Concept Mapping as a Strategy in Enhancing Grade Six Understanding of Different Body Systems

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the utilization of concept mapping on fostering learning, transfer of knowledge, and retention of body systems concepts in Science. The realization of the K-12 Science curriculum has become a leading problem in the classrooms as many learners are having difficulties in processing information. That is why teachers are always trying to discover or craft innovative ways to spark pupil interest and increase pupil retention of the lessons presented. Learners, most specifically the Grade six learners who mostly exposed to highly-contextualized and complex learning texts, are expected to have the capacity of grasping concepts if given the right tools. Concept maps have been proven to aid in fostering learning, transferring, and retention of knowledge. The systems of the human body are an ideal set of topics to explore using the value of graphic organizers because the human body is a topic that is often interesting and exciting for pupils in Science.

METHODS

The respondents are from the three out of ten sections or 135 grade six pupils from Lemery Pilot Elementary School enrolled for the S.Y. 2017 -2018. The study was both quantitative and qualitative. Pre-test and Post-test and teacher-made assessments were used. The results were treated statistically with the use of frequency counts and percentages. She also utilized questionnaires and a checklist to identify the difficulties encountered by the pupils.

RESULTS

It was found that the lessons about the different body systems are one of the least mastered skills in Science 6. From the different strategies in teaching, concept mapping was considered significantly better for learning gains. The delivery of the lesson by the use of graphic organizers promoted better retention and sparked a lot of pupil interest and raised pupil success.

DISCUSSIONS

In light of the result of the study, the researcher decided to integrate concept mapping fully in classroom practice for all lessons using varieties of concept mapping activities and models. The result of the study will be rolled out to the school for future use.