HomePsychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journalvol. 37 no. 10 (2025)

Physics Olympics in Grade 7 Using Learners’ Activity Sheet as Proposed Intervention for Learners at Risk

Jessica Gadin | Judel Roman

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Physics Olympics, incorporating Learners’ Activity Sheets (LAS), as an intervention for Grade 7 at-risk learners in Maligaya High School. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, 39 at-risk students participated in Physics-based challenges designed to reinforce key concepts and improve engagement. The study utilized pre-test and post-test assessments to evaluate conceptual comprehension and advancement. The success of the intervention was confirmed by statistical analysis, which revealed a significant improvement in student performance (Mean difference = 18.41, p <.001) and a large effect size (Cohen's d = 4.51). Feedback from students revealed high levels of engagement (94.87%) and highlighted the advantages of gamified learning (41.03%), proving that competitive and dynamic learning environments successfully close educational gaps. The findings of the study indicated that the Physics Olympics had a substantial impact on the conceptual comprehension of physics among students. Students were better able to understand abstract scientific concepts through the use of Learners' Activity Sheets and practical experiential learning. Participants also showed excitement, teamwork, and satisfaction, indicating increased student engagement levels. The results show that gamified learning methods, especially those that focus on competition, teamwork, and hands-on activities, might help at-risk students do better in school and be more motivated. Combining structured performance-based tasks with tailored learning materials creates an engaging educational atmosphere. The study concludes that the Physics Olympics, supported by Learners’ Activity Sheets, is an effective educational intervention that fosters collaborative learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable tool in science education. This present study thereby recommends expanding the Physics Olympics to other grade levels and subjects, training educators in gamified learning techniques, and conducting long-term studies to lasting impacts. Schools should also consider customized activity sheets and experiential learning strategies to improve engagement and academic outcomes for struggling learners.



References:

  1. Bloomberg, L. (2024). Techniques to identify themes in qualitative data. North Central University.
  2. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches (4th ed.). Sage.
  3. Cullata, R. (2022). The impact of gamification on student’s learning engagement and behavior on the personality traits. Innovative Learning Com.
  4. Danielle, J. N., & Foxcroft, D. R. (2023). Learning statistics with Jamovi: A tutorial for psychology students and other beginners. Claremont Graduate University.
  5. Department of Science and Technology. (2024). Physics Olympiad. The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
  6. DepEd BE-LCP. (2020). Learning opportunities basic education learning continuity plan. Department of Education, National Capital Region, Pasig.
  7. Hawthorne, H. (2021). Effective interventions in education: Types and examples. High-Speed Learning.
  8. Lynch, M. (2020). E-learning during a global pandemic. Asian Journal of Distance Education, USA.
  9. McClenaghan, E. (2024). Mann-Whitney U Test: Assumptions and example. Queen’s University Belfast.
  10. Mishra, S., & Dey, A. K. (2025). Understanding and identifying ‘themes’ in qualitative case study research.
  11. Navarro, D. J., & Foxcroft, D. R. (2023). Learning statistics with Jamovi: A tutorial for psychology students and other beginners. Claremont Graduate University.
  12. Northern, S. (2025). Academic success: Statistics resources. Academic Success Center, National University.
  13. Pinar, F. I. (2019). An innovative platform of performance tasks to enhance student’s motivation and learning. De La Salle University.
  14. Shapiro, J. K. (2018). Percentage frequency distribution. Sage Research Methods Community.
  15. Stephens, M. (2021). The analysis of Olympic tutors problem-solving skill of the National Science Olympics for elementary school. South Suwassi School, Barru, Indonesia.
  16. Subedi, D. (2016). Explanatory sequential mixed method design as the third research community of knowledge claim. American Journal of Educational Research, 4(7), 570–577. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-4-7-10
  17. Zawaduk, M. (2018). APEGA science teaches students how profession changes the world. Elemer Gish School, St. Albert, Germany.