Capability of Integrating Robotics in Special Science Elementary Curriculum: A Curricular Program Model Initiative

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Being the pioneer of Special Science Elementary School in the Division of Tanauan City, the researcher opted to know if the school is now capable of integrating robotics in the SSES curriculum. Enhancing the curriculum with robotics allows the school to create a different environment for the learning process. By creating and programming the robot, the student can learn physics, mathematics, science, and arts, for example. This study aims to assess the level of capability of integrating robotics in special science program as assessed by the teachers and students of the Special Science Classes of Tanauan North Central School in Tanauan City, Batangas during the school year 2017-2018. The researcher described perceived benefits and barriers of integrating robotics in a special science program as assessed by the teachers and students.

METHODS

This study used the descriptive type of research. The respondents include 30 Math and Science teachers and 100 elementary students enrolled in the Special Science Program in Tanauan North Central School in Tanauan City, Batangas. Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to identify the barriers identified in integrating robotics in special science elementary program.

RESULTS

It was found out that the faculty and the school facility is capable for the integration of the robotics in Special Science Program. There are benefits and barriers to the integration of robotics in the Special Science Program. A significant difference exists between the teachers and students' assessment in the level of capability of integrating robotics in Special Science Program. There are strategies to overcome the barriers in the integration of robotics in the Special Science Program.

DISCUSSIONS

The results recommended strengthening the faculty and the school facility for them to be very capable for the integration of the robotics in Special Science Program. They should also develop strategies to address the barriers in the integration of the robotics in Special ScienceProgram. Moreover, there is a need to identify areas that were found to have a significant difference between the teachers and students' assessment in the level of capability of integrating robotics in Special Science Program, and use these strategies to overcome the barriers in the integration the robotics in Special Science Program. School administrators must consider the action plan developed as an initiative in integrating robotics as curricular initiatives in a special science program.