Reading Comprehension and Academic Achievement in Biology of Stem Students: Implications for a Reading Enhancement and Development Plan
Date of Award
3-1-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Science Education
First Advisor
Catherine Genevieve B. Lagunzad, PhDQueena N. Lee-Chua, PhD
Abstract
National and international assessments showed that students attained a very low academic achievement in science and in reading. This result encouraged the researcher to determine the academic performance of senior high school Science and Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students in Biology subject, their level of reading comprehension, and its correlates through mixed-methods research approach. Also, this study surfaced the challenges encountered by the students in reading comprehension in Biology were identified. A researcher-made instrument to assess the level of reading comprehension and an open-ended question on the challenges was administered to STEM students in Bulacan, Philippines. Grades of students in Biology class were utilized in measuring their academic achievement using descriptive statistics. Their reading comprehension was measured through the administered assessment that composed items measuring their literal, interpretative, critical and creative comprehension. The results revealed that the students have high academic achievement in Biology, and had a low score in reading comprehension, for the topic cells. It was found that the information about students’ proficiency level in reading comprehension is associated with their academic performance in Biology, but into a weak correlation. There are pressing challenges identified by students in reading comprehension in Biology, which include course content, student’s vocabulary, retention of lessons, interests, application of studied concepts and time. The result of the study was used to support the proposal to create programs for reading enhancement and development among students and teachers.
Key Words: literal, interpretive, critical, creative
Recommended Citation
Lazaro, Bernard R., (2023). Reading Comprehension and Academic Achievement in Biology of Stem Students: Implications for a Reading Enhancement and Development Plan. Archīum.ATENEO.
https://archium.ateneo.edu/theses-dissertations/926
