Community funds of knowledge of coastal communities: Basis for the development of socio-scientific issue learning material in General Physics

Abstract

This study aimed to document the community funds of knowledge of selected coastal communities in Guimaras as basis for the development of socio-scientific issue (SSI) learning material in physics. The participants in this study were the seven (7) local fishermen and shellfish gatherers from the selected coastal communities of Guimaras. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling and was based on the inclusion criteria. The study has two phases: (1) documentation of funds of knowledge of coastal communities and (2) development of SSI learning material in general physics. The data collection was in the form of photos, videos, field notes, and focus group discussion transcripts. The data gathered was analyzed using narrative analysis. The results of the study showed that the funds of knowledge of selected coastal community were Fishermen's Plight: Battling Oil Spill and Turbulent Currents (oil spill), Navigating the Tides of Change (tides), The Calm Before the Storm (storm surge), Hooked to Extinction: Devastating Depletion of Fish Population (mass wasting), Shores in Peril: Community's Battle Against Climate Change (elevated sea temperature), and The Seasonal Catch: the Ebb and Flow of Life and Livelihood (water pollution). These funds of knowledge were in a form of metaphorical descriptions and were used as a reference for obtaining science concepts and socio-scientific issues that could be integrated in the instruction of senior high school general physics. The learning material was titled, The Seaside Scientist: A Journey Through Physics and Coastal Communities, a supplementary material in general physics. It was also found out that the evaluation of learning material by experts indicates "excellent". The content of the learning material may promote development of higher order thinking skills, and it is presented in such a way that it is likely to connect with the target reader's knowledge and experience. In views of the foregoing results, this study recommends the implementation of the learning material in general physics and conduct an evaluation of the learning material to assess its effectiveness.