EXPLORING THE READING HABITS AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS

This study explored the reading habits of Senior High School learners at Doña Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School as the foundation for developing a Reading Enhancement Plan. 15 Senior High School learners participated in the research. A mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative strategies, was employed through exploratory and developmental methods. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-designed interview guide questionnaire. Key findings revealed that participants exhibited diverse reading habits, often reading daily for both learning and relaxation. Social media content emerged as their most frequently engaged material, with home being the preferred reading environment. Learners favored a combination of fiction and nonfiction genres due to their engaging, enjoyable, and knowledge-expanding nature. Challenges encountered included difficulty understanding complex or unfamiliar vocabulary and maintaining focus while reading. To address these, suggested interventions included vocabulary enhancement through interactive classroom games and the establishment of quiet, dedicated reading areas. The Reading Enhancement Plan developed based on these findings was rated as very highly acceptable in improving reading habits among Senior High School learners. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends that learners be given more free time and opportunities to incorporate reading into their daily routines. Teachers are encouraged to integrate engaging activities and provide diverse reading materials to broaden learners’ vocabulary and comprehension. In alignment with DepEd Memorandum No. 173, s. 2019 (Hamon: Bawat Bata Bumabasa), the implementation of a daily 5-minute reading activity before lessons is advised. Moreover, classrooms should foster a reading-friendly environment by minimizing distractions and establishing dedicated Reading Corners with a variety of genres, complete with logbooks to monitor daily reading. Organizing reading clubs and encouraging library visits during free time are also recommended to promote a sustained love for reading.