Science-Related Attitudes and Academic Achievements of Students with Varied Learning Styles

Peter Mark A. BABAYLO
Tiglawigan National High School–Senior High, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Corresponding Author’s Email: petermark.babaylo@deped.gov.ph

Abstract

This descriptive-correlational study examines the substantial connection of Science-Related Attitudes (SRA) to the Academic Achievements (AA) of students with varied Learning Styles (LS). Using Yamane’s formula, 382 samples were drawn and stratified into five selected schools in one of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Divisions in Central Philippines. A standardized test of Science-Related Attitudes (TOSRA) by Fraser and Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic (VAK) Learning style test by Chislett and Chapman were administered. Salient findings of the study revealed that females exceeded males in terms of Academic Achievements and Science-Related Attitudes. Additionally, learners from the family with the highest income attained the highest Academic Achievements and positive Science-Related Attitudes. Kinesthetic students also have positive science attitudes towards science compared to Visual and Auditory learners. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between Science-Related Attitudes and Academic Achievements. This implies that Science-Related Attitudes along with its seven scales have a significant impact to elevate academic achievements among learners.

Keywords: Descriptive-Correlational Study, Science-Related Attitudes, Students’ Academic Achievement, Varied Learning Styles, Philippines

References

  1. Abdulraman, K., Gibbs, T., & Harden, R. (2013). The Medical Education Journey Continues. Journal of Medical Teacher, 35, 55-57.
  2. Abidin, M., Rezaee, A., Abdullah, H., & Singh, K. (2011). Learning Styles and Overall Academic Achievement in a Specific Educational System. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences.
  3. Adolphe, F. (2002). A Cross-National Study of Classroom Environment and Attitudes among Junior Secondary Students in Australia and Indonesia.
  4. Aina, J. K., & Philip, Y. J. (2017). Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE): An Exploration of Physics students’ Achievements. University park Bulletin.
  5. Akporehwe, J; Onwioduokit, F. (2018). Enhancing Scientific Attitudes through activity-Based Approaches. Academia.
  6. Aktamis, H. (2008). the effect of scientific process skills education on students’ scientific creativity, science attitudes, and academic achievements. Research Gate.
  7. Ali, M. e. (2013). The Discriminant Validity and Reliability for Urdu Version of Test of Sciencerelated Attitude (TOSRA). International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2).
  8. Al-Mohoej, O., Al-Ayedh, N., Masuadi, N., & Al-Kenani, C. (2013). Learning Methods and Strategies of Anatomy Among Medical Students in Two Different Institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Medical Teacher, 35, 55-57.
  9. Barmby, P., Kind, P., & Jones, K. (2008). Examining Changing Attitudes in Secondary School Science. International Journal of Science Education, 30(18), 1075-1093. Retrieved 2000
  10. Betancur, L; Vortruba-Drazal, E; & Schunn, C. (2018). Socioeconomic gaps in science achievement. International Journal of STEM Education.
  11. Beckford, C., & Mugisa, E. (2017). Towards Optimality in Online Learning-The OLeCent Approach. Advances in Sciences Technology and Engineering Systems Journal, 2(3), 819838.
  12. Bertolini, K., Stremmel, A., & Thorngren, J. (2012). Student Achievement Factors. College of Education and Human Sciences.
  13. Betancur, L; Votruba-Drzal, E.; & Schunn, C (2018). Socioeconomic gaps in science achievement. International Journal of STEM education
  14. Bhatia, A. (2014). Active learning leads to higher grades and fewer failing students in science, math, and engineering. wired.
  15. Blalock, C., Lichenstein, M., Owen, S., Pruski, L., Marshall, C., & Toepperwein, N. (2005). In Pursuit of Validity: A Comprehensive Review of Science Attitude Instruments. International Journal of Science Education, 31(6), 961-977.
  16. Bolte, C; Holbrook, J; Mamlok-Naaman, R; & Rauch, F. (2014). Science teacher’s continuous professional development in Europe. Case studies from the PROFILE project     
  17. Bressler, D., & Bodzin, A. (2013). A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Students’ Flow Experiences During A Mobile Augmented Reality Science Game. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 29(6), 505-517.
  18. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). Beyond the Deficit Model in Child and Family Policy. Teachers College Record, 81(1), 95-104.
  19. Caliskan, H., & Kilinc, G. (2012). The Relationship Between the Learning Styles of Students and Their Attitudes Towards Social Studies Course. International Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 55, 47-56. Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com
  20. Chermahini, A., Ghanbari, A., & Talab, M. G. (2013, November 2). Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Students in English as Second-LAnguage Class in Iran. Bulgarian Journal of Science and Education Policy(BJSEP), 7.
  21. Cherry, K. (2018). Overview of VARK Learning Style: Which Learning Style Do You Have? Retrieved April 6, 2018, from www.verywellmind.com
  22. Chi, S., Wang, Z., Liu, X., & Zhu, L. (2017). Associations Among Attitudes, Perceived Difficulty of Learning Science, Gender, Parents’ Occupation, and Students’ Scientific Competencies. International Journal of Science Education, 39(16), 2171-2188.
  23. Chick, N. (2010). Learning Styles. Vanderbuilt University Journal.
  24. Clark, D. R. (2010). Edward C. Thorndike (1874-1949). Retrieved from www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/connectionism
  25. Coffield, et. al. (2004). In One Extensive List of Learning-Styles Instruments and Theories. 166169. Retrieved from https://www.elearningguild.com/showfile.cfm?id=2995
  26. Coffield, et. al. (2016). Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Positive Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review. Retrieved from www.review.web.archive.org
  27. Coll, R., Taylor, N., & Lay, M. (2009). Scientists’ Habits of Mind as Evidenced by the Interaction Between Their Science Training and Religious Beliefs. International Journal of Science Education, 31(6), 725-755.
  28. Culatta, N. (2018). Connectionism (Edward Thorndike). Innovative Learning. Retrieved from www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/connectionism
  29. Dawson, E. (2014). “Not Designed for Us”: How Science Museums and Science Centers Socially Exclude Low-Income, Minority Ethnic Groups. Science Education, 981-1008.
  30. de la Cruz, M. (2017, March 11). Science Ed and A thinking Society. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://opinion.inquirer.net/102324/science-ed-thinkingsociety
  31. Department of Science and Technology. (2017). Science and Technology Competitiveness Ranking of the Philippines 2012-2018.
  32. Dhanapal, S., & Shan, E. (2014). A Study on the Effectiveness of Hands-on Experiments in Learning Science Among Year 4 Students. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 3(1).
  33. DOST. (2011). Retrieved from Science Framework for Philippine Basic Education.
  34. DOST (2017). Compendium of Philippine Science and Technology Laws.
  35. Downes, L. (2015). Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of College Students. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
  36. Dreifus, C. (2013). Ideas for Improving Science Education. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/03/science/ideas-for-improving-science-education-inthe-us.html
  37. Drob, T. M., Cheung, A., & Briley, D. (2014). National GDP, Science Interest, and Science Achievement: A Person-by-Nation Interaction. Psychological Science, 2047-2057.
  38. Duncan, G; Magnuson, K; & Vortruba-Drzal, E. (2017). Moving Beyond Correlations in Assessing the Consequences of Poverty. Annual Review of Psychology, 413-434.
  39. Eccles, L. (2007). Gender Differences in Teacher-Student Interactions, Attitudes, and Achievements in Middle School Science. Western Australia Science and Mathematics Education Center.
  40. Ekwueme, C., Ekon, E., & Ezenwa-Nebife, D. (2015). The Impact of HAnds-On Approach on Student Academic Performance in Basic Science and Mathematics. Higher Education Studies, 5(6). doi:10.5539/hes.v5n6p47
  41. Fenton, N. (2015). Using the “Top 20 Principles”. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from www.apa.org/ed/precollege/ptn/2015/09/top-20-principles.aspx
  42. Fleming, N., & Baume, D. (2006, Nov 26). Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree! Educational Developments. (74), 4-7.
  43. Fraser, B. (1981). TOSRA. Canada: The Australian Council for Educational Research.
  44. Fraser, B., & and Lee, S. (2015). Attitude Measurements in Science Education: Classic and Contemporary Approaches. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
  45. Friedman, B., & Mandel, R. (2011). Motivation Predictors of College Student Academic Performance and Retention. SAGE Journals.
  46. Funk, C; Hefferon, M. (2016). As the Need for Highly trained Scientists grows, a Look at Why People Choose these Careers. Facttank.
  47. Gappi, L. (2013). Relationship Between Learning Style Preference and Academic Performance of Student. International Journal of Educational Research and Technology, 4(2), 70-76.
  48. Garnham, A. (2020). Together, we can drive a movement. Child Poverty Action Group.
  49. Gauld, C. F., & Hukins, A. (2008). Scientific Attitudes: A Review Studies in Science Education. 961-977.
  50. Gbollie, C., & Keamu, H. (2017). Students’ Academic Performance: The Role of Motivation, Strategies, and Perceived Factors of Hindering Liberian Junior and Senior High School Students Learning. Educational Research International, 2017. Retrieved from www.hindawi.com/jpurnals/edri/2017/1789084/abs/
  51. Gholami, S; Bagheri, M (2013). Relationship between VAK learning styles and problem-solving styles regarding gender and students’ field of study. Journal of Language Teaching and Research
  52. Gosselin, K., Norris, J., & Ho, M. (2016). Beyond Homogenization Discourse: Reconsidering the Cultural Consequences of Globalized Medical Education. Journal of Medical Teacher, 38(7), 691-699.
  53. Grasgreen, A. (2013). The Rise of Women. Inside Higher Ed.
  54. Hacieminoglu, E. (2015). Elementary School Students’ Attitude Toward Science and Related Variables. International Journal of Environment and Science Education.
  55. Haolader, F., Hakim, W., & Kassim, K. M. (n.d.). A Comparative Study on the Academic Performance of Students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Tech having Arts and Science Background in Uganda. World Journal of Educational Research 4(2), 257, 2017.
  56. Hassan, S. (2018). Measuring Attitude Towards Learning Science in Malaysian Secondary School Context: Implications for Teaching. International Journal of Science Education, 1-16.
  57. Herring, R. (2003). The effects of kinesthetic teaching strategies on student academic achievement in science. Research gate.
  58. Hogg, M., & Vaughan, G. (2005). Social Psychology. Prentice Hall. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books ?id=iH_YAAAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y
  59. Jason, Z. (2017). Bored Out of their Minds. Harvard Graduate School of Education.
  60. Johnston, J. (2005). Early Exploration in Science. Retrieved from www.books.google.com.ph
  61. Kang, J; Hense, J; Scheersoi, A; & Keinonen, T. (2018). Gender study on the relationships between Science interest and future career perspectives. International Journal of Science Education, 41, 80-101.
  62. Kant, R. (2015, 05 01). Relationship between Learning Styles and Scientific Attitude of Secondary School Students and their Achievement in Science Subject. Journal of Educational Sciences and Psychology.
  63. Katowa-mukwato, P., Chapima, F., Nambala-Sianchapa, B., & Mwiinga-Kalusopa, V. (2017). Learning Styles and Intelligence Types Versus Academic Performance of Nursing Students of the University of Zambia. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice.
  64. Keefe, J. (1979). Student Learning Styles: Diagnosing and Prescribing Programs. Journal of National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1-17.
  65. Kenton, W. (2017). Stratified Random Sampling. Retrieved from www.investopedia.com
  66. Kola, A. (2013). Importance of Science Education to National Development and Problems Militating Against its Development. American Journal of Educational Research, 1(7), 225-229.
  67. Kolster, R., & Kaiser, F. (2015). Study Success in Higher Education: male versus female students. CHEPS Working paper series. doi:https://doi.org/10.3990/4.2589-9716.2015.07
  68. Kommaraju, M., Karan, S., Schmeck, K., & Ardic, A. (2011). The Relationship Between Big Five Personality Traits, Learning Styles, and Academic Motivation. Personality and Individual Differences, 39(3), 557-567. Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com
  69. Konrad, A.M.; Ritchie, J. E.; Lieb, P; & Corrigall E. (2000). Sex differences and similarities in job attribute preferences: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin.
  70. Lent, R W; Brown, HB; Sheu, HB; & Schmidt, J. (2005). Social cognitive predictors of academic interests and goals in engineering: Utility for women and students at historically black universities. Journal of Counseling and Psychology.
  71. Lin, Bao-Shen; Crawley, Frank. (2019). Classroom Climate and Science-Related Attitudes of Junior high School Students in Taiwan. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, V24 issue 6.
  72. Lips, H. (1992). Gender and Science-Related Attitudes as Predictors of College Students’ Academic Choices. Journal of Vocational Behavior. Retrieved 2019, from https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(92)90047-4
  73. Manalo, K. (2017). Science Teachers’ Teaching Styles, Students’ Learning Styles, and Their Academic Performance. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 5(2), 397-408. Retrieved from www.researchpublish.com
  74. Mcleod, S. (2014). Attitudes and Behavior. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org
  75. Mega, C., DeBeni, R., & Ronconi, C. (2014). What Makes a Good Student? How Emotions, SelfRegulated Learning, and Motivation Contribute to Academic Achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 106(1), 121-131. Retrieved February 2011
  76. Melkonian, M., & Lerokipiotis, E. (2006). The Effect of Age-Position and Sex on Academic Performance: a Study of Secondary Schools in Cyprus. Journal of Educational Research, 39(3), 355-363. Retrieved July 09, 2006
  77. Morrissey, T. H. (2013, August 5). Family Income, School Attendance, and Academic Achievement in Elementary School. Developmental Psychology. doi:10.1037/a0033848
  78. Munir, N., Ahmad, N., Hussain, S., & Ghani, U. (2018). Relationship of Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students. Rawal Medical Journal, 43.
  79. Murray, J. (2013). The VARK Model of Teaching Strategies. Retrieved from Teachhub.com
  80. Narmadha, U., & Chamundeswari, S. (2013). Attitude Towards Learning of Science and Academic Achievement in Science Among Students at the Secondary Level. research gate. doi:10.5296/jsr.v4i2.3910
  81. Noe, R., Clarke, A., & Klein, H. (2014). Learning in the 21st Century Workplace. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 245-275.
  82. Nuzhat, A., Salem, E., Al Hamdam, N., & Ashour, N. (2013). Gender Differences in Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Medical Students in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Medical Teacher, 35, 578-582.
  83. Nzesei, M. (2015). A Correlation Study Between Learning Style and Academic Achievement Among Secondary School Students in Kenya. Department of Psychology. Retrieved from www.ijahss.com/Paper/20902017/1079495356.pdf
  84. Omosewo, E. O. (2013). Views of Physics Teachers on the Need to train and Retrain Physics Teachers in Nigeria. African Research Review, 3, 314-325.
  85. Papanastasiou, E., & Zembylas, M. (2002). The Effect of Attitudes on Science Achievement: A Study Conducted Among High School Pupils in Cyprus. International Review of Education, 48(6), 469-484.
  86. Pashler, H., M., M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2009). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Sage Journals.
  87. Peneil, B. (2016, September 18). Research Design. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308262064_Research_Design Philippine Statistics Authority (2016) www.psa.gov.ph
  88. Rastogi, M. (2012). Multivariate Analysis of Anxiety, Self-Concept, and Level of Aspiration with Academic Achievement of Higher Secondary Students. Shoghanga. Retrieved from www.shoghanga.flibnet.com
  89. Regier, J. (2011). Why is Academic Success Important? Saskatchewan School Boards Association. doi:https://saskschoolboards.ca>2015/08
  90. Romanelli et al. (2009). Learning Styles: A Review of theory, Application, and Best Practices. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.
  91. Rustin, S. (2017). Household Income Plays a crucial Role in Determining A Child’s Prospectsreport. Retrieved July 12, 2017, from theguardian.com
  92. Sarvottam, K., Kumar, A., Ranjan, P., & Sharma, S. (2018). Gender-based Variations in Academic Performance of MBBS students of Different Blood Groups. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology.
  93. Science and Technology Competitiveness Rankings of the Philippines. (2016). Taguig City, Philippines: Department of Science and Technology. Retrieved from Dep: http://dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Statistics/ST_Competitiveness_Rankings_ of_the_Philippines_2011-2017.pdf
  94. Sha, L., Looi, C., Chen, W., & Zhang, B. (2011). Understanding Mobile Learning from the Perspective of Self-Regulated Learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 28(14), 366-378. Retrieved August 14, 2012, from www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  95. Sha, L., Looi, C., Chon, W., Seow, P., & Wong, L. (2012). Recognizing and Measuring Self Regulated Learning in a Mobile Learning Environment. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(12), 718-728. Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com
  96. Singh, V.K.; Singh, A.K.; Giri, A. (2016). A Study of the Relationship between Scientific Attitude and Academic Achievement of Rural Areas Intermediate College Girls. International Journal of Applied Research, 2, 4, 46-49.
  97. Sofiani, D., Maulida, A., FAdhillah, N., & Sihite, D. (2017). Gender Differences in Students’ Attitude Towards Science. Journal of Physics: Conference Series.
  98. Sparks-Wallace, O. (2007). A Study of Gender Differences in Academic Performance in a Rural County in Tennessee. Electronic Thesis and Dissertations. doi:http:///dc.etsu.edu/etd/2101
  99. Stepanik, J. (2000, June). Mathematics and Science Classrooms: Building a Community of Learners. Mathematics and Science Education Center. Northwest Regional Laboratory. Retrieved April 10, 2013, from www.nirnel.org.
  100. Sudkamp, A., & Kaiser, J. M. (2012). Accuracy of Teachers’ Judgements of Students’ Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 104(3), 743-762. Retrieved August 2012, from www.pycnet.apa.org
  101. Tavanok, M., & Dennick, R. (n.d.). Making Sense of Cronbach’s Alpha. International Journal of Medical Education, 2011.
  102. Tomnik, M., Yesilprak, S., D., K., & Sauci, S. (2016). The Relationship Between Learning Styles and Academic Performance in Turkin Physics Therapy Students. Physiotherapy Journal, 102(1), 284-285.
  103. Turkoz, H., Alkan, M., Akkus, A., & Yoruk, A. (2016). Families’ Attitudes Toward Science and Science Education. Research Journal of Educational Sciences, 4, 2321-0508.
  104. Vedel, A. (2014). The Big Five and Tertiary Academic Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Personality and Individual Differences, 71, 66-76.
  105. Welch, A. (2010). Using the TOSRA to Assess High School Students’ Attitudes toward Science After Competing in the First Robotics Competition: An exploratory study. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education.
  106. Wiggins, G. (2018). 10 theories on the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement. Retrieved April 12, 2018, from authenticeducation.org
  107. Willingham, D. (2012). Why does Family wealth Affect Learning? American Educator. Winnie, P., & Nesbit, J. (2010). The Psychology of Academic Achievement. Annual Review of Psychology, 653-678.