Abstract
The quantitative descriptive-correlational study investigated the influence of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on the science proficiency of Grade 6 pupils across six public elementary schools in Guiuan South District, Eastern Samar, during the 2024-2025 school year. The study aimed to figure out the scope of PBL implementation and its relationship with students’ academic performance in science. A purposive sample of 136 Grade 6 pupils, who had experienced PBL IN their science classes, participated in the study. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire measuring pupils’ insights of PBL utilization as a systematic science proficiency test congruent with the Department of Education’s Grade 6 science curriculum. Results revealed that pupils strongly agreed on the positive impact of PBL on cognitive development, reflective and research skills, collaboration, motivation, and knowledge integration, with an overall mean score of 4.09. The average science proficiency level was satisfactory, with a mean score of 81.56% across the six schools. However, correlation analysis showed a moderate negative relationship (r= - 0.45 ) between the level of PBL implementation and science proficiency. It insinuates that higher engagement of PBL activities was moderately connected with a minor decrease in science test points, implying potential challenges in PBL implementation, including teacher support, time constraints and assessment procedures. The findings recommended that whereas Project-Based Learning fosters meaningful engagement and skill development in science, it’s efficacy in academic performance enhancement relies on instructional planning, adequate teacher training, and constant monitoring. This study recommends that instructors get ongoing professional development to effective Project- Based Learning (PBL) and that that future studies investigations on factors affecting the PBL- science proficiency relationship to enhanced learning outcomes in elementary education.
Keywords: Project-Based Learning, Science Proficiency, Grade 6 Pupils, Descriptive-Correlational Study, Elementary Education, Guiuan South District
