THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHING COMPETENCIES ON TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PRIMARY SCIENCE EDUCATION

The teaching competencies of science teachers significantly influence students' science academic achievement. It shapes the students' understanding of complex science concepts and their ability to excel in scientific exploration, ultimately nurturing their scientific literacy. This study assessed the teaching competencies influencing the teaching performance of 58 primary science teachers relative to the academic achievement of their students in science at the Tinoc District, Tinoc, Ifugao, Philippines. The significant differences by teacher demographics were also determined. This is relevant to the district's observed low scientific literacy and achievement of students in science education as assessed in recent years. Using a quantitative approach, the study employed a modified questionnaire that was validated and pilot-tested. Results disclosed that the science teachers strongly agreed that professionalism is the most common teaching competence influencing their performance, indicating their adherence to local and national standards and code of conduct. They also strongly agreed with teaching effectiveness, personal skills, educational planning, and management skills. Generally, there were no significant differences among the teaching competencies regardless of the teachers' gender, age, highest educational attainment, and years in service. Meanwhile, the students’ science academic achievement was determined to be lower average, suggesting low scientific literacy. Correspondingly, the teaching competencies and students' academic achievement were not correlated. Nonetheless, the teacher's capacity to impact the learners' scientific exploration and achievement remains intact. Further studies are recommended to be undertaken. Keywords: primary science education, primary science teachers, students’ science academic achievement, teaching competency, teacher performance