A Quasi-Experimental Study on Code-Switching in Enhancing The Reading Comprehension Skills of ABEL Students

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effectiveness of code-switching in enhancing the reading comprehension skills of ABEL (Alternative Basic Education for Literacy) students at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. A two-group design was implemented, with one group receiving instruction incorporating code-switching and the other using traditional English-only methods. Standardized tests assessed reading comprehension, and data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean scores, t-tests, and ANCOVA. Results showed that students in the code-switching group achieved a significantly higher average score (7.48, "Very Satisfactory") compared to the control group (6.22, "Satisfactory"). This significant difference (p-value = .002) demonstrates that code-switching led to markedly improved reading comprehension skills. The study concludes that code-switching is a highly effective strategy for enhancing reading comprehension in ABEL students, offering a more impactful approach than traditional English-only instruction. The research recommends integrating code-switching into teaching practices to facilitate understanding of complex topics and language structures, ultimately contributing to a more accessible and effective learning experience for students. Future research is encouraged to explore the broader applicability of code-switching across diverse educational contexts to further inform pedagogical best practices.