Factor correlates of the level of academic performance in science at the University of Baguio Science High School

Abstract

This study aimed to give understanding about profound changes Science and technology undergo everyday in consonance with digital and fast pacing lifestyle and demands. Serving as catalyst for these changes is education designed to shape the quality of the students' lives as they come of age in the 21st century. The purpose of this study was to strengthen science instruction at the University of Baguio Science High School amidst challenging competition among science-based learning institutions in the country. This study aimed to determine the factor correlates on the level of academic performance in Science at the University of Baguio Science High School. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the level of attainment of the objectives of Science instruction at the University of Baguio Science High School as perceived by the teachers? 2. What is the extent of the use of identified teaching methods and strategies by science teachers in teaching science? 3. What is the extent of the utilization of instructional materials by science teachers? 4. What is the level of instructional competencies of Science teachers? 5. What is the level of academic performance of students in Science? 6. What is the correlation between academic performance and a. extent of use of identified teaching methods and strategies; b. extent of utilization of instructional materials; and c. level of instructional competencies of teachers? This study made use of descriptive ex-post facto survey method of research and was anchored on the concept of evaluation. Data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 15. Based on the problems, the following were the findings of this research: 1. As perceived by the science teachers the objectives of science instruction at the University of Baguio Science High School is very much attained. 2. Science teachers often use relevant methods and strategies in their teaching. 3. The students perceived that science teachers often use instructional materials in their lessons. 4. Instructional competencies of teachers reflected as outstanding along the teaching skills, affective and interpersonal skills, management skills and evaluation skills. 5. The University of Baguio Science High scholars achieved satisfactory performance in science. 6. There is a very weak relationship between academic performance in Science and level of instructional competencies of teachers. In the light of the findings derived from this study, the following conclusions are derived: 1. The emphasis in the teaching of Science and Technology at the University of Baguio Science High School is the holistic development of the learner. 2. Science teachers failed to employ all possible teaching methods and strategies used in teaching science. 3. Science teachers do not maximize the utilization of all instructional materials. 4. Science teachers are competent which means they are very confident and that they address the needs of the students with regard to learning. 5. The University of Baguio Science High scholars reciprocate the efforts of their science teachers through their satisfactory performance in science. 6. There is a very weak correlation between the academic performance in Science and the identified teaching-learning factors. After a careful review of the findings and analyses of data, the following recommendations are posited: 1. A seminar on the formulation of specific learning objectives for the science teachers be organized and conducted as part of the summer in-service training program. 2. A seminar-workshop on specific teaching methods and strategies applicable in teaching scientific concepts or principles. 3. The science teachers be encouraged to utilize instructional materials. 4. Problems encountered by the students in their academic and non academic concerns can be decreased or at least eased out through the help the University of Baguio Center for Counseling and Student Development (formerly UB Guidance Center). 5. The subject matter, skills, and attitudinal objectives reflect careful planning by the science teachers. 6. Another research undertaking which will tackle the conflicting results of this study.