DEVELOPING POSITIVE ATTITUDES IN SCIENCE FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS THROUGH PROJECT DESC (DEMONSTRATION, EXPERIMENT, SOLVING PROBLEMS AND CAPSTONE TASKS): A WAY TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Authors

Cardavyl G. Maata

Abstract

Science is one of the most complex subjects of a junior high school student resulting to their low scores during quizzes. Due to this problem the teachers must do all means in order to help the students obtain good scores as well as help the students to easily retrieve their knowledge gained through the discussion and laboratory works presented. This research is focused on the use of Project DESC (Demonstration, Experiment, Solving Problems and Capstone tasks) a form of Performance Test which aims to improve the student’s attitude towards science and improve their grades. PreExperimental Design was used to gather the data and purposive sampling was used by the researcher. Revised Attitude Questionnaire was used by the researcher to determine the effect of performance test toward the attitude of students after taking Project DESC. In order to get the effect of performance test on the scores and topic retention and redemption of the students, Project DESC and written test were used. Based on the findings, Project DESC strengthened the positive attitudes of students towards taking a Science Test and the use of performance test increased the academic performance of students in Science.

Keywords

Project DESC, Performance Assessment, Written Test, Preexperimental design, Purposive sampling