Pedagogical Approaches, Academic Grit, and Concept Mastery in Science among Grade 8 Students in the Division of Aklan: Basis for Learning Package in Science 8

Aim:The study primarily assessed the levels of pedagogical approaches, academic grit, and concept mastery in Science among Grade 8 students in the Division of Aklan, which served as the basis for a learning package in Science 8. Methods: This survey-correlational research design used a combined researcher-made and adopted questionnaire as tools in gathering data.Stratified random sampling and Raosoft software determined the sample size, which involved 369 out of 8,915 students, and insights from a focus group discussion with 10 Grade 8 students.Descriptive statistics used in the study were mean and standard deviation, and for inferential analyses were ANOVA, Pearson r, and linear regression with a 5% alpha level. Results:The findings revealed that the overall level of pedagogical approaches in science, as perceived by Grade 8 students, was "highly evident," with the constructivist, collaborative, reflective, integrative, and inquiry-based approaches showing varying levels of efficacy.Academic grit in Science was also "highly evident," while concept mastery was at the "Approaching Proficiency" level.No significant differences were found between concept mastery and the levels of pedagogical approaches and academic grit.However, significant relationships were observed between pedagogical approaches, academic grit, and concept mastery in Science.Additionally, concept mastery was identified as a predictor for pedagogical approaches, while academic grit was not.The learning package developed based on these findings included a lesson plan, summative assessments, worksheets, and additional resources to enhance teaching and learning in Science. Conclusion:The results confirmed that the level of pedagogical approaches in their science classes of teachers, as perceived by Grade 8 students, may result in developing and building their active learning techniques that are engaging and effective, such as group discussions, hands-on experiments, and problem-solving activities that might help them succeed in learning.In addition, the level of academic grit often results in students being intrinsically motivated to learn.These students are likely to take initiative in their studies, seek out additional resources when needed, and set personal academic goals, particularly in subjects they find difficult or complex, like science.On concept mastery in science 8, it may yield in helping science teachers to introduce more challenging material that gradually builds on what students already know and develop learning material that may provide opportunities for enrichment or deeper exploration into topics that intrigue students, preparing them for more advanced classes.