Increasing Students' Ability in Solving Science Problems (Project Isapuso)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Memorandum No. 2002 s. 2015 (Nationwide Training on Continuous Improvement (CI) Program) develops and encourages a learner's ability to achieve their full potential with regards to academic thinking and reasoning. The K to 12 program includes different topics for Grade 8 competencies such as forces, motion and energy, Earth and space, matter, and living things, and their environment. In the first grading period, Force, Motion and Energy demands problem-solving skills from students. The average MPS in Departmental Test for Grade 8 for three consecutive school years in Physics are as follows: S.Y 2013-2014-34.54; S.Y 2014-2015-51.14; S.Y. 2015-2017-49.60. Physics has the lowest MPS in comparison with other subjects. Most students have difficulties in solving problems, translating problems into mathematical form, and in analyzing, deriving and using the correct formulas. In connection with this problem, the authors made an intervention material, FORLIFEm, for students to use in solving problems.

METHODS

Using the intervention material in solving problems, FORLIFEm, this study entitled "PROJECT ISAPUSO: Increasing Students' Ability in Solving Science Problems) determined the difference between the performance of two groups of Grade 8 students of Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School. The first group uses the intervention material in solving problems while the other group solves the problems in the traditional way.

RESULTS

Based on the results, the researchers therefore concluded that with the implementation of the Intervention Material in Solving Problems "FORLIFEm", 119 out of 148 students or 80.41% solved the problems correctly. Without the use of the intervention material in solving problems, 29 out of 148 students or 19.59 % experienced difficulty in solving the problem. A significant increase of 60.82% was obtained. Learners were able to increase their Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) and Mastery Levels in problem-solving.

DISCUSSIONS

The Intervention Material FORLIFEm aids students in understanding problem-solving especially in computations involving Force, Energy, and Motion. The researchers recommend that the intervention material, FORLIFEm, where the list of formulas is listed, will be used by students in different Grade 8 classes.