Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 3 no. 10 (2025)

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Education Students in a Tutoring Program at a Local University

Joshua Jay O. Eden | Ramona A. Prado | Rosalie D. Esteban

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The persistent literacy crisis in the Philippines remains a pressing concern, as highlighted by the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which reported a continued decline in learners’ reading proficiency. To help address this issue, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a Tutoring Program designed not only to support struggling elementary learners but also to provide pre-service teachers with early teaching exposure and financial assistance. This study examined the lived experiences of education students from a local university who served as facilitators in the program, focusing on how they navigated their dual roles as tutors and developing educators. Adopting a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured focus group interviews and were analyzed thematically. Education students engaged in daily tutoring sessions with elementary learners over 20 days, guided by standardized modules. The research explored their preparation, challenges, coping strategies, and personal and professional growth as they fulfilled their tutoring responsibilities. Findings revealed that while participants faced obstacles such as limited instructional resources, time constraints, insufficient coaching support, classroom management difficulties, and learner diversity, they demonstrated resilience by adapting strategies, employing motivational approaches, and maximizing available materials. These experiences enhanced their teaching competence, boosted their confidence, and strengthened their professional identity in preparation for future classroom practice. The study recommends reviewing program implementation policies, enhancing training and mentoring support, and ensuring adequate provision of teaching resources. Overall, the results highlight the dual value of literacy tutoring initiatives: they not only contribute to improving learner outcomes but also serve as a critical platform for equipping future educators with essential skills and dispositions.



References:

  1. Annela, A., & Safran, S. (2023). Analysis of early reading difficulties for elementary school students. Scaffolding: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Dan Multikulturalisme, 5(2), 466–484. https://doi.org/10.37680/scaffolding.v5i2.3121
  2. Bhandari, P. (2020). What is qualitative research? Methods & examples. Scribbr. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/ywevspr8
  3. Birch, R., Sharp, H., Miller, D., Ritchie, D., & Ledger, S. (2022). A systematic literature review of decodable and levelled reading books for reading instruction in primary school contexts: An evaluation of quality research evidence [PDF]. University of Newcastle, Research Alliance for Language, Literature, and Literacy. https://tinyurl.com/3xrktd39
  4. Hall, C., Dahl-Leonard, K., Cho, E., Solari, E. J., Capin, P., Conner, C. L., Henry, A. R., Cook, L., Hayes, L., Vargas, I., Richmond, C. L., & Kehoe, K. F. (2023). Forty years of reading intervention research for elementary students with or at risk for dyslexia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reading Research Quarterly, 58(1), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.477
  5. Kilag, O. K. T., Pulvera, D. C. C., Gabotero, R. C., & Adlawan, E. R. M. (2023). A study of learners’ perceived challenges in reading: Implications for developing school reading programs. European Journal of Pedagogical Initiatives and Educational Practices, 1(1), 46–59. https://tinyurl.com/tmxn7sfa
  6. Kuhfeld, M., Lewis, K., & Peltier, T. (2023). Reading achievement declines during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from 5 million U.S. students in grades 3–8. Reading and Writing, 36(1), 245–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-022-10345-8
  7. Llego, M. A. (2022). Reading intervention strategies for teachers: Detailed guide. TeacherPH. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/2scdywu7
  8. OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 results (Volume I and II): Country notes—Philippines. OECD Publishing. https://tinyurl.com/mtxc6txa
  9. People’s Television Network. (2023). Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program: A program to turn children into readers. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/2wdkyakp
  10. Putri, G. A. T. M., & Rati, N. W. (2021). Reading problems in grade II elementary school students. Journal of Education for Elementary School Students (Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar), 6(2), 267–275. https://tinyurl.com/28kfyb37
  11. Rohimah, S. (2021). Reading difficulties and factors affecting reading difficulties of students of grade 1 elementary school. LADU: Journal of Languages and Education, 1(5), 189–195. https://doi.org/10.56724/ladu.v1i5.85
  12. Sapid, M. J., Guarin, C. A., Tibay, D. S., Solon, A., Abalo, K. R., & Cabanilla, A., Jr. (2024). The lived experiences of “Tara, Basa!” tutors: Challenges and chances. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 5(6), 1020–1027. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMRGE.2024.5.6.1020-1027
  13. Ting, K.-Y. (2013). Student teachers’ reflective practice on a tutorial teaching approach. English Language Teaching, 6(7), 108–116. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1068571.pdf
  14. Tomas, M. J. L., Villaros, E. T., & Galman, S. M. A. (2021). The perceived challenges in reading of learners: Basis for school reading programs. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 9(5), 102–116. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2021.95009
  15. UNESCO. (2023). Education transforms lives. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/en/education
  16. United Nations. (2025). Goal 4 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal4#targets_and_indicators
  17. Wang, L. (2022). Exploring the relationship among teacher emotional intelligence, work engagement, teacher self-efficacy, and student academic achievement: A moderated mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 810559. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.810559

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic