The Effectiveness of Word Chains in Enhancing the Vocabulary of Grade 10 Students

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 data highlights alarming reading proficiency statistics in the Philippines, ranking it 347th out of 476 countries, with many students failing to meet minimum standards. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Word Chains in enhancing Grade 10 students’ vocabulary during the Academic Year 2023-2024 in a public secondary school in Ozamiz City. This study used a classroom-based action research design with 36 students as participants using purposive sampling. Researcher-made test and interview guide questions were used to gather data. The data is interpreted using statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, and thematic analysis. Thus, the findings revealed that the students did not meet expectations before the implementation of Word Chains; the students showed outstanding improvement after the integration of Word Chains; there was a significant difference in the student’s level of comprehension before and after the implementation of Word Chains; and additional developments were observed among the students following the use of the Word Chains in class. Therefore, the significant difference in students’ vocabulary before and after using Word Chains exhibits how effectively the tool enhances their vocabulary. Recommendations include teachers adopting innovative teaching methods across the curriculum, such as Word Chains, to foster better vocabulary acquisition and overall student academic growth.