Unlocking the Difficulties in Recognizing and Controlling Research Variables through 4A Model Instructional Material

This study aimed to unlock the difficulties in recognizing and controlling research variables through the use of 4A model instructional material. Learning competencies dealt with the basic principles of experimental research during the first two (2) weeks of the first quarter were developed. The said lesson includes identifying experimental variables and designing an experiment to test the hypotheses to be enhanced by the students. The respondents were the Grade 7 students with a sample size of 70 enrolled at Quezon Science High School using purposive sampling method. The said instructional material, achievement test, and the questionnaire on the level of acceptability in a form of Likert Scale of the said material were developed and validated. This study used one-group pretest-posttest design to test the significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores using t-test for dependent sample. In addition, weighted mean was used to determine the level of acceptability towards the material. The findings showed that the mean scores of the students in the pretest and posttest is 20.23 and 41.86, respectively. The computed t-value is 24.31 which is higher than the tabular value of 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance. Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected indicating that the 4A model instructional material is a valid tool in unlocking the difficulties in the said science process skill.  The average weighted mean values for the following criteria on the level of acceptability are as follows: learning objectives (3.62); learning activities (3.54); accuracy and clarity (3.60); appeal (3.55); and usability (3.54). These criteria fall under “strongly agree” indicating that it is commendable for use. Summative evaluation of the instructional enrichment material may be done to determine the effectiveness of the material in recognizing and controlling research variables. Furthermore, other authentic learning experiences and performance assessment may be used to enhance further the skill in recognizing and controlling research variables.