Improving the Tabangao Elementary School Grade Six Pupils’ Achievement Level in Science and Health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Based on the 2015 results of the National Achievement Test (NAT) the passing rate for grade six pupils all over the country was only 69.21 %. Having a mean percentage score (MPS) of 58 in Science of grade six pupils in Tabangao Elementary School pushed the researcher to find out the causes of the low performance and to seek ways on how to improve the achievement level.

METHODS

The normative descriptive research was utilized to gather the needed information. Sets of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents: school head and teachers. The population was composed of one school head and 14 teachers. Daily observation and interviews were also utilized as tools in data gathering.

RESULTS

Ninety percent (90%) of the respondents agreed that poor comprehension, poor vocabulary and poor study habits are the factors that highly affect the achievement level of pupils in Science and Health. Five to eight respondents rated frequent absences, traditional teaching strategy, limited resources, teacher's incompetence, and poor health to affect the pupils' achievement. Exposing pupils to HOTS questions and using varied techniques and strategies were strongly agreed by 12 respondents as ways to improve the achievement level of pupils in Science and Health. Ten respondents strongly agreed to employ group activity like group game and contest, to utilize manipulative materials and engage pupils in interactive activities would help to improve the learning outcome. The utilization of activity sheets, attendance of teachers to seminars was strongly agreed by 9 respondents to be effective ways to uplift pupils' achievement.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for Science teachers to improve teaching strategies, utilize modern technology, employ collaborative learning and interactive activities in teaching Science and Health. Pupils' exposure to higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and encouragement by the school head for teachers professional growth through attendance in pieces of training and other special programs are also valuable.