Mathematics Performance, Reading Comprehension and Problem-Solving Skills of Second Year High School Students in Genetics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21953519Keywords:
Genetics education, Mathematics performance, problem solving skills, reading comprehension, science education, secondary studentsAbstract
This study examined the relationships among Mathematics performance, reading comprehension, and problem-solving skills in Genetics among second year high school students. A non-experimental causal-comparative design with correlational analyses was used. Sixty students from three sections of Sergio Osmeña Sr. High School during School Year 2012-2013 were randomly selected. Mathematics performance was based on first- to third-quarter grades, while reading comprehension and Genetics problem solving were assessed using validated 50-item teacher-made tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression. Mean Mathematics performance was 81.73, while mean reading comprehension and Genetics problem-solving scores were 29.53 and 30.27, respectively. Mathematics performance significantly differentiated Genetics problem-solving scores, F = 3.374163, p = .041475, and reading comprehension likewise showed a significant main effect, F = 6.518109, p = .002882. Reading comprehension was very highly correlated with Genetics problem solving (r = .8132), while Mathematics performance correlated moderately highly with reading comprehension (r = .7477) and Genetics problem solving (r = .7128). The regression model explained about 69% of the variance in Genetics problem-solving scores (R² = .68983861), with reading comprehension emerging as the strongest predictor. The findings indicate that successful Genetics problem solving depends not only on mathematical competence but also on the ability to comprehend technical text and problem situations. The study supports stronger integration of reading-comprehension instruction with Mathematics and Biology teaching.
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