Teachers’ Perspectives on the Reading and Writing Subject of the Senior High School
Curriculum
The study emphasizes the perspectives of teachers regarding the Reading and Writing
subject within the Senior High School curriculum in the Philippines. This subject, according
to educators, plays a vital role in developing foundational literacy skills that are crucial for
students’ academic success, personal development, and readiness for higher education.
Teachers emphasize that the Reading and Writing subject is not merely a component of the
curriculum, but a central area for nurturing communication skills, critical thinking, and the
ability to engage with diverse texts and forms of media. As such, it is viewed as essential for
preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern society, both academically and
in their future careers.
Despite the subject’s recognized importance, teachers face numerous challenges that
hinder its effective implementation. One of the primary obstacles highlighted by educators
is the issue of time constraints. With the increasingly packed schedule of Senior High School
students and the wide range of subjects they must cover, there is limited time to focus deeply
on reading and writing activities. This makes it difficult for teachers to give individual
attention to students or to implement varied teaching strategies that cater to different
learning styles. Additionally, the diversity of student needs presents another challenge.
Teachers must address a broad spectrum of learner capabilities, ranging from those with
strong literacy skills to those who require additional support. This requires careful planning
and resource management, which are often lacking in many educational settings.
Furthermore, the study identifies significant gaps in the resources available to teachers
for delivering the Reading and Writing curriculum effectively. Many teachers report a lack of
updated teaching materials and resources that would allow them to engage students in
meaningful and interactive ways. This includes limited access to digital tools,
supplementary reading materials, and culturally relevant content that could help students
connect more deeply with the lessons. The absence of such resources makes it difficult for
teachers to create engaging lessons that cater to the interests and needs of today’s tech-
savvy and diverse learners.
In response to these challenges, educators stress the importance of professional
development programs that would equip them with effective teaching strategies and
techniques. Teachers express a strong need for training in differentiated instruction, which
would enable them to address the varying literacy levels of their students. Workshops or
seminars on the latest teaching methodologies and the integration of technology into the
classroom are seen as vital for improving teaching effectiveness. Teachers also point out
that collaboration with colleagues, sharing best practices, and engaging in reflective
teaching are essential components of professional growth that would enhance their ability
to support student learning in the Reading and Writing subject.
The study also emphasizes the importance of aligning instructional methods with the
overarching learning objectives of the curriculum. Teachers note that when lessons are
carefully designed to meet these objectives, students are more likely to be engaged and
motivated to participate in activities that develop their literacy skills. Teachers suggest that
student-centered approaches, such as collaborative learning, project-based tasks, and
authentic writing assignments, should be incorporated more frequently into the curriculum.
This would allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts and develop skills
that go beyond the classroom. Additionally, incorporating formative assessments and
feedback into lessons could help teachers track student progress and adjust their teaching
strategies accordingly.
In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity for continuous professional
development for educators, improved resources, and curriculum enhancements to support
the Reading and Writing subject in Senior High Schools. By addressing the current
challenges and filling the gaps identified by teachers, the curriculum can be strengthened to
better serve the diverse needs of learners. A more robust and dynamic approach to teaching
this subject will not only improve student outcomes in literacy but will also foster a lifelong
love of reading and writing, equipping students with the critical skills needed for their future
academic, personal, and professional lives.
