Pedagogical strategies and challenges of multigrade schoolteachers in Albay, Philippines
International Journal of Comparative Education and Development
ISSN: 2396-7404
Article publication date: 19 October 2020
Issue publication date: 9 November 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the pedagogical strategies and challenges of selected multigrade (MG) schoolteachers in Albay, Philippines.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a case study design using a validated semi-structured instrument with in-depth interviews to ten MG teachers, observation and document analysis. Qualitative data analyses such as content and thematic analyses were used in analyzing the data.
Findings
The results show that MG teachers use a variety of overlapping and supplementary instructional strategies such as (1) teaching one topic to all grades and at varying levels of difficulty using differentiated activity, (2) “jump-jump strategy”/teaching one grade while others work independently and (3) peer teaching or tutoring. However, there are several pedagogical challenges that MG teachers are faced with: (1) conflict between the medium of instructions and grade grouping, (2) problems with lesson planning, (3) unfocused instruction, (4) insufficient learners' materials, (5) absence of training prior to MG teaching and (6) the negative perception of the effectiveness of MG instructions.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited within the context of the participants and focuses on the pedagogical strategies and challenges in the implementation of MG teaching.
Practical implications
The results of this study can serve as a reference on how to support and strengthen MG instruction.
Originality/value
This study provides a research-based overview of MG schools from the grassroots level and adds to the limited studies of MG education in the Philippines.
Keywords
Citation
Bongala, J.V., Bobis, V.B., Castillo, J.P.R. and Marasigan, A.C. (2020), "Pedagogical strategies and challenges of multigrade schoolteachers in Albay, Philippines", International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 299-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCED-06-2019-0037
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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