Bioecological System Theory: Narratives of Learners in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
Hela Ciel Besana | Melanie Chel Panerio | Priscilla Marayag
Discipline: environmental sciences
Abstract:
Drawing upon Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological System Theory in understanding these non-readers and the
contributions of their systems on their reading skills performance, this study explored the experiences and coping
strategies of non-reader learners living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). A qualitative
research method using narrative inquiry research design was employed to explore the narratives of the ten (10)
participants of this study. The findings of the study revealed the non-readers’ struggles in their different systems
affecting their reading skills performance. The finding also revealed asking for social support as their most common
coping strategy to cope with their reading skills performance. The Bioecological System Theory gives light in
understanding non-readers’ literacy status and experiences and how these are influenced by their different systems.
Thus, the study recommended creating programs and projects that will cater to the academic needs of learners in GIDA
and implementing programs and projects that will help uplift the socioeconomic status of people living in the areas.
References:
- Abd Elwahab, W. (2020). The Effect of Local Arabic Dialects on Learning English Language Pronunciation. Arab World English Journal, 11(1), 489-499. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no1.33Agustin, L., & Belarmino, M. (2024). Factors Affecting the Reading Comprehension of Grade 2 Learners: Basis for an Intervention Program. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i01.12619
- Ali, H. I. H. (2020). Omani Students’ Coping Strategies in an English Medium Engineering Programme. Arab World English Journal, 11(2), 361-382. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no2.25Al-Jarf, R. (2022). Proper Noun Pronunciation Inaccuracies in English by Educated Arabic Speakers. British Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2(1), 14-21. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjal.2022.2.1.3
- Baliyan, S. P., & Khama, D. (2020). How Distance to School and Study Hours after School Influence Students’ Performance in Mathematics and English: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 7(2), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2020.72.209.217
- Basister Jr., A.I. & Motus, R.H. (2023). Lived Experiences of Teachers Teaching Intermediate Mathematics in Far Flung Areas. Industry and Academic Research Review, 4(1), 206-209. https://iiari.org/conference_article/lived-experiences-of-teachers teaching-intermediate-mathematics-in-far-flung-areas/
- Bayod, R. P., Forosuelo, E. J. D., Morante, J. P., & Guerra, M. C. (2021). Bracing for the new normal or post-normal? Challenges and aspirations of indigenous parents for education of their children. Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics, 31(3), 161-169.
- Bendanillo, M. (2021). Parental Involvement in Relation to Students’ Reading Performance. Globus Journal of Progressive Education, 11(2), 94-98.
- Bonilla-Mejía, L., Londoño-Ortega, E., & Henao, M. F. (2024). Geographic isolation and learning: Evidence from rural schools in Colombia. Economics of Education Review, 99, 102522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2024.102522
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
- Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological Models of Human Development. In T. Husen and T. N. Postlethwaite (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education, 3 (pp. 1643 - 1647). Oxford, England: Pergamon Press / Elsevier Science.
- Buis, K. (2020). Aliteracy to Literacy: An Applied Research Study to Solve Elementary Readers’ Aliteracy Problems. Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 2397. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/2397
- Camodeca, M., & Nava, E. (2022). The Long-Term Effects of Bullying, Victimization, and Bystander Behavior on Emotion Regulation and Its Physiological Correlates. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(3-4), NP2056-NP2075. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520934438
- Cekiso, M., Rabelemane, T., Jadezweni, J., Mandende, I.P., & Dieperink, M. (2022). Factors Affecting Grade 6 Learners’ Reading Performance in a Rural School in Maluti, South Africa. Reading & Writing, 13(1), a327. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/rw.v13i1.327
- Cimene, F. T., Casiño, M. V., Aspiras, D., Jerusalem, H., Cawi, C. S., Bahala, A., Subingsubing, I., & Bahi-an, E. (2024). Understanding Learning Poverty: Teachers’ Lived Experiences in Supporting Grade IV Non-readers. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 6(12), 20-30.
- Collado Z. C. (2024). The Right to Healthcare Must Include the Right to Ease of Physical Access: Exploring Geography-Health Nexus in GIDA Communities in the Philippines. International journal of social determinants of health and health services, 27551938241265673. Advance onLines publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/27551938241265673
- Cruz, P., Dionisio, M., & Polintan, M. (2023). Parent-Teacher Collaboration Towards Enhanced Reading Comprehension of Students. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(2).
- Dargo, J., & Dimas, M. (2021). Modular Distance Learning: Its Effect in the Academic Performance of Learners in the New Normal. Journal of Education, Teaching and Learning, 6(2), 204-208. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/220456/
- Esquivel, F. A., López, I. L. de L. G., & Benavides, A. D. (2023). Emotional impact of bullying and cyber bullying: perceptions and effects on students. Revista Caribeña De Ciencias Sociales, 12(1), 367–383. https://doi.org/10.55905/rcssv12n1-022
- Estrada, E., Ferrer, E., Shaywitz, B., Holahan, J., & Shaywitz, S. (2022). Reversing Downstream Consequences of school Hiatus on Reading in Disadvantaged, At-Risk Children. Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology, 8, 53-59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40817-022-00119-z
- Fabillar, M. C., & Mustacisa, M. L. (2024). Overcoming Distance: Exploring the Motivational Factors of Teachers in Far-Flung Schools. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(7), 122–136. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12684916
- Faremi, Y., Mabuza, C., & Akinwarere, K. (2023). Assessment of School Distance and Academic Performance of Geograph Students in High School in the Mankayane Area of Eswatini. European Journal of Education Studies, 10(3).
- Farrah, M., & Halahlah, N. (2020). Pronunciation Problems among Palestinian English Major Students in Hebron University. International journal of Arabic-English Studies, 20(1), 203-226.
- Huang, L. (2022). Exploring the relationship between school bullying and academic performance: the mediating role of students’ sense of belonging at school. Educational Studies, 48(2), 216-232. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2020.1749032
- Idulog, M. V., Gadiano, R., Toledo, E., Hermosada, M., Casaldon, H., Mariposa, M., Geron, C., Dequito, E., Genanda, J., Malipot, M., Pentang, J., & Bautista, R. (2023). Filipino Students’ Reading Abilities: A Note on the Challenges and Potential Areas for Improvement. International Journal of Education and Teaching Zone, 2(2), 233-242. https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v2i2.128
- Ignacio, A. T., Turingan, V. T., & Jesus, F. S. D. (2024). Lived experiences of senior high school learners with reading difficulties: A case in the Philippines. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(6), 2937–2970. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2636
- Jaucian, M. (2020, February 17). 70,000 Bicol pupils can’t read – Deped. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1229537/70000-bicol-pupils-cant-read-deped
- Jumawid, A. (2024). Challenges Encountered by Third Grade Teachers Handling Non-readers in the Division of Davao City. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies, 4(5), 472-487.
- Lantaka, I. (2022). Non-readers and Parent’s Experiences Amidst Pandemic: A Case Study. International Journal of Research Publications, 97(1), 115-131. https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp100971320222975
- Lara, J., Pelika, S., & Wright, J. (2021). Struggling Readers. NEA Research Brief. NBI No. 31 (2018). National Education Association.
- Librea, N. K., Luciano, A. M., Sacamay, M. L., Libres, M. D., & Cabanilla, A. (2023). Low Reading Literacy Skills of Elementary Pupils in the Philippines: Systematic Review. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 11(4), 1978-1985. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.49480
- Makinde, V. I., & Adu, E. T. (2023). Teachers’ Transfer and Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools and the need for Counselling. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 15(4), 391-398.
- Manaois, D. (2021). Factors Affecting the Reading Comprehension and Performance of Grade VI Pupils. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies, 1, 159-171.
- Marangu, J. M., Adhiambo, J., & Kanga, A. (2024). Effects of Teachers Transfer on Job Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya. Journal of Popular Education in Africa, 8(9), 236-253.
- Martín-Pérez, Á.d., & Gascón-Cánovas, J.J. (2023). The Impact of the Magnitude of the Group of Bullies on Health-Related Quality of Life and Academic Performance Among Adolescents. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 54, 796–805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01290-8
- Mataac, J. (2021). Impact of Modular Distance Learning to the Reading Development of Beginning Readers. International Journal of Research Publications, 75(1), 90-104. https://doi.org/ 10.47119/IJRP100751420211869Menken, M. S., Isaiah, A., Liang, H., Rivera, P. R., Cloak, C. C., Reeves, G., Lever, N. A., & Chang, L. (2022). Peer victimization (bullying) on mental health, behavioral problems, cognition, and academic performance in preadolescent children in the ABCD Study. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 925727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.925727
- Mopuyang, M. A. G. (2024). Narratives of the Teachers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(7), 260–295. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12699796
- Muthengi, A., & Romata, S. (2023). Effects of Teachers’ Distribution and Transfer on Student’s Academic Performance in Public Day Secondary Schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya. African Journal of Empirical Research, 4(2), 505-511.
- Naeem, M., Ozuem, W., Howell, K., & Ranfagni, S. (2023). A Step-by-Step Process of Thematic Analysis to Develop a Conceptual Model in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231205789
- Nand, L. (2017). Applying ecological systems theory to understand the determinants of early school leaving and second-chance education in a socio-economically disadvantaged area in Sydney, Australia [Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation]. Western Sydney University
- OECD (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education. OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/da799b6c-en
- Ong, C., Taglucop, L., & Fermano J. (2021). Assessment of the Basic Education Reading Curriculum in Northern Mindanao. Science International (Lahore), 33(5), 317-319.
- Pantolla, H., & Atibagos-Nacion, N. (2023). Spatial Analysis of Poverty Incidence and Road Networks in Eastern Visayas Region, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science, 152(4), 1267-1283. https://doi.org/10.56899/152.04.01
- Peteros, E., Ypil, S., Vera, J., Alcantara, G., Fulgencio, M., Plando, D., & Peconcillo, L. (2022). Effects of School Proximity on Students’ Performance in Mathematics. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10, 365-376. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2022.101028
- Phala, T. A., & Hugo, A.J. (2022). Difficulties in Teaching Grade 3 Learners with Reading Problems in Full-Service Schools in South Africa. African Journal of Disability, 11, 906. https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v11i0.906
- Pudin, C. S. J., Nik Mohamed, N. Z., Din, W. A., & Edward, E. I. (2021). Pronunciation Errors among Malaysian Undergraduates in English for Oral Communication Course. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 6(43), 40-48.
- Roque, J.A., Pascua, M., Javillonar, M., & Cruzat, M. (2023). Revisiting Filipino Pupil’s Reading Ability Post-Pandemic: Basis for a Remediation Program. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications, 5(8), 54-58. http://ijmrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IJMRAP-V5N8P65Y23.pdf
- Rabo, M. (2022). Teacher –Students Relationship and Its Influence on Students’ Academic Performance in Senior Secondary Schools in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 16(11), 68–76. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajarr/2022/v16i11439
- Ramoshaba, D. J., & Kgarose, M. F. (2022). Analysing coping strategies of students for onLines teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478), 11(9), 343–347. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v11i9.2192
- Redulfin, A. N. (2024). Well-being of Non-readers in Tantangan 1 District: A Case Study. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 280-289. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10946965
- Sagar, R., & Sen, M.S. (2021). School Bullying: Cause or Consequence? Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 88, 955–956. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-021-03930-2
- Salam, U., & Nurnisa, N. (2021). Students’ Difficulties in Learning Vocabularies. English Community Journal, 5(1), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.32502/ecj.v5i1.3327
- Santillan, J. P. (2023). Exploring challenges and factors in students’ literacy: basis for intervention program development. Journal of Educational and Management Studies, 13(2), 14-22. https://dx.doi.org/10.54203/jems.2023.2
- Shikalepo, E. E. (2020). Challenges Facing Teaching at Rural Schools: A Review of Related Literature. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 4(5), 211-218.
- Şirin, H. (2023). Bullying in Schools: Behaviors and Principles of Prevention. In G. Sarı (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Bullying in Media and Beyond (pp. 325-336). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5426-8.ch020
- Son, C., Hegde, S., Smith, A., Wang, X., & Sasangohar, F. (2020). Effects of COVID-19 on College Students’ Mental Health in the United States: Interview Survey Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(9), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.2196/21279
- Sor, J. C., & Caraig, M. E. (2021). Reading Performance of Grade 11 Students: Basis on the Development of Reading Enhancement and Assessment Plan (REAP). International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 4(8), 206–209. https://journal.ijresm.com/index.php/ijresm/article/view/1224
- Stamatis, P. J., & Chatzinikola, M. (2021). Advantages and reasons hindering the communication between teachers and parents: An empirical study. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 2(2), 43-48. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2021.2.2.79
- Suryanto, S., & Sari, Z. (2021). Difficulties and Strategies in Learning English: An Analysis of Students from English and Non-English Education Department in Indonesia. Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210120.140
- Tomas, M., Villaros, E., & Galman, S. (2021). The Perceived Challenges in Reading of Learners: Basis for School Reading Programs. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 9(5), 107-122. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2021.95009
- Tudge, J. R. (2016). Implicit versus Explicit Ways of Using Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory. Human Development, 59(4), 95-199 https://doi.org/10.1159/000449453
- UNICEF & SEAMEO (2020). SEA-PLM 2019 Main Regional Report: Children’s learning in 6 Southeast Asian countries. Bangkok, Thailand: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) & Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) – SEA-PLM Secretariat. https://www.seaplm.org/PUBLICATIONS/regional%20results/SEA-PLM%202019%20Main%20Regional%20Report.pdf
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2025). What You Need to Know about Literacy. https://www.unesco.org/en/literacy/need-know
- United Nations Children’s Fund. (2022, September 19). UNICEF: Only a third of 10-year-olds globally are estimated to be able to read and understand a simple written story [Press Release]. https://www.unicef.org/bulgaria/en/press-releases/unicef-only-third-10-year-olds-globally-are-estimated-be-able-read-and-understand
- Valentin, K. M., & Casipit, K. (2020). Exploring the Challenges Faced by Teachers in Teaching Non-Reader Pupils: Basis for the Development of an Enhanced School Reading Intervention Program in Rosario Elementary School. In M.A.J. Romanes & The Municipal and City Research Committees (Eds.), 4th Cavite Research Conference (p. 76).
- Veronica, V. (2022). Bullying in School-Age Children. Scientia Psychiatrica, 3(2), 258-266. https://doi.org/10.37275/scipsy.v5i1.136
- Wang, H., Tang, J., Dill, S-E., Xiao, J., Boswell, M., Cousineau, C., & Rozelle, S. (2022). Bullying Victims in Rural Primary Schools: Prevalence, Correlates, and Consequences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(2), 765. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020765
- Weiss, D.J., Nelson, A., Vargas-Ruiz, C.A. et al. (2020). Global maps of travel time to healthcare facilities. Nature Medicine 26, 1835–1838. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-1059-1.
- Zahnd, W. E., Bell, N., & Larson, A. E. (2022). Geographic, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in broadband access. The Journal of rural health: official journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association, 38(3), 519–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12635