Science Instructional Design for Public Secondary Schools in Batangas Province

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Competency is a measure of one's ability and performance. Being competent and well-performing teacher is one of the most important resources in any educational institution. The teacher is considered the professional agent and the most directly responsible person in the learning process; he is in charge of helping students learn and benefit or suffer from the quality of his teaching. Given these, the teacher and the quality of his teaching are always under discussion and receive prevalent importance in education. One of the goals of today's pre-service and in-service training is to enhance teachers' competencies.

METHODS

A descriptive method of research was utilized in the study, with survey questionnaire supplemented by focus group discussions, and unstructured interview as main instruments to gather pertinent data and information. Samples were determined using Slovin's formula at five percent margin of error. The sample population was selected applying stratified proportional sampling and using proportionate allocation. To objectively describe and interpret the gathered data, this study made use of weighted mean, independent t-test, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The findings showed that both of the respondents agreed that in preparing the lessons, objectives, teaching methods, activities, and instructional materials should be aligned. As perceived by the respondents, teachers should connect students' prior learning, to their life experiences and interests. Likewise, results showed that the teachers should apply variety of instructional strategies and resources which are appropriate to the subject matter and which respond to students' diverse needs. It can be inferred that the principals commonly observed that teachers should modify instructional plans to meet the needs of the students. However, there were no significant differences observed in the assessment of the school heads and teachers on instructional competence.

DISCUSSIONS

The results prove that teachers need a wide range of competencies in order to face the complex challenges in the field of education. Thus, teachers have to be trained on a regular basis to change their teaching beliefs, attitudes, and daily life practices in classrooms. Such programs will help teachers improve their teaching skills, sharpen their knowledge on the subject matter they teach, and hence develop students' learning and academic performances.