Students' Academic Performance and Teachers' Teaching Strategies in Science: Basis for the formulation of Science Activities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Filipino students' poor achievement levels in Science have been documented for several years now. Thus, greater importance must be given for students to learn and perform through varied classroom activities and strategies. In this study, the relationship between the students' performance and teachers' teaching strategies was determined as basis for the formulation of Science Activities in Junior High School.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research was employed and a questionnaire was utilized as the research instrument. The respondents of this study were limited to seventeen (17) Public Junior High School Science in Area III, Division of Batangas with Science teachers as respondents. The baseline of the study is on the relationship between the teaching strategies employed by Science teachers and the Grade 9 students' academic performance based on their final grade for School Year 2017-2018. In assessing the relationship of these variables, the statistical tools employed were the weighted mean, ranking, frequency and Chi Square Test.

RESULTS

The results revealed that students performed outstanding in Science. Consequently, preparing learners to be responsible individuals in a technologically advanced society was considered by the respondents as one of the strategies which is commonly used in teaching Science. In terms of instructional delivery, Science teachers' competency level showed that communicating in a direct and positive way with learners was important in dealing with students. In the area of classroom management, it was revealed that it teachers focused on managing learners' behavior constructively by applying positive and non-violent discipline to ensure learning-focused environments. Moreover, it was found out that the selection of learning targets was highly regarded by teachers in the area of assessment and reporting.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results of the study, there is a need for additional trainings for teachers for them to contextualize different strategies in teaching Science in Junior High School. The development of instructional materials will be very beneficial in improving students' performance. The formulated Science activities proposed in this study will improve teachers' strategies ensuring that they will be able to employ varied and effective means for students to learn ultimately.