A preliminary survey of grade school students in the country found that students preferred a more “learner-centered approach” to teaching science, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

The initial findings of the ongoing survey involving over 1,000 grade school students in K3 to K6 levels showed that students had “a neutral to positive attitude, awareness, and knowledge” of science despite the perceived difficulty of the subject.

Early poll results, which was published in a report titled “Appreciating Science: A Project on Perception of Science Among Filipino K3 to K6 Students in the Philippines (Year 1), indicated added that “here was no negative response attributed to statements related to science.”

However, the researchers learned in the focused group discussions (FGDs) that students only have a “shallow understanding” of science.

“While most of them recalled terms that were taught inside the classroom, they did not know how to characterize, explain, and even relate these with one another,” they said.

“They have difficulty in absorbing science concepts and thinking about them in creative and innovative ways,” they added.

More interactive approach

The researchers said that students preferred a more learner-centered approach to teaching science, in which they are encouraged to ask questions and to seek answers for themselves.

Likewise, they emphasize the need for a more interactive approach to teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), facilitated by competent and knowledgeable teachers, parental support, and real-world examples.

“Both survey and FGD results confirm that motivation and inclination of the students to pursue Science is not limited to the classroom,” the researchers noted.

The preliminary findings of the three-year study on the attitudes of K-12 students towards STEM subjects were released by the DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI), in cooperation with the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UPCMCFI) on Aug. 26.

“We are particularly concerned about recent reports that Filipinos are not doing well in STEM, aggravated by the pandemic,” DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.

“We hope that this helps strengthen our approach in building a science culture where learning is prioritized and interest in science is maintained,” he added.

The entire study is expected to be completed in 2022.