Writing Competencies and Research Skills of High School Students

In the 21st century, research has become a significant part of the academic world.  However, students may find research challenging, mainly due to writing impediments.  Thus, this study determined the level of writing competencies and extent of research skills of Grade 10 and 11 students in Sultan Kudarat State University Laboratory High School and their relationship.  This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design using a total enumeration sampling technique to assess the relationship between variables among a total population of 123 students—comprising 43 Grade 10 and 90 Grade 11 learners—through data gathered using a questionnaire in the form of a diagnostic test.  Using mean, the study found that Grade 10 and 11 students demonstrated Very Good Paraphrasing, Good Summarizing, and Satisfactory performance in other areas, resulting in an overall Satisfactory rating in Research Writing Competence.  They also exhibited a High Extent of skill in Problem Recognition and a Moderate Extent in Writing and Reporting Results and Research Methods and Data Analysis, indicating mixed competence.  On the other hand, Pearson R correlation analysis revealed a weak and insignificant relationship between the variables, suggesting no statistically significant evidence that stronger research skills directly improve writing competence.  Based on the result, it was deduced that there is a need for a more well-rounded approach to teaching writing and research skills.  Thus, a research writing program for Practical Research 2 was developed.