Improving the Academic Performance of Grade Eleven Students through CIS-Oriented Homework

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Homework is an important factor that increases student achievement -a challenged intensified by the implementation of the K to 12 Curriculum. With the increasing numbers of students with special needs and the increasing pressure placed on students to make academic gains on standardized tests, it is important that teachers are equipped with the tools necessary to effectively use homework as a learning instrument. Increasing the effectiveness of homework is a multifaceted goal. To meet the challenge of the new curriculum, the researchers maximize the utilization of CIS (Collaborative, Incentive-Motivation and Skills Development) oriented homework to improve the academic performance of selected Grade 11 students. This strategy is based on the Vygotskian social constructivist ideas. CIS-oriented homework is intended to encourage the students to intensify learning and further develop their skills through collaboration with peers.

METHODS

This study utilized a descriptive method to analyze the effect of using CIS-oriented homework on the academic performance of the Grade 11 STEM students. The study was conducted among the 27 Grade 11 STEM students of Alupay National High School. The students were exposed to several homework and other tasks. The general average of the Grade 11 STEM students during the third quarter served as basis in assessing whether the application of Vygotskian social constructivist ideas is effective.

RESULTS

Through the Vygotskian social constructivist ideas, it was expected that a series of CIS-oriented homework was instrumental for the students to learn as they were motivated to achieve their targets while interacting with their peers. Based on the study conducted, the researchers have found out that the students improved in their academic performance during the third quarter (Second semester) of the school year 2018-2019.

DISCUSSIONS

CIS-oriented homework established a more beneficial social process of learning among students. Collaboration geared towards attainment not only the actual development of the students but also their potential (skills) development. This highlights the interdependence of the students and the social process in co-constructing knowledge in a social setting which later will improve their academic performance. With this, the researchers have planned to prepare a compendium of CIS-oriented homework for teachers to utilize in their respective classes to further enhance the academic performance of their students.