Exploring the Lived Experiences of Education Students in the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program at a Local University

The persistent literacy crisis in the Philippines remains a pressing concern, as highlighted by the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which reported a continued decline in learners’ reading proficiency. To help address this issue, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a Tutoring Program designed not only to support struggling elementary learners but also to provide pre-service teachers with early teaching exposure and financial assistance. This study examined the lived experiences of education students from a local university who served as facilitators in the program, focusing on how they navigated their dual roles as tutors and developing educators. Adopting a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured focus group interviews and were analyzed thematically. Education students engaged in daily tutoring sessions with elementary learners over 20 days, guided by standardized modules. The research explored their preparation, challenges, coping strategies, and personal and professional growth as they fulfilled their tutoring responsibilities. Findings revealed that while participants faced obstacles such as limited instructional resources, time constraints, insufficient coaching support, classroom management difficulties, and learner diversity, they demonstrated resilience by adapting strategies, employing motivational approaches, and maximizing available materials. These experiences enhanced their teaching competence, boosted their confidence, and strengthened their professional identity in preparation for future classroom practice. The study recommends reviewing program implementation policies, enhancing training and mentoring support, and ensuring adequate provision of teaching resources. Overall, the results highlight the dual value of literacy tutoring initiatives: they not only contribute to improving learner outcomes but also serve as a critical platform for equipping future educators with essential skills and dispositions.