Utilization of Self-Paced Learning Modules to Improve the Student's Academic Performance in Grade 8 Araling Panlipunan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Students become independent thinkers and learn to accept responsibility. Intrinsic; reward creates good feeling among the students. Self-learning modules give the opportunity to develop a good work ethic. Due to increased enrolment of students and knowledge explosion, the need of Self Learning Modules is the demand of the time. Along with it, knowledge through Self Learning Modules also helps to inculcate self-study habits and self-confidence among students which are very much essential to enhance learning.

METHODS

This study utilized a Pre-test and Post-test design method to compare the degree of change occurring as a result of the Self-Learning Module of Project EASE of Grade 8 students.Correlational study was also used to determine whether or not two variables are correlated. This means to study whether an increase or decrease in one variable corresponds to an increase or decrease in the other variable.

RESULTS

Findings of the study show that there exists a significant relationship between the students' final grade in Araling Panlipunan 8 when grouped according to gender, Pre-test score and Post-test score. The result also shows that there is no significant relationship between the respondents' Final Grade in Grade 8 and their Final Grade in Grade 7. Moreover, results of the study revealed that there is significant relationship between the students' Post-test result and their Grade 7 grade in Araling Panlipunan while gender has no significant relationship with the students' Post-test.Lastly, the study also revealed that there is a significant difference between the students' Pre-test and Post-test result after the intervention program. This means that the utilization of Project EASE yields a positive effect on the students' academic performance and their Least Mastered Competencies. It further shows that students tend to understand Self Learning Module better as compared to common classroom instruction.

DISCUSSIONS

The use of the Project EASE (Effective Alternative Secondary Education) in teaching least mastered competencies to students with learning difficulties is a way to improve their academic performance and post-test result rather than using common classroom instruction. Therefore, it is recommended that Araling Panlipunan teachers use the Project EASE self-learning module to let the students have their own time to reflect on the lesson and to learn it by doing.