Competence Level in Laboratory Management of Junior High School Science Teachers in Maguindanao del Sur

Abstract

This study investigated the competence level in laboratory management in terms of knowledge and skill of Junior High School science teachers in Maguindanao Del Sur. It assessed the demographic profiles of the respondents, competence level in laboratory management, explored the significant relationship between respondents’ profiles and competence levels in knowledge and skill, and tested the correlation between respondents’ competence levels in knowledge and skill. The respondents of the study are 52 JHS science teachers from 12 public and three private high schools in the eight municipalities of Maguindanao Del Sur. To address the study's problem statement, a self-made and validated 30-item multiple-choice test was utilized. The answered questionnaires were collected, tabulated, and analyzed. The results revealed that the respondents have a moderately high level of competence in knowledge and an average level in skill. Using Chi-square analysis, it was determined that there is no significant correlation between demographic profiles and the competence level of the science teacher. This finding justifies that demographic profiles are not barriers to becoming competent in their profession. On the other hand, Pearson’s Product of Correlation showed a positive and low relationship in respondents' competence levels between knowledge and skill in laboratory management, implying a directly proportional but weak, insubstantial, or more vulnerable relationship.