A Comparative Analysis of the Science Process Skills of Academically at-Risk Entry-Level and Exit-Level Junior High School Learners

This study assessed and compared the science process skills of academically at-risk learners at the entry and exit levels of junior high school. It aimed to determine the proficiency level of the basic and integrated process skills of learners and the significant differences between the two groups. A quantitative approach using a descriptive comparative research design was employed. Purposive sampling was utilized to identify and select the participants based on the established criteria of academic risk. The participants in the study were the twenty-nine (29) Grade 7 learners who are at the entry level and twenty-three (23) Grade 10 learners at the exit level of junior high school. The data were gathered using a validated researcher-developed instrument. Descriptive statistics indicated that academically at-risk learners at the entry level achieved the highest mean score and mean percentage in inferring, which was classified as moderately developed, while they showed the least development in identifying variables and other science process skills. For the exit level, the results indicated that learners achieved similar outcomes in defining variables, inferring, and formulating hypotheses, all of which are categorized as underdeveloped skills. The Mann-Whitney U test also revealed significant differences between the two groups in terms of observing, interpreting data, and designing investigations. The overall findings revealed that both learners from the entry and exit levels displayed low proficiency in basic and integrated process skills. The findings of the study highlight the continuing learning gaps among academically at-risk learners across grade levels. Therefore, targeted instructional interventions are deemed necessary to address these deficiencies and improve learners' performance in science.