“STRATEGIC INTERVENTION MATERIALS IN SCIENCE: EFFECTIVE REMEDIAL TOOLS AND VENUES FOR ENHANCEMENT”
BY:MARY QUEEN P. ORPILLA
Head Teacher III
Introduction
Strategic intervention materials refer to teaching aids introduced into the teaching methods to stimulate the activity of the students and thereby increasing their level of understanding and mastery in a certain topic or lesson.
The use of any classroom intervention is an important strategy to help combat if not totally eradicate the problem in low academic achievement rate among the students. Instructional materials such as strategic intervention materials were proven effective intervention techniques when applied to low achieving students. The good results were evident through various researches done both locally and abroad.
In November 2012, the author with the support of her colleagues in Science and her department head and some Science students conducted a validation of her developed Strategic Intervention Materials in Science. The SIMs were validated before classroom use. The validation of the SIMs aims to determine if it can be used as an effective intervention material and a remedial tool in understanding the Least Mastered Learning Competencies (LMLCs) such as Cellular Structures and Functions in Science.
In addition, to prove its functionality, a checklist was given to fifteen (15) students who used the SIMs as well as to the five (5) Biology teachers and the Science department head to evaluate the SIM’s design, content and relevance. The bottom ten (5) students in the three sections of second year level were identified as student - respondents because they showed low mastery on the topic cellular structures and functions. The collected data were presented in tabular form and statistically analyzed.
As regards to the validation findings, it was shown that 100% of the Science teachers and students respondents agreed that the design, content, activities and assessments are in accordance to the subtasks of the LMLC. It only implies that the survey results show that the student responses indicates the SIMs they used were valid and relevant to their needs.
Moreover, the utilization of the SIM was conducted by the author-writer during the school year 2012-2013 in Muñoz National High School. It was carried out among the students of II – Maribel, II – Mary Queen and II – Felerma. There were 10 students in each section for a total of thirty (30) student – respondents involved. These student-respondents were the bottom ten scorers because they failed to pass the Summative Test about Cellular Structures and Functions.
Furthermore, the use of the SIM was done during the vacant periods of the student-respondents. They were guided and instructed by the teacher who administered the SIM. The student-respondents finished answering the SIM at their own pace and time. They were also encouraged to bring home the SIM in case there are activities not accomplished during their allotted time in school. In addition, the progress of the implementation was assessed through a summative test involving items on least mastered skills.
The pre-test total score was 176 with the average of 11.73% while the post test score was 328 with the average of 21.87%. The result of the test indicates that there was 10.14% increase in the students’ test scores. This result implies the effectiveness of the SIM. Therefore, it was concluded that the objectives of using the SIM were achieved.
Among the objectives were the following: The use of SIM helped the teacher teach specific least mastered learning competencies in Biology; SIMs helped increase students’ test scores or Mean Percentage Score (MPS) in a test; and SIMs made the teaching of LMLCs easy and made the learning interesting and enjoyable on the part of the students. Lastly, the results showed that the utilization of the strategic intervention materials helped increase the mastery level of the student-respondents in the topic such as Cellular Structures and Functions. Moreover, the findings indicate that Strategic Intervention Materials really served as remedial tools and venues for enhancement of learning.
Employing this kind of strategy in teaching requires more time, effort and budget. Doing the first step up to the last was really a challenging endeavor. However, the most difficult part was the implementation stage, from fixing the common schedule between the teacher and the students up to reproducing the materials to be used.
On the part of the learners, they were observed to be engaging as they enjoyed doing the activities in the SIM. However, some students have just wondered because they felt like they were the slow learners in class that’s why they were chosen to use the SIM. That negative feeling was inevitable, however through the positive thoughts and perception of the teacher, the students were then encouraged that they were only being helped to cope with their difficulty. In the end, it all turned into an atmosphere where learning has taken place through a more interesting and enjoyable experience.
It was suggested that Department heads of different learning areas must require all their teachers to develop strategic intervention materials based on the least mastered learning competencies in their subject areas and should use these materials in class to cater the need of high mastery level among their students and to increase the MPS in any given test.
Moreover, it is also recommended that the SIMs should be made simple and yet attractive to the students. It should also be content – wise. Remedial teaching with the use of intervention materials is also recommended. In addition, teachers must give handouts, reading materials and other references to their students to encourage them to read and further master contents, concepts, theories etc. Teachers should have their own initiative to develop their ICT competency in order to create computer generated materials such as SIMs. Teachers should also integrate innovative ways such as interactive, cooperative, creative learning strategies and other student-centered activities to make the teaching and learning not only effective but also interesting and enjoyable.
BY:MARY QUEEN P. ORPILLA
Head Teacher III
Introduction
Strategic intervention materials refer to teaching aids introduced into the teaching methods to stimulate the activity of the students and thereby increasing their level of understanding and mastery in a certain topic or lesson.
The use of any classroom intervention is an important strategy to help combat if not totally eradicate the problem in low academic achievement rate among the students. Instructional materials such as strategic intervention materials were proven effective intervention techniques when applied to low achieving students. The good results were evident through various researches done both locally and abroad.
In November 2012, the author with the support of her colleagues in Science and her department head and some Science students conducted a validation of her developed Strategic Intervention Materials in Science. The SIMs were validated before classroom use. The validation of the SIMs aims to determine if it can be used as an effective intervention material and a remedial tool in understanding the Least Mastered Learning Competencies (LMLCs) such as Cellular Structures and Functions in Science.
In addition, to prove its functionality, a checklist was given to fifteen (15) students who used the SIMs as well as to the five (5) Biology teachers and the Science department head to evaluate the SIM’s design, content and relevance. The bottom ten (5) students in the three sections of second year level were identified as student - respondents because they showed low mastery on the topic cellular structures and functions. The collected data were presented in tabular form and statistically analyzed.
As regards to the validation findings, it was shown that 100% of the Science teachers and students respondents agreed that the design, content, activities and assessments are in accordance to the subtasks of the LMLC. It only implies that the survey results show that the student responses indicates the SIMs they used were valid and relevant to their needs.
Moreover, the utilization of the SIM was conducted by the author-writer during the school year 2012-2013 in Muñoz National High School. It was carried out among the students of II – Maribel, II – Mary Queen and II – Felerma. There were 10 students in each section for a total of thirty (30) student – respondents involved. These student-respondents were the bottom ten scorers because they failed to pass the Summative Test about Cellular Structures and Functions.
Furthermore, the use of the SIM was done during the vacant periods of the student-respondents. They were guided and instructed by the teacher who administered the SIM. The student-respondents finished answering the SIM at their own pace and time. They were also encouraged to bring home the SIM in case there are activities not accomplished during their allotted time in school. In addition, the progress of the implementation was assessed through a summative test involving items on least mastered skills.
The pre-test total score was 176 with the average of 11.73% while the post test score was 328 with the average of 21.87%. The result of the test indicates that there was 10.14% increase in the students’ test scores. This result implies the effectiveness of the SIM. Therefore, it was concluded that the objectives of using the SIM were achieved.
Among the objectives were the following: The use of SIM helped the teacher teach specific least mastered learning competencies in Biology; SIMs helped increase students’ test scores or Mean Percentage Score (MPS) in a test; and SIMs made the teaching of LMLCs easy and made the learning interesting and enjoyable on the part of the students. Lastly, the results showed that the utilization of the strategic intervention materials helped increase the mastery level of the student-respondents in the topic such as Cellular Structures and Functions. Moreover, the findings indicate that Strategic Intervention Materials really served as remedial tools and venues for enhancement of learning.
Employing this kind of strategy in teaching requires more time, effort and budget. Doing the first step up to the last was really a challenging endeavor. However, the most difficult part was the implementation stage, from fixing the common schedule between the teacher and the students up to reproducing the materials to be used.
On the part of the learners, they were observed to be engaging as they enjoyed doing the activities in the SIM. However, some students have just wondered because they felt like they were the slow learners in class that’s why they were chosen to use the SIM. That negative feeling was inevitable, however through the positive thoughts and perception of the teacher, the students were then encouraged that they were only being helped to cope with their difficulty. In the end, it all turned into an atmosphere where learning has taken place through a more interesting and enjoyable experience.
It was suggested that Department heads of different learning areas must require all their teachers to develop strategic intervention materials based on the least mastered learning competencies in their subject areas and should use these materials in class to cater the need of high mastery level among their students and to increase the MPS in any given test.
Moreover, it is also recommended that the SIMs should be made simple and yet attractive to the students. It should also be content – wise. Remedial teaching with the use of intervention materials is also recommended. In addition, teachers must give handouts, reading materials and other references to their students to encourage them to read and further master contents, concepts, theories etc. Teachers should have their own initiative to develop their ICT competency in order to create computer generated materials such as SIMs. Teachers should also integrate innovative ways such as interactive, cooperative, creative learning strategies and other student-centered activities to make the teaching and learning not only effective but also interesting and enjoyable.
PREPARING FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT TEST (NAT) 2014
By: Mrs. Nehemia L. Ganiban
Master Teacher II
MNHS-Main
The school believes that in every action it does, the welfare of the students is always the to consider.
March 05, 2014 is the schedule for the National Assessment Test (NAT) for the high school graduating students for school year 2013-2014. How ready are the secondary schools for the said assessment test?
The National Assessment Test is administered all over the country to gauge academic performance in key subjects namely: English, Filipino, Math, Science, and Araling Panlipunan (AP). This is also administered to find out how ready our senior students are to move on to the next level of education, be it four-year degree courses or Tech-Voc. Training.
The low performance of the NAT as shown in the previous NAT Result, calls for immediate action to address the weaknesses of the NAT takers and to respond to their needs so as to improve their performance.
Aware of the need to improve the NAT result of the secondary schools of the city schools division of Munoz, a consultative meeting was called by Mr. Bernardo A. Gargabite, the EPS I in English to discuss with the Master Teachers and coordinators possible solution to improve the NAT Result of our students. He stressed that every teacher should help in preparing NAT Takers for the said test. According to him, the periodical examination should be patterned from the NAT for the students to be used to the different types of test included in the NAT. Teamwork in conducting NAT Review classes was also given emphasis to raise the NAT result of the secondary schools in the division.
In response to the call of improving the NAT performance of the graduating students in high school, the principal IV of MNHS-Main, Corazon M. Tabing, Ed.D. conferred with the senior class advisers and other concerned mentors to discuss measures to improve NAT Result. One of these is to conduct review classes every Saturday to train the students in the different types of test included in the actual NAT. Information for the parents and a letter of consent were given to parents for them to support the activity by allowing their children to attend the said tutorial/review classes to be conducted. It would take five (5) Saturdays starting from January, 25 up to February 22, in which the last day would be intended for the Mock NAT.
In addition, the school provided NAT Reviewers to be used for conducting review classes. A schedule for the review classes was made for the smooth operation of the said activity. Teachers would also be given service credit for their services.
With these measures, the school administrators believe that it would help a lot in monitoring the progress of the students in the different subject areas included in the NAT. The joint forces of the division personnel, school administrators, teachers and students alike, would possibly result to a better NAT performance of the high school graduating students.
Patience in the part of the mentors and the insatiable search for more measures to respond to
the learners need in terms of NAT, should be every school’s goal. If electronic gadgets are now prevalent in our classroom, we need also to upgrade our strategies in improving the ability of our students to hurdle difficulties in taking the National Assessment Test. Conducting review classes requires dedication, patience and service from our mentors. Their being selfless means being concerned, and being concerned means being devoted…Kudos to our teachers and God bless to our NAT takers!
By: Mrs. Nehemia L. Ganiban
Master Teacher II
MNHS-Main
The school believes that in every action it does, the welfare of the students is always the to consider.
March 05, 2014 is the schedule for the National Assessment Test (NAT) for the high school graduating students for school year 2013-2014. How ready are the secondary schools for the said assessment test?
The National Assessment Test is administered all over the country to gauge academic performance in key subjects namely: English, Filipino, Math, Science, and Araling Panlipunan (AP). This is also administered to find out how ready our senior students are to move on to the next level of education, be it four-year degree courses or Tech-Voc. Training.
The low performance of the NAT as shown in the previous NAT Result, calls for immediate action to address the weaknesses of the NAT takers and to respond to their needs so as to improve their performance.
Aware of the need to improve the NAT result of the secondary schools of the city schools division of Munoz, a consultative meeting was called by Mr. Bernardo A. Gargabite, the EPS I in English to discuss with the Master Teachers and coordinators possible solution to improve the NAT Result of our students. He stressed that every teacher should help in preparing NAT Takers for the said test. According to him, the periodical examination should be patterned from the NAT for the students to be used to the different types of test included in the NAT. Teamwork in conducting NAT Review classes was also given emphasis to raise the NAT result of the secondary schools in the division.
In response to the call of improving the NAT performance of the graduating students in high school, the principal IV of MNHS-Main, Corazon M. Tabing, Ed.D. conferred with the senior class advisers and other concerned mentors to discuss measures to improve NAT Result. One of these is to conduct review classes every Saturday to train the students in the different types of test included in the actual NAT. Information for the parents and a letter of consent were given to parents for them to support the activity by allowing their children to attend the said tutorial/review classes to be conducted. It would take five (5) Saturdays starting from January, 25 up to February 22, in which the last day would be intended for the Mock NAT.
In addition, the school provided NAT Reviewers to be used for conducting review classes. A schedule for the review classes was made for the smooth operation of the said activity. Teachers would also be given service credit for their services.
With these measures, the school administrators believe that it would help a lot in monitoring the progress of the students in the different subject areas included in the NAT. The joint forces of the division personnel, school administrators, teachers and students alike, would possibly result to a better NAT performance of the high school graduating students.
Patience in the part of the mentors and the insatiable search for more measures to respond to
the learners need in terms of NAT, should be every school’s goal. If electronic gadgets are now prevalent in our classroom, we need also to upgrade our strategies in improving the ability of our students to hurdle difficulties in taking the National Assessment Test. Conducting review classes requires dedication, patience and service from our mentors. Their being selfless means being concerned, and being concerned means being devoted…Kudos to our teachers and God bless to our NAT takers!
CASH DISBURSEMENT REGISTER,IS THIS REALLY IMPORTANT?
JOHANN M. TABING
Administrative Officer III
Are you familiar with cash disbursement register? Do you think this is really important? A cash disbursement is a record kept by accountants to record all financial expenditures made by a company. Cash disbursement journals serve a number of functions, such as a source for recording tax write-offs and the categorization of other expenses. This journal essentially functions as a checkbook ledger, for all practical purposes.(adopted from investopedia
Yes, based on the definition itself we can conclude that the cash disbursement register is important bevause it serves a record to all financial expenditures made by a company. But let's face it, the financial statements of some firms are designed to hide rather than reveal information. Transparency Is Assurance the word "transparent" can be used to describe high-quality financial statements. The term has quickly become a part of business vocabulary. Dictionaries offer many definitions for the word, but those synonyms relevant to financial reporting are: "easily understood," "very clear," "frank" and "candid."
Therefore through cash disbursement register all the school heads from different schools will become transparent in their MOOE disbursement. Such records allow accountants to track expenses, record events of importance, and balance the books to maintain accurate information on available funds and other matters of concern.
Let us give importance to the Cash Disbursement Register, Accomplished it with transparency.
JOHANN M. TABING
Administrative Officer III
Are you familiar with cash disbursement register? Do you think this is really important? A cash disbursement is a record kept by accountants to record all financial expenditures made by a company. Cash disbursement journals serve a number of functions, such as a source for recording tax write-offs and the categorization of other expenses. This journal essentially functions as a checkbook ledger, for all practical purposes.(adopted from investopedia
Yes, based on the definition itself we can conclude that the cash disbursement register is important bevause it serves a record to all financial expenditures made by a company. But let's face it, the financial statements of some firms are designed to hide rather than reveal information. Transparency Is Assurance the word "transparent" can be used to describe high-quality financial statements. The term has quickly become a part of business vocabulary. Dictionaries offer many definitions for the word, but those synonyms relevant to financial reporting are: "easily understood," "very clear," "frank" and "candid."
Therefore through cash disbursement register all the school heads from different schools will become transparent in their MOOE disbursement. Such records allow accountants to track expenses, record events of importance, and balance the books to maintain accurate information on available funds and other matters of concern.
Let us give importance to the Cash Disbursement Register, Accomplished it with transparency.
Now we've got the Internet, why do we still need libraries?"
By: Anvil A. Portes
Teacher III- MNHS-Annex
Internet Generation students clearly distinguish the open space of the World Wide Web as their information system. When students use a wide array of information resources that they seek out on their own, they can improve their learning through searching of topics of interest. However, with the immense resources of the Web available, students must first make choices about how to access information and then which information resources to use in their explorations and assignments. Increasingly, students use Web search engines such as Google to locate information resources rather than seek out library online catalogs or databases of scholarly journal articles. I as a teacher express my concern that many students do not know how to adequately evaluate the quality of information resources found on the Web.
Many students mistakenly believe that everything is accessible on the Internet. Considering that there are over billion unique publicly available websites, anyone can publish a web page no one checks that the information is correct, current or able to be authenticated and yes, there are unpleasant sites on the Internet, although these make up less than few percent of all web pages. Comparing the above list with the resources in the school library, the resources have all been individually selected by a trained professional, to cater specifically to the school's educational programs, a catalogue of the library resources exists, so that anyone can find everything in the library and as the Teacher Librarian is a qualified teacher, as well as a trained librarian, there is always someone on hand to help find the information, interpret difficult concepts, and locate information from beyond the physical library.
By: Anvil A. Portes
Teacher III- MNHS-Annex
Internet Generation students clearly distinguish the open space of the World Wide Web as their information system. When students use a wide array of information resources that they seek out on their own, they can improve their learning through searching of topics of interest. However, with the immense resources of the Web available, students must first make choices about how to access information and then which information resources to use in their explorations and assignments. Increasingly, students use Web search engines such as Google to locate information resources rather than seek out library online catalogs or databases of scholarly journal articles. I as a teacher express my concern that many students do not know how to adequately evaluate the quality of information resources found on the Web.
Many students mistakenly believe that everything is accessible on the Internet. Considering that there are over billion unique publicly available websites, anyone can publish a web page no one checks that the information is correct, current or able to be authenticated and yes, there are unpleasant sites on the Internet, although these make up less than few percent of all web pages. Comparing the above list with the resources in the school library, the resources have all been individually selected by a trained professional, to cater specifically to the school's educational programs, a catalogue of the library resources exists, so that anyone can find everything in the library and as the Teacher Librarian is a qualified teacher, as well as a trained librarian, there is always someone on hand to help find the information, interpret difficult concepts, and locate information from beyond the physical library.
Physical Activities are better than Computer Games
By: Anvil A. Portes
Teacher III- MNHS Annex
Which do you prefer, playing sports or video games? I prefer playing sports because sports can develop my arm and stomach muscles.
First of all, it’s obvious for a fact that the reason why playing sport is better than video games is because it helps us become physically stronger. Our health improves because regular physical activity develops parts of our human body.
Teaching physical activities, developing strength, coordination and motor skills is my responsibilities as a Physical Education teacher. But aside from developing these physical skill sets in class, generally I encouraged a healthy and balanced lifestyle in my students.
In my observation youngster/student of today’s generation spend too much time in front of personal computer/ cellular phone playing video games. What is best for students to devote their free time?
In computerization society, computer games can be very intelligent it may contain vast educational potentials. It can motivate students to develop researching skills and inspire them to learn new things. Hence, some of it develops noting but button pushing and these games are usually addictive and can cause serious mental diseases. I don’t think it’s good for your eyes
That’s why I encourage my students to be more on outdoor games, to train their agility and endurance and when playing sports we usually play with friends so it’s very sociable. . So you should go to Gym or outside. Let’s play sports!
.
By: Anvil A. Portes
Teacher III- MNHS Annex
Which do you prefer, playing sports or video games? I prefer playing sports because sports can develop my arm and stomach muscles.
First of all, it’s obvious for a fact that the reason why playing sport is better than video games is because it helps us become physically stronger. Our health improves because regular physical activity develops parts of our human body.
Teaching physical activities, developing strength, coordination and motor skills is my responsibilities as a Physical Education teacher. But aside from developing these physical skill sets in class, generally I encouraged a healthy and balanced lifestyle in my students.
In my observation youngster/student of today’s generation spend too much time in front of personal computer/ cellular phone playing video games. What is best for students to devote their free time?
In computerization society, computer games can be very intelligent it may contain vast educational potentials. It can motivate students to develop researching skills and inspire them to learn new things. Hence, some of it develops noting but button pushing and these games are usually addictive and can cause serious mental diseases. I don’t think it’s good for your eyes
That’s why I encourage my students to be more on outdoor games, to train their agility and endurance and when playing sports we usually play with friends so it’s very sociable. . So you should go to Gym or outside. Let’s play sports!
.
Information Technology ,Wonderful Creation…
JOHANN M. TABING
Administrative Officer III
In a business context, the Information Technology Association of America has defined information technology as "the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems".[5] The responsibilities of those working in the field include network administration, software development and installation, and the planning and management of an organization's technology life cycle, by which hardware and software is maintained, upgraded and replaced.(adopted from Wikipedia)
I am wondering how the world create such a wonderful creation like the so-called information technology that really helps a lot to all especially those who are working in the office .Why did I say that Information Technology is a wonderful creation ? Here are some of the tremendous points about Information Technology .First, IT engineers try to ensure that brand-new software and hardware can be programmed and built to meet the demands of businesses and individuals, while IT technicians are important in fixing the equipment that is being used. The function of IT is to allow us to be productive in a new digital environment, where emails can be sent to colleagues around the world at the speed of light. The innovation of IT also means that it has never been easier to use cloud-based systems that allow us to upload our work to the Internet gain access to it with ease and efficiency from anywhere that has connectivity.
As a division, IT personnel are also the lifeblood of any business in ensuring a system which is used for work is constantly available and free of any technical problems. After all, what is the point in shifting to digital to become more dynamic if you are always having trouble with using the new technology? Most importantly, they will also hold the function of backing up vital data guaranteeing that a business isn’t at risk of losing vibrant information such as consumer databases, product prototypes and financial records.
As a final point, the purpose of IT is to ensure that an environment can remain safe and free of viruses or, in the case of an email network, free of spam that can slow down progress and affect a person’s access to their own account. It can seem like an intense battle to work in IT, but it’s a rewarding job for many.
Am I right now that Information Technology is a wonderful creation?
JOHANN M. TABING
Administrative Officer III
In a business context, the Information Technology Association of America has defined information technology as "the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems".[5] The responsibilities of those working in the field include network administration, software development and installation, and the planning and management of an organization's technology life cycle, by which hardware and software is maintained, upgraded and replaced.(adopted from Wikipedia)
I am wondering how the world create such a wonderful creation like the so-called information technology that really helps a lot to all especially those who are working in the office .Why did I say that Information Technology is a wonderful creation ? Here are some of the tremendous points about Information Technology .First, IT engineers try to ensure that brand-new software and hardware can be programmed and built to meet the demands of businesses and individuals, while IT technicians are important in fixing the equipment that is being used. The function of IT is to allow us to be productive in a new digital environment, where emails can be sent to colleagues around the world at the speed of light. The innovation of IT also means that it has never been easier to use cloud-based systems that allow us to upload our work to the Internet gain access to it with ease and efficiency from anywhere that has connectivity.
As a division, IT personnel are also the lifeblood of any business in ensuring a system which is used for work is constantly available and free of any technical problems. After all, what is the point in shifting to digital to become more dynamic if you are always having trouble with using the new technology? Most importantly, they will also hold the function of backing up vital data guaranteeing that a business isn’t at risk of losing vibrant information such as consumer databases, product prototypes and financial records.
As a final point, the purpose of IT is to ensure that an environment can remain safe and free of viruses or, in the case of an email network, free of spam that can slow down progress and affect a person’s access to their own account. It can seem like an intense battle to work in IT, but it’s a rewarding job for many.
Am I right now that Information Technology is a wonderful creation?