Outcomes-Based Independent Learning Paradigm (OBILP): Effects on Students' Engagement and Performance in Chemistry

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the Outcomes-Based Independent Learning Paradigm (OBILP) on Grade 10 students’ engagement and performance in chemistry, focusing on the domains of gas laws, biomolecules, and chemical equations and reactions. An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods design was employed. The quantitative phase utilized a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design involving Grade 10 students from Bacayawan National High School during the school year 2022–2023. Results indicated that both control and experimental groups exhibited very high levels of affective engagement and high levels of behavioral and cognitive engagement, with no significant differences across the three components. However, the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean scores (p = 0.010) and mean gain scores (p = 0.035) than the control group. No significant correlation was found between students’ engagement and performance before and after the intervention. The qualitative phase, through interviews and student journal entries, provided explanatory insights into these findings, revealing that OBILP enhanced student engagement and performance, while chemical reactions and equations remained the most challenging topic domain. These results suggest that OBILP has the potential to improve chemistry learning outcomes, although future studies should employ larger samples and broader contexts to strengthen generalizability.