Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Skills and Academic Performance of Students: Basis for Educational Reform

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and academic performance among students at Valladolid National High School–Ayungon Annex, District of Valladolid. Specifically, it determined the students’ levels of reading comprehension and critical thinking skills and investigated whether these variables were significantly associated with academic performance. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design involving 167 student respondents. Standardized assessment instruments were used to measure reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, while students’ academic performance was determined through their SF9 (Report Card) grades. Descriptive statistics, including the mean, were utilized to determine the levels of the variables, whereas Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was applied to examine the relationships among them. The findings revealed that the respondents generally demonstrated an instructional level of reading comprehension and a moderate level of critical thinking skills across the dimensions of analyzing, evaluating, creating, remembering, understanding, and applying. Their academic performance was classified as very satisfactory. Furthermore, the results showed a statistically significant positive relationship between reading comprehension and academic performance, indicating that students with stronger comprehension skills tended to achieve higher academic outcomes. Similarly, critical thinking skills were found to have a significant positive relationship with academic performance, suggesting that students with stronger reasoning and analytical abilities performed better academically. The findings highlight the critical role of developing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills in promoting students’ academic success. It is therefore recommended that schools implement targeted literacy and higher-order thinking interventions, integrate critical thinking activities across the curriculum, and strengthen instructional strategies that foster comprehension and analytical reasoning to further enhance learners’ academic achievement.