Enhancing teachers’ research skills: A project Research Capability Program (ReCaP)

Abstract

This study aims to develop teachers’ skills in conducting research and to improve their instructional practices. Philippine Normal University Visayas (PNUV) conducted a Research Capability Project (ReCaP) as participatory action research to its 48 faculty members. This paper discusses the first part of the three cycles in ReCaP, which consisted of three sessions: Conducting Action Research, Writing Research Proposal, and Research Proposal Presentation. The researcher used a questionnaire to evaluate the ReCaP and determine the participants’ views in conducting research online. The researcher also analyzed the recorded videos of the webinar to assess the degree of participant involvement. As observed, participants were less active during the first session, but they were more active in the second session. During the third session, seven groups of participants presented their collaborative research proposals. Most of the proposed studies focused on leading the school, developing teachers’ teaching capacity, and helping learners cope in a virtual environment. Regarding their views, most of the participants said that the program ignited their passion for research. Furthermore, they commended the speakers for their selfless guidance during the proposal presentation. Lastly, participants were more likely to attend the next phase of the program.