School of Foreign
Languages. Qingdao University of Science and Technology.

Helping Struggling Readers to Read: The Impact of the Care for the Non-Readers (CRN)
Program on Filipino Pupils' Reading Proficiency. Benjamin Baguio Mangila et.al. 2020. Josefina
H. Cerilles State College.

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