The Implementation of the STEM Program on the Academic Performance of Grade 10 Students in a Public Secondary School

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to find out the extent of implementation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program in selected secondary schools of Makati. Specifically, it aims to determine the following: 1) the extent of STEM program implementation on admission and retention of students, curriculum and extra-curricular activities; 2) the general weighted average of grade 10 students in Mathematics, Science and Araling Panlipunan in the first and second grading period; 3) the relationship of STEM program implementation in the academic performance of Grade 10 students; 4) teacher’s perception regarding health and social interaction of students; 5) problems encountered by students, parents and teachers of the STEM program.

Seventy-six students, ten teachers and ten parents were purposively selected as respondents. A validated researcher-made survey questionnaire was used as main instrument to gather data. Focus group discussion was also used by the researcher. Using pearson correlation, findings show that there is no significant relationship between the implementation of the STEM curriculum and the academic performance of Grade 10 students. In terms of academic performance, students received a very satisfactory rating in the first and second grading period in Mathematics, Science and Araling Panlipunan. With regard to problems encountered, the three groups of respondents agreed that students were overloaded with activities, groupings and assignments that resulted to less sleep, fatigue, stress, inattentiveness and sickness of students.

Based on the results and findings of the study, recommendation on adjusting class schedule, proper orientation with the parents and teachers about the STEM program, involving parents and other stakeholders in the learning process, constant monitoring of STEM coordinator, principal and DepEd officials and implementation of a management plan were proposed.