Classroom Diversity and Academic Performance of Grade 6 Pupils in Select Public Elementary Schools in Mabini District: Basis for Improved Management Practices and Promotion of Positive Classroom Manage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine how the teachers manage diversity, specifically through effective management practices and selection of instructional strategies and classroom activities that will help minimize the negative effects of diversity. This situation poses a challenge to the teachers as it may interfere with the establishment of a positive school and classroom climate which is considered a factor that facilitates the transfer of learning. It is in this connection that the challenge has to be attended to in the best way possible through more effective and efficient school and classroom management practices that will turn diversity into an opportunity for developing greater learning and competence among the pupils despite variation in their physical, intellectual, social, behavioral, and other capabilities.

METHODS

The researcher utilized the descriptive method of research. Random sampling was used to determine the exact number of teacher-respondents for this study. The questionnaire was used as the main data gathering procedure.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the pupils' performance is above satisfactory level, as sustained by grade point average of which was above average level. There was sufficient evidence of diversity among the pupils in the classroom based on the teachers' assessment of their interest, behavior, cultural traces, intellectual capability, and social traits. Teachers were competent in managing classroom diversity, as exemplified by their effective utilization of motivation techniques, enrichment activities, and provision of rewards and recognition for the pupils' exemplary performances. Teachers utilized extensively effective methods of selecting teaching strategies and classroom activities to cope with diversity where the greater the evidence of diversity, the more extensive the teachers used management techniques and strategies to cope with said diversity.

DISCUSSIONS

It has been recommended that the satisfactory performance of the pupils based on their attained grade point average must be maintained or even improved further through the teachers' consistent monitoring of the process of developing their varied competencies through instruction and implementation of varied classroom and school activities aimed to minimize, if not totally eradicate, the negative effects of diversity. An action plan to improve classroom management practices and promote positive classroom climate was designed as the final output of this study.