The Effect of Reflective Learning Strategy in Improving the Critical Thinking Skills of Grade 5 Pupils in Pio Valenzuela Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Studying Science involves critical thinking process. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Reflective Learning Strategy to improve the critical thinking skills of pupils in Science. Pupils reflect on the lessons to identify their strengths weaknesses, and insights gained using six-core critical thinking questions. Through this strategy, learners acquire knowledge and develop their critical thinking skills.

METHODS

The statistical tools that the researchers used are the mean and the independent t-test. Mean was used in determining the critical thinking skills before and after their exposure to the lecture-discussion strategy and reflective learning strategy. On the other hand, the independent t-test was used to determine the significant difference in the critical thinking skills of the pupils of the two groups who are exposed in reflective learning strategy and those who are exposed in lecture-discussion strategy.

RESULTS

The critical thinking skills of the control and experimental group before their exposure to the lecture-discussion strategy and reflective learning strategy falls under low mastery level. This reveals that the pupils cannot identify the parts and functions of the Human and Plant Reproductive System. After their exposure to the lecture-discussion strategy, the control group falls under low descriptive mastery level while the experimental group which was exposed to reflective learning strategy has a high descriptive mastery level Furthermore, there's a significant difference in the mastery level of the two groups. This implies that reflective learning strategy is more effective than lecture-discussion strategy.

DISCUSSIONS

After implementing the reflective learning strategy, it was revealed that most of the pupils were able to answer higher-order thinking questions and reflect on their previous lessons. They were able to pose their own questions, investigate and discover to answer their questions, assess their previous knowledge and plan for their future learning. This is a way to maximize and take charge of their own learning. Reflective Learning Strategy is more effective in improving pupils' critical thinking skills rather than Lecture Discussion Strategy.