Language of the TIMSS - Like Test and Student Performance in General Science

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.2S.75.80

Keywords:

Language used in the test, student performance in science, vocabulary knowledge

Abstract

Language is a spoken code that enables human beings to communicate with each other. In the Philippines, Filipino people are typically multilingual which is now creolized among small elite. Language development and communication are integral components of science learning, and in turn science experiences provide a meaningful experience base that children want to write, talk, read, and construct new meanings [1].One of the major issues facing policy makers and the implementations of education in general and science education in particular is the low performance of Filipino students at the basic level of education. In the IEA preliminary report, which presented data for seventeen (17) countries, the Philippines ranked 15th and 17th for grades 5 and 9(third year high school) respectively. This ranking did not improved in the Philippines participation in the TIMSS conducted in 1994. TIMSS-R in 1998 features the translation of the English version of the test items in Filipino language for Filipino participants, for which only 15 schools or 10% of the total schools sampled chose to take the Filipino version of the test [2]. In their study, two questions remained unanswered; does the language of the test make significant difference in performance? Would Filipino students perform better if the students themselves were made to choose the language of the test? In this connection, this research were materialized for the purpose of looking into, whether the languages use in the TIMSS-like test affects student performance in general science. Specifically it investigated the extent of the students’ performance I the TIMSS –like test using English language test, Filipino language test and their preferred or choice language in the test which are either Filipino, English or Meranao language.

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Author Biography

Anabelie Villa Valdez, Dr., Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines

Dr. Anabelie V. Valdez is the president of the Alliance of Teachers for Innovative Education and Excellence Inc., and permanent faculty in MSU. She finished Ph.D. Science Education Biology as DOST Scholar and graduated as the class valedictorian and best dissertation awardee; Ph.D. Educational Management, Masters in Secondary Teaching General Science and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Biology, Mindanao State University Marawi City Philippines. She is a regular lecturer in the MSU SASE reviews, and in private review center for the licensure examination for teachers. As a researcher, Dr. Valdez presented some papers in the international conferences held in the Philippines and abroad (Jakarta & Malaysia) and received best presenter and best dressed researcher, best in power point and talent in the World Research Festival. She was also awarded as Best Paper/Presenter in the International Conference on Humanity Culture and Society held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She is a senior member in the International Economics Development and Research Center (IEDRC), an editorial board member in the International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research and a peer reviewer in the Afrasian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences and published 6 researches in a peer reviewed international journals. Keynote Speaker and Session Chair in some International Conferences. The author is also a module writer and mentor of the MOVE-ON Project of the DOST-SEI, Philippines.

References

Grough, R.L. & Griffiths, A.K. (1993).Science for Life.Harcourt Brace 7 Company.NINSMED (201). 100 years of Science and Math Education in the Philippines. NINSMED and PundasyonsaPagpapaunladngKaalamansaPagtuturongAgham,
Diliman Quezon City.

[2] TIMSS – R (2000).Philippine Report Volume 1: Science Department of Education Culture and Sports: DOST, Science Education Institute & UP National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education development.

[3] UP Science Education Center (1983).Words in Elementary School Science and Mathematics. Foundation for the Advancement of Science Education Inc. Science Education Center UP Quezon City.

[4] Acuna, J. E. and de Guzman F.S (1987). Language and Science Achievement in the Philippine Context. Journal of Science and Math Education is S.E. Asia SEAMEO – RECSAM Vol.X No. 1

[5] Acuna, J.E. (1987)NINSMED (2001). 100 Years of Science and Math Education in the Philippines. NINSMED and PundasyonsaPagpapaunladngKaalamansaPagtuturongAgham, Diliman Quezon City
[6] Castillo, E.H.S.t al(1999). Educating via Language.Language Education Council of the Philippines and Language Study and Research CenteIncorporated.

[7] Orlich D.C. et.l (1998). Teaching Strategies.A guide for better instruction.Hoghhton Mifflin Co.

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Published

2017-04-01

How to Cite

Valdez, A. V. (2017). Language of the TIMSS - Like Test and Student Performance in General Science. Journal of Social Sciences (COES&Amp;RJ-JSS), 6(2S), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.2S.75.80