Learners' competence in Statistics: Basics for the development of intervention material for Statistics in research (IMSIR)

Abstract

This study developed an instructional material for statistics in research (IMSIR) to enhance learners' competence in statistics for research. Design research utilizing ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model is used in this study. The instruments used in this study are the researcher-made diagnostic test to determine the learner's competence in Statistics for Research and the learners' and experts' evaluation form to evaluate the IMSIR. In order to determine the least learned competency of the learners in Statistics for Research, this research utilized 156 Grade 12 HUMSS learners. In addition, 30 HUMSS learners and a teacher-implementer participated in the online implementation of the material. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze and interpret quantitative data, namely frequency count, percentage, and mean. Results of the study revealed that Grade 12 HUMSS learners are fairly competent in Statistics for research and the learned competencies were sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, and descriptive vs. inferential statistics. The developed instructional material for Statistics in Research (IMSIR) covered the three least learned competencies in Statistics for Research and has the following parts: cover page, rationale, title card, guide card, activity card, assessment card, enrichment card, answer key card and reference card. Based on the result, the learners agreed that the IMSIR is excellent. In terms of the design of the IMSIR, readability, and ease of task completion, learners rated the IMSIR as very good. To improve the material, learners suggested using minimalist design and font variations and using fewer words in some cards. Furthermore, learners rated IMSIR as excellent in terms of clarity of directions used, the importance of content, appropriateness of the activities, opportunities for active learning, and usefulness. Moreover, based on experts" evaluation, the IMSIR was rated excellent in all aspects of the focus area. When students were asked about their experiences using IMSIR, their responses presented the idea that the IMSIR was useful, helpful, understandable, and commendable. This implies that the intervention material for statistics in research (IMSIR) built on a constructivist perspective can help improve learners' competence in statistics which can be applied in quantitative research. Thus, this material can be used by teachers teaching practical research II, especially for those with difficulties in statistics.