Project CORE (Collaboration of Research Enthusiasts) and Research Competence of Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Creating a culture of research in schools leads to the development of a community of practice and innovations. Conducting action researches play a vital role in the continuous improvement of teachers and administrators' competence, skills, and attitudes. It also continuously improves school processes which will result in the high performance of students.

Republic Act No. 10533 otherwise known as the "Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013" requires the Department of Education to adhere to standards and principles in developing the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. The act emphasized that the curriculum shall be relevant, responsive and research-based. Dr. Diosdado San Antonio (2014) stated that a good educator is described as someone who is engaged in research.

METHODS

This study utilized a mixed-method research design. Mixed-methods research is both a method and methodology for conducting research. It involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating quantitative and qualitative research in a single study or a longitudinal program of inquiry (Creswell et.al, 2007).

RESULTS

The implementation of Project CORE enhanced the research competence levels of teachers in the SHS in Malvarfrom 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.

DISCUSSIONS

The continuous implementation of Project CORE is highly recommended. More training 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. A collection of researches conducted may be displayed in the school libraries. Members of the District and School Research Management Committee may be sent to the Regional, National and International Research Seminars to continuously enhance their research competence.