Research Method for STEM Module, its Functionality and Efficacy

Ma Victoria C. Magayon et al.

Study showed that the absence of educational resources are the major concern in the STEM strand's implementation. To fill the gap on the availability of teaching-learning material the proponents developed a localized module entitled: Research Method for STEM Research. The module covers the topics such as Statement of the Problem, The Scientific Literature, Hypothesis, Research Method and Research Methodology, and Data Collection. The functionality and efficacy of the module were evaluated through descriptive surveys and open ended questions; while, the construct validity of the questionnaire was item analyzed using the SMART PLS resulted in 0.88 (Cronbach’s alpha). The module was piloted in two schools and with 100 STEM student-respondents. Results showed: qualitatively, the most appreciated part of the module are the explanation and process in doing research (20), presentation (9) and all of it (9), accessibility (7), and making product (6); qualitatively, the mean average of the usefulness of the Capstone module in relation to students' understanding and engagement in doing research is 4.5 out of 5 rating-scale. Through Path Coefficient Analysis showed that the features of the module have a positive effect to the understanding and engagement of students such as: content to understanding (t-value=10.878; p-value=0.000), higher order thinking activities, interest, and collaboration significantly related to engagement (t-value=18.595; p-value=0.000), and lastly, self-check significantly related to higher order thinking activities, interest, and collaboration (t-value=17.825; p-value=0.000). Based on the result of this study, the module showed functional and effectiveness to the understanding and engagement of students in conducting STEM research.