Students Knowledge gains, Self-efficacy, Perceived Level of Engagement, and Perceptionswith regard toHome-based Biology Experiments(HBEs)

Abstract

Home-based biology experiments (HBEs) are practical learning activities that allow students to perform safe and relevant experiments at home. Motivated by the need to innovate teaching approaches in science education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study was conducted to determine the effects of home-based biology experiments (HBEs) on their knowledge gains, self-efficacy, and perceived level of engagement. In addition, students' teachers' and parents' feedback were also investigated. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design using a mixed-method approach involving a pretest/post-test design in which ten teacher-collaborators and 836 pupils participated. Fifteen-item teacher-made parallel tests and the 38-item perceptions, self-efficacy and engagement questionnaire were distributed via Google Forms. Results revealed that most participants strongly agreed that HBEs were lesson congruent and risk-free, the materials were readily available, and it was fun and challenging (M=3.56, SD=0.77). Moreover, HBEs were found to be effective in improving pupils' knowledge gains (T=119, z=-4.56, p=0.04), self-efficacy (M=3.36, SD=0.71), and perceived level of engagement (M=3.45, SD=0.69). Responses were significantly different when grouped according to grade level, gender, and type of HBEs used. The results of thematic analysis were categorised as "Affordances" and "Constraints". Six subthemes emerged from the Affordances : "Safety", "Feasibility", "Independent Learning", "Learning Material", and "Affordability", while there were four subthemes for "Constraints": "Expenses", "Student Interaction", "Availability", and "Time Management". It can be concluded that home-based biology experiments are effective and relevant teaching strategies to deliver practical learning in the distance learning modality.

Characteristics of Filipino Online Learners: A Survey of Science Education Students’ Engagement, Self-Regulation, and Self-Efficacy

“…Overall, the results show that men and women had similar perceptions of their OLSE, substantiated by the same overall perceptions (M = 3.15) with less variability, i.e., (SD = 0.72) and (SD = 0.74), respectively, indicating that the responses were very similar for both men and women. This finding is opposed to that revealed in [65], whose authors discovered that gender determined the varying self-efficacy levels of Filipino students involved in home-based biology activities. This difference can be attributed to the different quantities of participants included in the studies.…”

“…In the Philippines, the authors of Ref. [65] conducted a quasi-experimental study to explore students' self-efficacy and engagement together with other variables such as knowledge gain and perception relative to the use of home-based biology experiments among basic education students. The findings revealed that the intervention had a significant influence on improving students' self-efficacy, engagement, knowledge gain, and perception.…”

“…For example, the authors of Ref. [65] used home-based biology experiments (HBEs) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting an efficacious learning experience in which the students engaged in their HBEs cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally. In [43], students found online discussion forums engaging, especially when questions provoked them to think and share ideas.…”

Chronicling the Experiences of Life Sciences Teachers and Learners on the Usage of Enquiry-Based Learning in Enhancing Learners’ Academic Performance

“…Enquiry-based learning seems to be one of the strategies that increase the motivation and engagement of the learners. Also, Robledo and Miguel (2023) investigated the effects of enquiry-based learning in teaching and learning sciences and how it would improve learners' grades in Turkey. Based on the research findings, it was suggested that learners work in groups, given that the strategy can help students develop collaboration and communication skills essential for scientific research.…”

Development and Validation of a Survey Instrument on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding the Educational Use of ChatGPT among Preservice Teachers in the Philippines

“…Innovative options like this is essential especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the need for technology integration in education [17,18]. While the Philippines has progressed in integrating technology in some areas, teachers and students still need more training and support to effectively use technology in their classrooms [19,20].…”