Enhancing reading comprehension in Grade 5 students using the Kiddie ReCom app

Abstract

Reading comprehension is vital for understanding text through word recognition, context understanding, and inference-making. According to the recent data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2022, the Philippines landed in the bottom 10 out of 81 countries in reading comprehension. Due to the current issue the country is facing, the Kiddie ReCom website app was created to elevate students' reading comprehension across three distinct levels: literal, inferential, and evaluative. The application also includes a computer-based assessment component featuring contextualized stories crafted to capture students' interest, as well as definition and translation tools to enhance vocabulary and understanding. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Kiddie ReCom website application in improving the reading comprehension of Grade 5 students of Apokon Elementary School. Employing a quasi-experimental research design and purposive sampling in choosing 51 participants, the study is a single-case investigation devoid of a control group. Results indicated a significant difference between pre-test and posttest scores, affirming the effectiveness of the Kiddie ReCom website application in enhancing the reading comprehension abilities of Grade 5 students. Moreover, this interactive website application fosters reading comprehension and cultivates computer literacy and vocabulary skills. Recommendations for future research include refining and enhancing the application to provide students with a more engaging and interactive learning experience.