| Summary: | Reading comprehension is one of the essential literacy skills needed for all grade levels
students to excel in academic studies, and for effective participation in social and cultural
activities in our information and knowledge-based society. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the effects of a teacher-developed literacy program using the Blended Learning
environment on students’ achievements with respect to: (1) Literacy proficiency in core content
subjects’ performance of English, History, Math, and Science, (2) and students’ engagement and
motivation in the learning process. The study examined how twelve subject teachers at three
grade levels (10th, 11th, and 12th) planned, organized, implemented, developed, and applied
Blended Literacy instruction and learning strategies that focused on reading skills and
comprehension in the core subjects. Through the observational inquiry approach that examined
teachers’ and students’ behavior in the teaching and learning processes, the researcher sought
answers to research questions related to the impact of Blended Learning on teachers’, students’
and parents’ beliefs on curriculum design, instruction, learning in each of the components of
Blended Learning. After an extensive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data of student
academic performances in four core subjects, the research findings concluded that students’
performance progress using Blended Learning Methodology was positively related to their
achievements in every subject. Seventy-seven participant students demonstrated a remarkable
performance record, showed achievement gains of five to sixteen times, and statistical
significance of p-value < .000, in every subject at the end of the school year 2013-2014. Students
demonstrated significantly better on overall mean scores in Term 2 over Term 1 as both teachers
and students gained proficiency in the use of the Blended Learning model. This study confirmed the current conclusion by most studies at higher educational institutions that Blended Learning
increases class participation, inspires deeper intrinsic motivation, and improves the quality of
teacher and student commitment.
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