Reading Comprehension Skills of Freshmen Education Students

Abstract

Reading comprehension is essential for understanding, interpreting, and evaluating written texts. This study assessed the reading comprehension skills of freshmen education students at a private university in Western Visayas during the 2024–2025 academic year, focusing on literal, interpretive, and critical comprehension. A descriptive quantitative design was used, with data gathered from 184 participants through a validated researcher-made questionnaire. Results showed that students demonstrated strong literal and interpretive comprehension but struggled with critical comprehension. No significant differences were found in literal comprehension when grouped by sex, program, school of origin, family income, or parental education. However, significant differences emerged in interpretive and critical comprehension based on academic programs. The study calls for an enhanced curriculum that prioritizes the strengthening of critical comprehension skills, while continuing to support the development of literal and interpretive comprehension