Development and Evaluation of Competency-Based Learning Resources for Grade 7 Life Science in the Matatag Curriculum

Abstract

Science education in the Philippines is undergoing significant transformation through the implementation of the Matatag Curriculum, which prioritizes competency-based instruction and curriculum alignment. Despite these changes, there remains a gap in the availability of instructional materials that meet these new standards, particularly in the area of Grade 7 Life Science. Addressing this gap is critical to improving student understanding and performance in science education. This study aimed to develop and evaluate competency-based learning resources for Grade 7 Life Science that are aligned with the Matatag Curriculum and designed to enhance students’ academic performance and engagement. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 145 Grade 7 students from the MSEUF Basic Education Department. The students were divided into control and experimental groups. Pretest and posttest assessments were administered to measure academic performance. At the same time, expert validation, student surveys, and teacher feedback provided qualitative and quantitative data on the effectiveness and usability of the materials. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in the posttest scores of the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .001), indicating the effectiveness of the developed resources. Expert evaluations yielded high ratings for content accuracy, clarity, instructional design, and learner appropriateness. Student feedback reflected strong engagement, while teacher comments emphasized the materials’ accessibility, relevance, and support for differentiated instruction. The findings affirm the value of competency-based learning resources in supporting the goals of the Matatag Curriculum. The study recommends further application of such materials across different grade levels and schools, as well as the integration of digital formats to reach a wider range of learners.