An Investigation To Determine Effectiveness Off Different Strategies In The Teaching Of Reading In Four Multigrade Schools Namely Cristo Rey R.C., SAN PEDRO GOVERNMENT, BUENA VISTA R.C.,

Abstract

Education plays a critical role in shaping individuals and determining their position in society. In Belize, primary education serves children aged five to fourteen, with schools operating either as monograde or multigrade institutions. Multigrade schools—common in rural areas—require one teacher to instruct two or more grade levels simultaneously, often presenting challenges for teaching and learning. This study investigates effective reading strategies used in four multigrade schools in the Corozal District, where fourteen of the thirty-five primary schools operate under this system. The researcher’s personal experiences as a multigrade teacher, along with concerns arising from her son’s struggles with reading in a multigrade setting, prompted this investigation. The study aims to identify reading strategies that can support teachers in multigrade classrooms and improve students’ reading performance, thereby enhancing the quality of education delivered in rural Belize.