Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

6

Authors: Renante A. Egcas (PhD) , Ma. Theresa L. Tabotabo (PhD) , Ma. Janet S. Geroso (PhD)

This study aimed to determine whether a localized curriculum would improve the reading achievement of the Grade 8 students. The research subjects were the Grade 8 students of Escalante National High School, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Pretest-posttest experimental design was utilized in this study. Two groups of subjects were compared in terms of their pretest and posttest results. The experimental group was exposed to the localized curriculum for their reading instruction while the control group received the reading instruction as prescribed by the K to 12 - Grade 8 English curriculum. The data were obtained using the researcher-made test instrument. Descriptive mean, paired and independent sample t-tests were the statistical tools used for the data analysis. The research findings revealed that the reading achievement of the Grade 8 students in English in the experimental group improved from ‘approaching proficient’ to ‘proficient’. It implied that localized curriculum helped increase the level of reading achievement of the students, thus the hypothesis of no significant difference between the pretest and posttest of the experimental group was rejected. This study suggested that since localized curriculum improved the reading achievement of the students, the school may establish a ‘school-based curriculum localization matrix aside from using the ‘regional and division curriculum localization matrix’ and ensure a continuous capability building for teachers on how to localize curriculum. A similar investigation may be conducted like the teachers' knowledge and skills and effective strategies in localized curriculum in relation the students' academic performance

7

Authors: Vergel P. Mirana

The study evaluated the effects of a developed lesson exemplars in electricity integrating computer simulations and constructivist approach on students' Epistemological Beliefs. Specifically, it sought to determine how computer simulations, constructivist approach and Formative Assessment Classroom Technique (FACT) can be integrated in the lesson exemplars in electricity; and evaluate the effects of the developed lesson exemplars in the students’ Epistemological Beliefs. The investigation employed the pre-experimental single-group pretest and posttest study using the Epistemological Beliefs Assessment in Physical Sciences (EBAPS) questionnaire. The study was conducted among seventy-two (72) Grade 10 students of a laboratory high school from a state university in the Philippines. They were taught using Physics Educational Technology (PhET) and other web-based simulations, constructivist approach, and formative assessment classroom technique. The results revealed that the over-all Epistemological Beliefs of the students did not change significantly; only along Nature of Knowing and Learning and Real-Life Applicability. Generally, utilizing computer simulations and applying constructivist approach did not alter students' epistemological beliefs in its entirety. However, it can be engaging and effective in promoting students’ understanding of Physics.

8

Authors: Renierose Mary R. Hernandez

The study determined the relationship between self-esteem and freshmen students’ adjustment to college in Higher Education Institutions in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The descriptive correlational and comparative research methods were used in the study. The questionnaires were distributed to 357 freshmen students from selected HEIs. The study determined the relationship between self-esteem and freshmen students’ adjustment to college in Higher Education Institutions in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The descriptive correlational and comparative research methods were used in the study. The questionnaires were distributed to 357 freshmen students from selected HEIs. The study found out that the respondents had high self-esteem and high level of adjustment to college; the two variables have a positive correlation. It is recommended that there should be sequential institutional and classroom activities that encourage adjustment of new students and the development of their self-esteem.

8

Authors: Mark E. Patalinghug (MSCJ)

This study aimed primarily to determine the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies implemented by the Salug Valley Philippine National Police (PNP) in terms of Police Integrated Patrol System, Barangay Peacekeeping Operation, Anti-Criminality Operation, Integrated Area Community Public Safety services, Bantay Turista and School Safety Project as evaluated by 120 inhabitants and 138 PNP officers from four Municipalities of Salug Valley Zamboanga del Sur. Stratified random sampling was utilized in determining the respondents. Index crime rate were correlated with the crime prevention strategies of the PNP in town of Salug Valley. A descriptive method of research was applied in this study utilizing self-made questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using the main statistical tools like frequency count, percentage, mean computation, Kruskal Wallis Analysis of Variance and simple correlation. Findings of the study revealed that the crime prevention strategies in four (4) municipalities were “much effective” to include Integrated Patrol System, Barangay Peace Keeping Operations, AntiCriminality Operations, Integrated Area Community Public Safety Services, Bantay Turista and School Safety Project in connection to the responses of 158 participants. There is a significant relationship between crime prevention strategies employed and index crime rate.

9

Authors: Merlinda Tabaldo-Tucar (EdD)

This experimental study aimed to determine the sensory characteristics of sweet potato cupcakes enriched with 5, 10 and 15 grams of turmeric powder in terms of its outside characteristics such as shape, color, volume and crust and its inside characteristics such as color, grain, texture, taste and aroma. The level of acceptability as to appearance, taste, texture, aroma and general acceptability was also evaluated. The sensory characteristics were evaluated by selected panel of evaluators using a sensory evaluation score sheet based on the Six - Point Hedonic Scale. Findings revealed that the outside characteristics of sweet potato cupcakes enriched with 5 grams turmeric powder has a moderately rounded top, inside characteristic was yellow-orange in color. On the other hand, sweet potato cupcakes enriched with 10 grams and 15 grams turmeric powder have a perfectly rounded top, inside characteristic was yellow in color. While, outside chracteristics such as yellow-orange in color, moderately light in weight in proportion to size and has a moderately shiny surface and inside characteristics such as thin-walled cells with no larger air spaces, moderately moist, moderately tender, moderately distinct sweet potato taste and have a moderately distinct sweet potato aroma were common to 5, 10 and 15 grams turmeric powder. Moreover, sweet potato cupcakes with 0 grams turmeric powder has perfectly rounded top, light brown in color, moderately light in weight in proportion to size and has a moderately shiny surface while the inside characteristics were light brown in color, moderately uniform, thin-walled cells with no larger air spaces, moderately moist, moderately tender, moderately distinct sweet potato taste and has a very distinct sweet potato aroma. Sweet potato cupcakes with 5 grams turmeric powder was the most acceptable since it was very much liked by the group of evaluators as to its general acceptability and very comparable to all sensory characteristics. Significant differences existed in the level of acceptability of sweet potato cupcakes enriched with turmeric powder in terms of taste, aroma and general acceptability. No significant differences existed in the level of acceptability of sweet potato cupcakes enriched with turmeric powder in terms of appearance and texture as evaluated by pupils, high school students and housewives

9

Authors: Eimer M. Estilloso (EdD)

This study was conducted to find out the theoretical orientation of the faculty members of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines on effective teaching whether leaning towards the Behaviorist or Constructivist learning theory. Further, dimensions and elements of effective teaching were identified based on their theoretical orientation. The study used the descriptive – cross-sectional survey design because it sought to find out the perspective of the faculty, differences in faculty perspective when grouped according to length of serviceand educational qualification. It used random sampling by proportionate allocation of 30% of faculty members per college or institute. They were chosen based on their length of serviceand educational qualification. The instrument that was used in this study is a questionnaire of twenty items, each with two statements about teaching. One statement leans towards Behaviorist view and the other towards the Constructivist view. Statements were randomly arranged to start with either Behaviorist or Constructivist view. The faculty members chose the statement they considered important in effective teaching. From their answers, the dimensions and elements of effective teaching were identified.USM faculty members’ view of effective teaching leans towards the Constructivist theory. The identified elements of effective teaching by USM faculty members under the dimension of Intellectual Quality, Quality Learning Environment, and Significance of Learning conform to the Constructivist view; however, they prefer a Teacher-Directed instruction.Regardless of length of service and educational qualification, the faculty members of USM are Constructivist in orientation.

10

Authors: Ronald A. Pernia

This study attempts to provide a modest contribution to the field of educational politics or politics of education, an area least explored by most educational scholars in the Philippines. This looks at how the experience of two local colleges and universities (LCUs), which catered primarily for underprivileged youths, have confronted issues beyond the immediate realm of education i.e. politics, patronage and contestation for power and influence. Distinct from the private tertiary higher education institutions and State Universities and Colleges of the country, these LCUs have been growing substantially nationwide for the past decade. Yet, what appears to be an uncharted territory for most local governments, the venture into the higher education has been regarded as a form of poverty alleviation and investment in human development especially that these caters primarily to the poor and underprivileged. This study however reveals that these schools are beset with both institutional and curricular challenges. Using key informant interviews, reviewing various pertinent documents and analysing published articles in local and national broadsheets pertaining to the said colleges, the experience of the two LCUs demonstrated how contentious public education ventures can be. As such, it engenders resistance and opposition which ultimately compel its stakeholders to navigate through the political process.

12

Authors: Glenn A. Caraig (MAITE)

Seminars, conferences, workshops and training are intended to deliver tons of information on a variety of topics and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and issues in the industry, society, and education. In relation to this, it will be more convenient for the students and professionals to have an online service that can locate and view future seminars, conferences, training and workshops. In view hereof, the researcher propose a website that gather organizations and training centers that conduct seminars, conferences, workshops and training within the Philippines. It has an end view of developing a website which can be used to promote and advertise events

14

Authors: Regine O. Santos, Estilito Jacob & Romeo M. Sumayo Jr.

This study unraveled the degree of eroticism and queer attraction in 41 selected Bicol Lyric Poetry. The researchers used the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) and integrated the Queer Theory and Psychoanalytic approach in the textual analysis of selected Bicol lyric poetry in an attempt to explain the degree of eroticism and queer attraction of Bicolanos. The Analyses of the researchers were validated through the participants of the study which included 10 binary genders, 10 male homosexuals, 10 lesbians and 10 experts in the field of Bicol literature. The researchers identified four degrees of eroticism and named it: Tikwil, Girok, Kagat and Siram (Bicol terms which mean poke, tickle, bite, and euphoria). Significant findings of the study revealed that homosexuals, bisexuals and lesbians exist in Bicol lyric poetry, and Bicolanos, as seen on their lyric poetry, fell under the degree of Kagat, where people engage into sexual activities for physical gratification. In addition, queer Bicolanos, as seen on their lyric poetry, driven by strong physical attraction, give in into sexual encounters even with different sexual partners. This study recommended that future studies should explore a wider range of Bicol literature other than lyric poetry and investigate on the presence of queer characters, the roles they project, and dig deeper on the acceptance or condemnation of these queer identities in the society as a whole.