Literature in the digital age: An exploratory study on the QR code Scavenger Hunt as an innovative teaching tool

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the QR Code Scavenger Hunt as an innovative pedagogical strategy for teaching literature to Grade 7 students at Balite National High School. Based on the results of the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) Group Screening Test, 76 students were identified to have difficulties in reading comprehension. Using a Quasi-Experimental design, specifically a crossover design, the study compared the effects of the QR Code Scavenger Hunt and traditional strategies on students’ academic performance and perceptions in learning literature. Results revealed that the traditional method yielded a higher level of learning compared to the QR Code Scavenger Hunt. Students who were first taught using traditional methods scored higher, while those who started with the QR Code strategy showed a decline in performance. It was also found that the sequence of strategy implementation significantly affected learning outcomes. the study concluded that the traditional method remains more effective in enhancing text comprehension skills. However, the QR Code Scavenger Hunt showed potential as a supplementary strategy that could increase student interest and participation if well-designed and properly integrated into lessons. In line with this, the study recommends the use of the QR Code Scavenger Hunt as an additional teaching tool alongside traditional methods. It also suggests providing adequate teacher training and carefully designing activities to ensure alignment with lesson objectives and effective application within a blended learning approach.