LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Asunción, Paraguay.
ISSN en línea: 2789-3855, septiembre, 2024, Volumen V, Número 5 p 1776.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56712/latam.v5i5.2719
Application of strategies for teaching and learning for tenth
grade students
Aplicación de estrategias de enseñanza y aprendizaje para estudiantes de
décimo grado
Islam Muhammad Salama Muhammad
islamsalama1907@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4250-5783
Unidad Educativa Simón Bolívar
Babahoyo – Ecuador
Silvana Andrea Cerón Silva
silvanaceron.s@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5637-7224
Universidad Técnica de Babahoyo
Babahoyo – Ecuador
Mayra Cristina Tamayo Palacios
ct51141@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0626-0735
Ministerio de Educación
Ambato – Ecuador
Adriana del Rocío Ramos Chavez
adryrramos@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0441-7827
Unidad Educativa Juan León Mera La Salle
Ambato – Ecuador
Pamela Carolina Soria Pacheco
pamelacarolinasoria@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3399-2398
Ministerio de Educación
Manta – Ecuador
Artículo recibido: 16 de septiembre de 2024. Aceptado para publicación: 30 de septiembre de 2024.
Conflictos de Interés: Ninguno que declarar.
Abstract
The research focuses on tenth grade students at Unidad Educativa del Milenio Simón Bolívar en
Pimocha, Babahoyo, Ecuador, to improve their reading comprehension skills through the use of
cooperative learning strategies. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data in
focus groups through surveys, standardized tests, interviews, observation checklists, and discussions.
The sample consisted of twelve students who were evenly distributed between two classes. The
results of the research showed that students who participated in cooperative learning activities
significantly improved their reading comprehension skills; students achieved an average increase of
24.1% in their reading comprehension test scores. These results were supported by interviews and
discussions in focus groups, which emphasized the importance of peer interaction and continuous
feedback. Cooperative learning strategies, such as scaffolding instruction and collaboration activities,
have been proven effective in improving reading comprehension skills. These findings highlight the
importance of applying innovative teaching techniques in secondary education.
LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Asunción, Paraguay.
ISSN en línea: 2789-3855, septiembre, 2024, Volumen V, Número 5 p 1777.
Keywords: cooperative learning, reading comprehension, educational strategies
Resumen
La investigación se enfoca en los estudiantes de décimo grado de la Unidad Educativa del Milenio
Simón Bolívar en Pimocha, Babahoyo, Ecuador, para mejorar sus habilidades de comprensión lectora
mediante el uso de estrategias de aprendizaje cooperativo. Se utilizaron métodos cuantitativos y
cualitativos para recopilar datos en grupos focales mediante encuestas, pruebas estandarizadas,
entrevistas, listas de verificación de observación y discusiones. La muestra consistió en doce
estudiantes que fueron distribuidos de manera equitativa entre dos clases. Los resultados de la
investigación demostraron que los estudiantes que participaron en actividades de aprendizaje
cooperativo mejoraron significativamente sus habilidades de comprensión lectora; los estudiantes
obtuvieron un aumento promedio del 24.1% en sus calificaciones en las pruebas de comprensión
lectora. Estos resultados fueron respaldados por entrevistas y discusiones en grupos focales, que
enfatizaron la importancia de la interacción entre pares y la retroalimentación continua. Las
estrategias de aprendizaje cooperativo, como la instrucción escalonada y las actividades de
colaboración, han demostrado ser efectivas para mejorar las habilidades de comprensión lectora.
Estos hallazgos destacan la importancia de aplicar técnicas de enseñanza innovadoras en la
educación secundaria.
Palabras clave: aprendizaje cooperativo, comprensión lectora, estrategias educativas
Todo el contenido de LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades,
publicado en este sitio está disponibles bajo Licencia Creative Commons.
Cómo citar: Salama Muhammad, I. M., Cerón Silva, S. A., Tamayo Palacios, M. C., Ramos Chavez, A.
del R., & Soria Pacheco, P. C. (2024). Application of strategies for teaching and learning for tenth
grade students. LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades 5 (5), 1776 –
1794. https://doi.org/10.56712/latam.v5i5.2719
LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Asunción, Paraguay.
ISSN en línea: 2789-3855, septiembre, 2024, Volumen V, Número 5 p 1778.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill critical to academic success across disciplines. It
encompasses not only the ability to decode text but also to understand, interpret, and critically analyze
information. In secondary education, strong reading comprehension skills are vital as they enable
students to grasp complex concepts, perform well in assessments, and engage in lifelong learning.
Despite reading comprehension's significance, many students find it difficult because of a variety of
issues, such as inadequate support systems and inefficient teaching methods.
Cooperative learning is recognized as an effective teaching strategy that employs peer interactions and
collaboration to enhance student achievement. This strategy involves organizing classroom projects
such that students work in small groups to achieve common educational goals. Cooperative learning
is predicated on social constructivism, which holds that knowledge is created via interactions and
shared experiences. Cooperative learning fosters a positive and engaging environment for students to
improve critical thinking skills, increase involvement, and achieve academic success.
LITERATURE REVIEW
A significant amount of research has investigated the factors that impact reading comprehension and
the efficacy of different teaching methods. Conventional techniques like direct teaching and solo
studies are commonly utilized but frequently do not cater to the varying requirements of learners. On
the other hand, cooperative learning has demonstrated considerable advantages. Research has shown
that collaborative learning can boost students' comprehension of texts, enhance their skills in drawing
conclusions and analyzing information, and improve their academic performance overall, for instance,
(Slavin, 1996) discovered that students who participated in cooperative learning activities
demonstrated better progress in reading comprehension than those who were taught using traditional
methods.
Furthermore, research by (Johnson y Johnson, 2009). emphasized the beneficial effects of cooperative
learning on student motivation and engagement. Their examination of 164 studies found that
cooperative learning enhanced academic achievement, built strong social connections, and boosted
students' self-confidence. These results highlight the capability of cooperative learning in overcoming
obstacles related to reading comprehension, indicating its potential advantage in situations where
traditional approaches have been ineffective.
Problem Statement
Despite rising data supporting cooperative learning, many educational institutions continue to use
traditional teaching approaches that may not properly assist all students. At Unidad Educativa del
Milenio Simón Bolívar in Pimocha, Babahoyo, Ecuador, students struggle with improving reading
comprehension. These challenges are exacerbated by variables such as restricted access to resources,
varying levels of prior knowledge, and a lack of customized instructional strategies. As a result, there is
a critical need to investigate and apply creative teaching strategies that can better meet students'
learning goals and improve their reading comprehension skills.
Research Objectives
The main purpose of this research is to assess how effective cooperative learning methods are in
enhancing reading comprehension skills in tenth-grade students at Unidad Educativa del Milenio Simón
Bolívar. In particular, the research aims to:
LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Asunción, Paraguay.
ISSN en línea: 2789-3855, septiembre, 2024, Volumen V, Número 5 p 1779.
Evaluate the students' essential reading comprehension abilities.
Develop a range of cooperative learning exercises designed to improve comprehension of what is read
aloud.
Evaluate how these exercises affect the reading comprehension abilities of the students.
Collect qualitative data from students as well as teachers. to understand more about their perspectives
on and experiences with cooperative learning.
The investigation is based on the hypothesis that regular use of cooperative learning strategies will
result in significant improvements in students' reading comprehension skills.
Significance of the Study
This research has significant consequences for teaching strategies, especially in Ecuador's public-
school systems. By showcasing the benefits of collaborative learning approaches, the results can
influence the development of teaching techniques that are flexible and supportive of the different
requirements of students. Moreover, the research adds to the overall knowledge on cooperative
learning and reading comprehension, offering useful perspectives for use in different educational
environments. In the end, implementing cooperative learning methods may result in better academic
results, increased student involvement, and improved overall educational excellence.
Methodology Overview
In order to meet the research goals, a mixed-methods strategy was used, blending both quantitative
and qualitative methods of data gathering. The research included 12 tenth-grade students, with an
equal number in each of the two classes. Data was gathered through surveys, standardized tests,
observation checklists, interviews, and focus group discussions. This extensive strategy allowed for a
full examination of the impacts of cooperative learning on reading comprehension, as well as an
investigation into student and teacher viewpoints and experiences.
Structure of the Paper
The rest of the article is organized as follows: The next part does a thorough evaluation of the literature
on cooperative learning and reading comprehension. This is followed by an explanation of the research
methodology, which includes the design, sample, data collection methodologies, and analytical
methods employed. The study's findings are presented in the following section, with a focus on major
findings and implications.
Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the findings, recommendations for future research,
and practical implications for educational practice.
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a detailed methodology to assess the effectiveness of pedagogical strategies
aimed at improving literacy skills among a small sample of twelve tenth-grade students with low English
proficiency. The sample is equally divided between two classes (Class A and Class B) with 6 boys and
6 girls.
Conceptualization and Operationalization
Independent Variable: Cooperative Learning Strategies