Manifestation of Research Culture in Public Elementary Teachers: Basis for Proposed Research Mentoring Plan

Aim:The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively assess the research performance of public elementary school teachers in the Division of Batangas across key dimensions, compare the assessments of different respondent groups, identify barriers and difficulties in conducting research, and propose a research mentoring plan to foster a unified research culture. Methodology:The study utilized embedded mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a well-rounded analysis of the research problem.A total of 351 teachers and 170 research coordinators participated in the study.For the quantitative component, data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire with a high reliability index of 0.995, ensuring consistency and accuracy of responses.The data were analyzed using weighted mean to determine the level of research performance of the teachers while independent t-test was used to assess statistically significant differences between the assessments of the two groups of respondents regarding the level of their research performance.In the qualitative part, thematic analysis was used to identify the barriers and difficulties they've encountered in conducting research.Results: Teachers rated their research performance to a slightly moderate level while the research coordinators found out that they performed to a moderate level.There was a significant difference from the assessment of two groups of respondents.Teachers struggle with research due to heavy workloads, time constraints, inadequate training, and insufficient school support. Conclusion:Research performance of teachers across various dimensions were moderately performed according to research coordinators while they rated themselves slightly performed.There was a significant difference on the assessments of teachers and research coordinators on the level of research performance of teachers.Most cited barriers and difficulties in conducting research include lack of time due to heavy workloads, limited institutional support, inadequate training, and insufficient access to resources and mentorship.A research mentoring plan was proposed.