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Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

The Spiral Progression of the K to 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs)
in Junior High School (JHS) Geology Subdomain

bc
ac*
d
e
Diane C. Maquilan , Karizz Anne L. Morante , Cornelia C. Soto, PhD , and Joel T. Maquiling, PhD

a
Science Department, Tukuran Technical Vocational High School, Zamboanga del Sur b Physics Unit, Philippine Science High School –
c
Central Luzon Camps, Pampanga Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University
d e
Department of Education, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University Department of Physics,
School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University
* Corresponding Author: diane.maquilan@obf.ateneo.edu.ph
ABSTRACT

One of the key features of the K to 12 Curriculum is the spiral progression of concepts. Spiral progression
enables a broader and deeper understanding through frequent repetition of content used in different con-
texts with increasing complexity. A comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s structure and process is im-
portant for disaster science awareness, preparedness, and sustainability. To address the challenges of the
current pandemic, the Department of Education released the Most Essential Learning Competencies
(MELCs). This paper aims to explore the extent of spiral progression of geology concepts in the Junior High
School (JHS) MELCs. This study involved the content analysis of the Learner’s Materials (LM) and Teacher’s
Guides (TG) to identify the scope, breadth, and depth of geology competencies. Five key questions (KQs),
modified and adapted from Bain and Siddique (2017), transformed the texts into codes. Sixty-five (65) coded
responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. With an almost perfect intercoder reliability (κ =
0.866, p-value < 0.001), results reveal an overall weak to moderate spiral progression of JHS geology MELCs.
The Grade 7 competencies on The Philippine Environment showed absent to very weak spiral progression
with the lack of foundations for these competencies in Middle School. Data on Grade 8 Earthquakes and
Faults exhibited weak to moderate while Grade 9 Volcanoes revealed moderate spiral progression. The
Grade 10 Plate Tectonics and The Earth’s Interior showed moderate to strong progression. The findings of
this study may serve as a guide in developing lessons. Activities that involve constant repetition of previously
learned concepts applied in a variety of real-life situations may enhance the teaching and learning process.

Keywords: Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs), K to 12 Curriculum, content analysis, Earth
Science, science education

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