Project CORE (Collaboration of Research Enthusiast) and Research Competence of Teachers: a Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study determined the effects of Project CORE (Collaboration of Research Enthusiasts) on the research competence of teachers in the division of San Pablo City. The results of the study will serve as a basis on how to improve and strengthen the project.

METHODS

This study utilized stratified sampling in the selection of 306 participants of the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data of the study. Paired sample t-test was also used to determine if a significant difference between the teachers' research competence levels before and after the implementation of Project CORE.

RESULTS

The implementation of Project CORE enhanced the research competence levels of teachers in the Division of San Pablo City from Beginning to Developing. There is a significant difference between the research competence of teachers before and after the implementation of Project CORE.

The participants' interests, enthusiasm, perspectives, and confidence about conducting research were improved through the implementation of Project CORE. The technical assistance provided by Project Proponents improved the knowledge and skills of teachers in conducting research. The responses of the participants in the interview validated the results of the survey on Teachers' Research Competence Levels conducted before and after the implementation of Project CORE.The enhancement of research competence of teachers will enable them to address problems in their classrooms and schools by conducting research. The implementation of the project increased the number of researches presented in Research Conferences from 37 researches last year to 69 researches this year.

DISCUSSIONS

The continuous implementation of Project CORE is highly recommended. More trainings on crafting research instruments and statistical tools used in research may be conducted since these skills got the lowest mean after the implementation of the project. Collection of researches conducted may be displayed in the school libraries. Members of the Division and School Research Management Committee may be sent to the Regional, National, and International Research Seminars to continuously enhance their research competence.