Using Cross-Grade Learning in Improving Learners’ Literacy

Cross-grade learning is an educational approach where learners from different grade levels collaborate and learn together. This method fosters peer mentoring, enhances social skills, and provides diverse perspectives, enriching the learning experience for all learners involved. This study aimed to find out how cross-grade learning helps to improve learner's literacy as well as their performance and development. The researchers conducted a standardized test on the 31 learners to Grade 4 and 5 from Don Onofrey Academy, President Corazon Cory Aquino Elementary School, and Melencio Elementary School in Quezon City who participated via Google Meet to test their literacy level. The results of this study were analyzed by the help of SPSS tool using T-test for dependent samples at.05 level of significance. The final result shows that the application of cross grade learning improves the performance of selected grade 4 and grade 5 learners. The study concluded that the majority of learners had below-grade-level reading skills. Cross-grade learning improved literacy among selected Grade 4 and 5 learners, with significant improvements observed in Grade 5. The pre-test and post test results showed notable gains in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. However, challenges such as inconsistent internet connections, late arrivals, confusion in breakout rooms, and learners' hesitance to communicate hindered the online application of cross-grade learning, making it viable but not ideal for online distance learning. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that teachers create more engaging exercises to enhance learners' reading, writing, and vocabulary skills, and plan collaborative activities to foster positive relationships among them. Future researchers should extend the intervention duration for better evaluation, while school administrations may hold face-to-face sessions for comprehensive literacy assessment and encourage teachers to attend professional development activities.