Advisers

Abraham P. Muyrong II, PhD

Discipline

Education

Abstract

This study evaluated audio flip charts for enhancing the comprehension skills of Grade 7 learners at Maligaya High School. Because some learners experience difficulty under exclusively text-based and teacher-centered instruction, the study was guided by Cognitive Load Theory, which emphasizes balancing intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive load to support learning. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest/posttest design was used with forty-four (44) purposively chosen Grade 7 Section Madasalin students. A pretest was initially conducted to assess baseline knowledge. A posttest of the same scope and difficulty was given to assess learning gains. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect students’ perceptions about the impact of the tool on intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive loads. Percentage, weighted mean, and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. Most respondents were aged 12 years or younger (79.55%), and males and females were equally represented (50% each). Prior exposure to audio flip-chart materials was reported by 79.55% of the students. The mean score increased from 7.59 on the pretest to 14.34 on the posttest. A paired t-test indicated a significant difference (t = -22.37, p < 0.05). Students rated the tool as “effective” in managing intrinsic load (mean = 3.03), supporting germane load (mean = 3.08), and minimizing extraneous distractions (mean = 3.04). Reported challenges included poor synchronization of audio and visuals, inconsistent narration volume, and information density that sometimes hindered comprehension. The pretest–posttest improvement and student evaluations suggest that audio flip charts supported comprehension and engagement. Schools considering their use should provide teacher training and address synchronization, audio-quality, and content-density issues. Further comparative studies across grade levels, subjects, and settings are recommended to strengthen evidence of their educational value.

Keywords

cognitive load theory, comprehension skills, audio flip charts