Looking into the Science instruction of an institution: Implication for the educational development program

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the current state of the science instruction in an Institution as implications for the formulation of its educational development program. This is a descriptive research that basically focused on the four major components of science instruction. This includes science teachers' performance, proficiency; assessment of laboratory resources and determination of administrative support. The sample classes were represented by full enumeration for the teacher and administrator and proportionate random sampling using the Slovin's formula and the fishbowl technique for students. One hundred eighty five (185) college students enrolled in science courses at different programs for the academic year 2008-2009, together with the administrators and the teachers themselves were involved in the evaluation of teachers' performance using the Faculty Performance Evaluation (FPE 035). Teachers' proficiency on the use of teaching strategies was assessed by science teachers utilizing a researcher-made Teaching Strategies Proficiency (TSP). The learning resource was assessed by students and the teachers by means of modified version of Laboratory Resource Assessment Tool (LRAT). The administrators, heads of the college and the teachers shed light on the given administrative support employing another researcher-made Administrative Support Rating Scale (ASRS). The performance evaluation of the science teachers reveals that their performance is generally "Highly Satisfactory". All science teachers are performing very well except for the two who were rated only as "Moderately Satisfactory" The teachers considered themselves to be "Very Skilled" on eight of the fifteen identified teaching strategies appropriate in science education. In the remaining strategies they regard themselves to be "Moderately Skilled". The laboratory fall short with the standard. All areas are rated as only "Moderately ideal". Further, the administration of the Institution is "Highly Supportive" to teachers in general although that there are some areas where they are perceived to be "Supportive" only. The study provided the Institution an objective of its capabilities and a realistic image of its present standing. The weaknesses were determined and priority areas were likewise identified. These findings serve as significant basis in the formulation of its educational development program. With this, promising future lies ahead.