Exploring Effective Reading Methods to Improve the Comprehension Skills of Grade 6 Learners

: This qualitative research aims to examine and understand successful reading techniques that can improve the abilities of Grade 6 students in the subjects of Filipino and English at Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School to learn and understand word reading. By analyzing the perspectives and experiences of teachers and students, the study aims to acquire in-depth knowledge of strategies and approaches that have been proven effective in enhancing reading comprehension. This study provides valuable knowledge for future teachers, emphasizing the importance of accepting different reading methods and prioritizing student-centered approaches. It also provides recommendations for teachers, administrators, and institutions to improve students' learning in word reading, understand the structure of the language used, and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. As education continues to evolve for students, the findings of this research contribute to the ongoing discussion on effective reading methods, providing guidance for teachers to overcome the complexities for reading and foster a love for learning among students.


INTRODUCTION
Reading was once viewed as an ability acquired in the early years of schooling.Instead, it is now recognized as an expanding set of knowledge, skills, and strategies that individuals build on throughout life in various contexts and interactions.Effective readers use complex processes to make meaning of words, symbols, and non-print texts (Castles, Rastle & Nation, 2018).In the field of education, educators need to have effective reading methods that help learners understand what they are reading.Effective diagnosis of reading problems is also important in identifying possible solutions, particularly for sixth-grade students who are experiencing reading difficulties.Students may struggle with word decoding, understanding the structure of the language being used, or comprehending specific vocabulary related to a particular topic.Therefore, we need to search for and utilize strategies that can enhance their comprehension abilities.This research project aims to study effective reading methods and how they can make a difference for sixth-grade students.We will examine the various approaches to reading instruction used by teachers and determine which ones truly work.Our goal is to expand our knowledge about reading instruction and provide valuable insights that teachers can apply in the classroom.It is crucial to support struggling readers through a combination of approaches that include phonics, reading comprehension, and oral language strategies.Keep in mind that no one solution is suitable for all learners.Instead, understanding the underlying causes of a student's reading difficulties is key to selecting the most effective intervention strategies.By addressing these challenges, we can empower sixth-grade students to become proficient readers and succeed academically.

Objectives:
Our primary goal or objective in this qualitative research is to conduct a thorough examination and gain a deep understanding of the most effective reading methods for sixth-grade students.We aim to explore how these methods can significantly enhance their comprehension skills and improve their overall reading abilities.These goals include identifying and analyzing effective strategies that can help in developing the student's reading proficiency.We also make an effort to truly grasp the different factors that affect their understanding, like their language skills, prior knowledge, and reading habits.Moreover, we strive to delve into the obstacles students encounter in reading and provide recommendations to help them overcome these challenges and enhance their comprehension of texts.In this research, our objective is to provide teachers with valuable insights and practical guidance.We aim to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to support students effectively and foster their educational growth.We hope to equip them with practical information and effective approaches to enhance teaching methodologies and promote better reading comprehension among sixth-grade students.1.To identify and examine the current reading methods being used in grade 6 classrooms.2. To identify any challenges or barriers encountered in implementing effective reading methods in grade 6 classrooms.3. To provide recommendations for educators on the adoption and implementation of effective reading methods to enhance comprehension skills in grade 6 learners.By exploring all of these things in a really thorough way, we hope to uncover some fresh and innovative strategies that can empower sixth graders to become strong readers.

METHOD AND DESIGN
In this study, qualitative research will be employed.This approach involves in-depth exploration and analysis of various reading methods.Data will be gathered through semi-structured interviews with educators.Thematic analysis will be applied to interview data.This qualitative design aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of different reading approaches in enhancing the comprehension skills of Grade 6 learners.

SELECTION OF PARTICIPANT
The participants involved in this research are teachers from the sixth grade of Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School who teach English and Filipino subjects.They actively participated in order to conduct this research.We conducted this research by providing them with guide questions so that we could gather information about effective methods to enhance the reading comprehension of students in the sixth grade.They were able to answer and share this information with us properly.

INTERVIEW AND OBSERVATION GUIDE
These are the questions we used to successfully conduct the research 1.What reading methods or approaches do you currently use in your Grade 6 classroom to improve comprehension skills? 2. How do you assess the effectiveness of these reading methods in enhancing the comprehension skills of your students?3. What challenges or barriers do you encounter when implementing effective reading methods in your classroom?4. Are there any specific resources or materials that you find helpful in teaching reading comprehension to Grade 6 learners?

DATA ANALYSIS
In gathering data, we focused on exploring the stories and reflections of grade 6 teachers who teach Filipino and English subjects.According to them, these strategies have helped enhance the reading comprehension of grade 6 pupils in their school.These strategies include improving the students' vocabulary and providing catchy reading materials, most of which are obtained online.The use of question-and-answer sessions about their readings has also been a great help in improving their vocabulary, recall, and review of what they have read, as well as in visualizing the content.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Prior to conducting this research, we ensured its approval from the school where the study will take place.We sought permission from the teachers of the sixth grade who handle English and Filipino subjects.They voluntarily participated and shared their knowledge regarding effective reading methods and strategies they use to enhance the reading comprehension skills of Grade 6 learners.Implementing effective reading methods in the classroom can be challenging due to various factors.One challenge is the need for students to have some reading proficiency and receive explicit instruction in skills and strategies for reading comprehension.In this research, we will hear about what the teachers in the sixth grade did in teaching English and Filipino subjects to help their students enhance their comprehension skills.Some of the teachers we interviewed shared their current practices in their classrooms.They mentioned that to foster active participation and encourage analytical thinking in Grade 6 students, it is beneficial to create opportunities for them to engage in discussions about their readings.By pairing them with their classmates, they can compare their ideas and interpretations of the text, which helps develop their analytical skills and gain diverse perspectives.Additionally, using reading comprehension tests that cover various topics, such as science and society, can provide a structured and guided approach for students to practice their comprehension skills.These tests usually include challenging comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, and writing tasks, enabling students to enhance their reading abilities in a systematic way.

DISCUSSIONS
To evaluate the impact of improving reading comprehension skills in Grade 6 students, one approach is to regularly assign reading reflections.These reflections allow students to share their personal insights, connections to the text, and any difficulties they encountered.By analyzing these written reflections, valuable information can be obtained regarding individual comprehension levels and the development of critical thinking skills.Another method is to assess students' vocabulary.Pre-and post-assessments can be used to measure improvements in their vocabulary.This assessment helps determine if the exercises and discussions have contributed to expanding their vocabulary and if they can effectively use new words in context.A teacher may encounter challenges when teaching reading comprehension, which will not disappear.Some challenges in implementing reading methods are poor vocabulary, lack of interest in reading, lack of focus on reading, with the number of students, each student cannot be focused on to learn to read, and lack of materials provided by the school.They also used materials to help the learners' reading journey.These are just some of the materials that helped improve the reading comprehension of grade 6 students.These include printable colored reading materials with pictures that we print for them to use in reading, and big story books that are super catchy for them.Through these reading materials they are more motivated to learn to read and understand what they read.

RESULTS
In the effort of Grade 6 teachers to focus on their students' reading, they do everything they know and can to employ effective strategies to improve the reading comprehension skills of the learners in Grade 6.This means that they allocate sufficient time and activities aimed at strengthening the students' ability to read and understand.This may include providing activities such as reading various types of texts, conducting discussions, and utilizing reading comprehension strategies.Through these measures, teachers hope to enhance the reading skills of their students and provide them with valuable knowledge and skills for their development as intelligent individuals.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we explore and analyze carefully the various strategies used by teachers in Grade 6 to further enhance the reading comprehension of learners.It also shows how effective these methods and strategies are.The purpose of this study is to help and add more knowledge to teachers about effective methods and strategies that can be applied to grade 6 learners.
Comprehension is the reason for reading.If readers can read the words but do not understand or connect to what they are reading, they are not reading.Good readers are both purposeful and active and have the skills to absorb what they read, analyze it, make sense of it, and make it their own.Teachers can play a critical role in helping students develop their comprehension skills.Reading research has shown that comprehension instruction can help students do a better job of understanding and remembering what they read.Good instruction can also help students communicate with others, verbally and in writing, about what they've read.(reading rockets.orgBasics: Reading Comprehension)