Assessing the Research Capability of Public School Teachers in the District of Barotac Nuevo: Implication for Continuing Professional Development

Resumen

The Department of Education (DepEd) began institutionalizing research through various policies, such as DO No. 16, s. 2017, to promote evidence-based policy formulation and strengthen the culture of research in basic education. Despite these efforts, public elementary school teachers face challenges in conducting research due to overwhelming workloads, limited resources and lack of support. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the research capability of 60 public elementary school teachers in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. A researcher-made questionnaire was utilized and the data obtained were analyzed using appropriate computerized statistical tools. Results revealed that regardless of length of service and academic qualification, teachers demonstrate a moderate level of research capability with a mean score ranges from 2.98 to 3.00. Moreover, respondents show awareness of basic research processes, there is still a need for enhanced training to improve their existing skills and knowledge in drafting research proposals and producing publishable outputs. As such, initiatives for continuing professional development like specialized seminars, training workshops and write-shops may be conducted. By strengthening these competencies, it will not only foster evidence-based policy formulation and improved classroom, but most importantly promote a sustainable culture of research within the Philippine basic education system.