Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMs) to Develop Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study developed Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMs) on selected lessons in Alternative Learning System (ALS) Biology covering least-learned competencies. This also investigated the effect of Strategic Intervention Materials or SIMs on ALS learners' scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. The Strategic Intervention Materials (SIM) is used as an instrument that addresses deficiencies in learning. The SIM is part of the school's resource inputs designed to impart information to students in the educational process. It is highly regarded as a tool for the remediation of poor achievements of learners in Science. Accompanying Science instruction with SIM helps teachers reteach the least mastered concepts and skills.

METHODS

The study employed developmental, descriptive and pre-experimental methods of research. It made use of developmental research since the researcher prepared several Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMs) for this study.

RESULTS

The results showed that along with scientific literacy, the computed t-value,12.8802 while critical thinking skills result was 12.2431 both statistically significant at a 5% level of significance. These results represent a substantial value that can be attributed to the effectiveness of the developed SIMs covering the least-learned competencies performed by the learners, and Attitude to learning test result showed that the weighted mean of the pretest is 3.29 with a corresponding adjectival rating of not sure while 4.59 interpreted as strongly agree in the post-test. This means that the three developed SIMs given to the respondents have a positive impact on the attitude towards learning, more specifically in Science.

DISCUSSIONS

Three (SIMs) were developed and utilized to enhance the least-learned competencies in teaching Science, particularly Biology. The three developed SIMs were effective in enhancing most of the learners' scientific literacy and critical thinking and enhances a positive attitude towards Biology.

The researcher recommended that the developed strategic intervention materials may be used to enhance the least-learned competencies of the learners in Biology; ALS implementers can utilize the developed SIMs as a supplementary teaching materials in presenting topics covered by the material; Training workshop on developing SIMs must be conducted; and conduct a similar study on the use of SIM in other discipline to confirm the results of the study.