SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG

Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

A Study on the Effectiveness of Review Classes for Entrance

Examination to the Collegiate Level

A Research
Paper
Presented to:
MARY MARNIE MAY E. LABIAL M.A.Ed

Faculty of the Senior High

School San Beda College
Alabang

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for Practical Research 2

Presented by:

David, Josh Michael G.

Montano, Patricia Anne Marie
C. Montecillo, Daphne
Dominique
Moreno, Juan Carlo Antonio
R.
Tacderas, Mary Aleisa Louise
B.

November 6, 2018
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper hereto entitled:

A Study on the Effectiveness of Review Classes for Entrance

Examination to the Collegiate Level

Prepared and submitted by Josh Michael G. David, Patricia Anne Marie C. Montano,
Daphne Dominique Montecillo, Juan Carlo Antonio R. Moreno, Mary Aleisa Louise B.
Tacderas, in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 2 and has been
examined and recommended for acceptance and approval for final defense.

MARY MARNIE MAY E. LABIAL, M.A.Ed

Research Teacher

Approved by the Panelist on Final Defense with a grade of ________ on _________.

Panel / SHS Faculty

Panel / SHS Faculty Panel / SHS Faculty

 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

ABSTRACT

:
A Study on the Effectiveness of Review
Title Classes for Entrance Examination to the
Collegiate Level

Josh Michael G. David, Patricia Anne Marie C. Montano, Daphne

Dominique Montecillo, Juan Carlo Antonio R. Moreno, Mary Aleisa Louise

Researchers : B. Tacderas
Subject : Practical Research 2
School : San Beda College Alabang
School Year : 2018 - 2019

This exploratory-descriptive research aims to identify the effectiveness of review

classes to the performance of college applicants in their collegiate entrance exams. This
study was conducted to sixty respondents from different colleges and universities in the
Philippines through a non-probability purposive sampling method. Data were then
gathered through an online questionnaire. The findings indicate that taking review
classes is proven effective in the improvement of test performance during the collegiate
entrance exams. Furthermore, the study methods taken by students correlate to their
learning capacity improvement.
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
TITLE I
APPROVAL SHEET II
ABSTRACT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF TABLES V
LIST OF FIGURES IV
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation

Review of Related Literature

Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework
Definition of Terms

METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Research Locale
Sampling
Research Instruments and Techniques
Data Gathering Procedure
Validation of the Research Instrument
Data Analysis Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data

Results
Discussions
Conclusion
Recommendation
References
Appendices
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

Research Instrument
Authorization Letter
Informed Consent Letter
Validation Tool

1.
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The research conducted deals with the topic of effectiveness of review classes
in the Philippines. In addition, the researchers chose this topic in lieu of its relevance
to their situation.

Entrance exams are part of moving forward in your academics for those who
need extra help turn to review classes. Furthermore, review classes are essentially
refresher courses for the topics and lessons that are bound to show up on the
examinations itself. Usually these classes are held during the students’ summer
break.(Robin Faulk Donaldson,2013). The time spent during these review classes
however may prove to be of no use and as such presents a wasted effort. In addition,
some may not be able to afford review classes due to financial standing. ( Da-Sen Lin
Yi-Fen Chen,2006).

Past studies on the topic have shown different results. For example, Robin
Faulk Donaldson, 2013. conducted a research on SAT or ACT preparation methods.
These methods ranged from self-studying to preparatory classes. This correlational
study showed that students who enrolled in preparatory classes did not produce
significant difference to students who did not take preparatory classes. In addition, a
study from Di- Sen Lin, Yi-Fen Chen, (2016) showed the same results, that students
who did not take preparatory classes showed no significant difference to students who
took preparatory classes but did, however, stated that there might be a correlation
between the students’ scores and their intended university majors.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM/PURPOSE STATEMENTS

The researchers aim to answer the following questions: (1) What is the
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

demographic profile of the respondents in terms of who took review classes and those
who did not? (2) What were the experiences of students who took review classes? (3)
What were the experiences of students who did not take review classes? (4) What
were the experiences of students who took the entrance test? (5) What were the
results of the entrance exams?

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is being conducted in hopes of finding out if review classes are truly
effective in helping students with their studying habits and strategies when it comes to
entrance exams. If proven, those students who are still not sure could consider
applying

to review centers, it will serve as a platform to help at least recollect them with lessons
taught in their former school years.
The study can help give the government an idea on adding more review
centers, especially in rural and provincial areas. This will then give more options and
opportunities to those aspiring to enter college but are not able to do so. Moreover,
the review centers could provide financial consideration to those applying from public
schools, as they should prioritize those who have high aptitudes than those with high
financial ability.
This study will be able to provide the researchers with knowledge on the
effectiveness of review classes and how it affects students’ performances in taking
college entrance exams.

1.4 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The research paper is descriptive in nature and is focused on the effectiveness

of review classes. The research sample is composed of 60 college students, which
were divided into 2 groups, with 30 students who took review classes and 30 students
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

who did not take review classes. The data gathering method used was a survey
questionnaire to measure the experiences of students who took and those that did not
take review classes and if they were effective during their actual entrance tests.
Furthermore, this research paper used a combination of purposive and quota sampling
to select its respondents. The gathered data was analyzed using statistics and
identified by frequencies and percentages of the students' results on whether or not
they passed the entrance exams.

The research paper is delimited to college students: who took and those that did
not take review classes. Their experiences, how helpful review classes are for
students, and their performance during the exam. Moreover, the research paper
excludes the emotional factors such as anxiety and pressure, cultural factors like
ethnicity/race, and financial standing of the students. It also excludes external factors
such as family and relationships

1.5 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to a study done by Buchmann, Condron, and Roseigno, test prep for college
entrance exams have received considerably less attention in the United States. While a study
done by Consumers’ Research Magazine states that students who took review courses
received higher scores, compared to those who did not. College entrance exams in the
Philippines often bring out students’ competitiveness, and in response to this, students take
review classes.

GRE’s or Graduate Record Exams are taken for entry to graduate school programs,
these tests measure your skills whether it meets the bar for the programs standards. Often,
students would take preparatory courses for them to pass these tests. Moreover, preparatory
classes prove to enhance one’s capabilities, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and
allow one to work on said weaknesses. (Tara Kuther, Ph.D, July 2018).

Planning an effective review session is detrimental in understanding topics for exams.

The review session itself will help you identify lessons or topics that you either missed or
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

misunderstood. Allowing yourself to plan such an effective review helps in performing and
understanding these topics. Review sessions help students prepare for their quizzes or
exams and allow them to understand in depth the topics given to them. (Stanford Teaching
Commons). Review session methods redesigned by Favero, a teacher who noticed that
whenever he sets up a review session, students either do not show up, or have a hard time
understanding the review. Moreover, Favero came up with two different interactive learning
techniques that he applied in order to make review sessions more effective for students.
(Maryellen Weimer PhD, March, 2013). The effectiveness of a review class in New York for
SAT’s (Scholastic Aptitude Test) was studied. Two groups of students, one regular students
and the other from lower income families but had scholarships took the SAT’s with the regular
students taking preparatory classes and the other group not taking the classes. The regular
students did better than the scholars, and showed a significant difference in scores in verbal
and mathematics parts of the test. (Zuman, John P).
WWC (What Works Clearinghouse) has conducted studies that identify the following
for review classes: Details for research on the study, The outcome of achievement for the high
school domain, ratings of general academic achievement in high school, and the description
for supplemental findings on general academic achievement. (What Works Clearinghouse,
October 2016). A study on SAT or ACT preparation methods was conducted in order to find the
most efficient method. Methods of students ranged from self-studying online materials to
preparatory classes or review classes. The study showed no significant difference in scores of
students who took the review classes versus the students who prepared on their own.
(Donaldson, Robin Faulk, 2013). In addition, a study from Taiwan also found that students’
scores shared no clear correlation to their attendance of cram schools. However, it showed a
much clearer correlation to their intended university majors. It also stated that there is an
unclear impact of cram schools, which needed to be researched more in order for parents and
students to know if they are wasting their time and money. (Di-Sen Lin, Yi- Fen Chen, 201

1.6 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

In the late 1950’s, a learning theory was used; Cognitive theory draws attention
to how a learner acquires knowledge and the process of how it was received and
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

stored by a person. Learning is concerned not so much with what learners do but with
what they know and how they come to acquire it (Jonassen, 1991b) Not only does the
cognitive approach emphasize environmental conditions, but also the students’
learning processes. A learner’s learning process is often attributed to their beliefs,
thoughts and attitudes. (Winne, 1985). Understanding is seen as being composed of a
knowledge base in the form of rules, concepts, and discriminations (Duffy & Jonassen,
1991). Cognitive learning also highlights the relation of new information to already-
acquired information.

Cognitive theory describes the environment present in current review classes this
can therefore be used to analyze and measure how efficient each review class has
been in allowing students to learn as much as they can for their tests. In addition, this
theory allows the researchers to consider the experiences of each student who took
review classes. Cognitive theory also applies to the students who did not take review
classes as the researchers would need to know what kind of environment and the
results their self-studying produced. Reviewing falls under the same learning process as
how cognitive learning is described, not concerned over what is learned but on how and
how much of it is learned.
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms defined conceptually by the researchers.

1. ACT- American College Testing; a standardized test used for college admissions in the
United States.It contains english, math reading, science, and the writing/ essay part is
optional.
2. College Entrance Exams- a test that educational institutions give to incoming
college freshmen for admissions.
3. Cram School- specialized schools that conduct trainings for students to pass entrance
examinations of universities or high school.
4. Review Center- it refers to one which offers a program or course of study that
is intended to refresh and enhance the knowledge or competencies and skills of
reviewees obtained in the formal school setting in preparation for the licensure
examinations
5. Review Class- sessions where past lessons are taught and refreshed for
students who will take college entrance tests.
6. SAT- Scholastic Aptitude Test; it is an examination which is often taken by students who
wish to enter a college or university in the United States. Writing, critical reading, and
mathematics are the knowledge and skills that were tested.
7. Preparatory Classes- Specialized classes that are taken in order to prepare one for
exams or tests.
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

1.5 Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. The Summer Sacrifice: A study on the Effectiveness of Review Classes

 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

2. Methodology

2.1. Research Design

The research focuses on the effectiveness of review classes to college applicants. This

study will utilize an exploratory-descriptive approach that aims to explore and describe how

review classes affect students’ test performance. This descriptive research also aims to

describe the situation as it happens naturally. (Burns and Grove, 2003)

2.2. Research Locale

The study will be conducted in no specific university since the researchers only need

college freshmen students.

2.3. Sampling

Sampling is a process of selecting a group of people from a population that is needed for

the study. A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studies to

gain information about the whole (Webster, 1985). In this study, the researchers use non–

probability sampling, specifically purposive which uses personal judgment to choose individuals

that have a knowledge about the study that can help answer the research questions. Also,

quota sampling, which ensures that subjects studies proportionally reflect certain characteristics

of the larger population. The researchers looked for 60 respondents that will represent 30

college students who took review classes and another 30 students who did not take review

classes to know their experiences and how this affects their college entrance exam results.
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

2.4 Data Instruments and Techniques

A researcher-made questionnaire will be used in order to elicit the data needed for the

study. It will use dichotomous questions; a set of questions that gives only two options to

respondents; “agree” and “disagree”. The questionnaire will also be divided into five (5) parts,

two (2) of which are dependent on each respondent, whether they have taken review classes or

not. Part 1 consists of questions that ask the general information needed from each respondent,

which schools they had applied in, and those they were accepted in. Included as well is if they

had attended review classes or not, which then separates each respondent into their respective

parts; Part 2 being exclusive for those who took review classes, and Part 3 for those who did

not, with both asking how each respondent dealt with preparing for entrance exams. Part 4 asks

about their experiences during said exams, and Part 5 concludes with the results of the

entrance exams.

2.5 Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers will use standardized surveys that have gone through a background

check assessing the relevance and importance of the questions to the topic, and checking for

correct use of grammar, punctuations, et cetera. The surveys used were created by the

researchers based off the possible experiences students who took review classes may have

gone through. In addition, the surveys also include the possible experiences of students who did

not take review classes to compare the effectivity of the review class.

The researchers will administer the surveys to 60 different college students, 30 of which

will be students who took review classes while the other half are students who did not take
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

review classes. The reason for this is to ensure that the effectivity of the review classes has a

clear basis to compare to. Furthermore, the surveys are to ensure uniformity in data

analyzation, as the interpretation of the respondents’ answers are detrimental in finding out the

effectivity of review classes; the study would be dealing with what the respondents experienced

during studying either alone or out of a class versus studying in a review center, as well as

questioning what both groups felt during the entrance exam itself. The researchers created their

own survey based on what they have observed to be the most likely experiences that would

determine the effectivity of review classes to students who took them, along with the

experiences of the students who choose to study alone.

 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2

2.0 Methodology
2.1 Research Design
2.2 Research Locale
2.3 Sampling
2.4 Research Instruments and Techniques
2.5 Data Gathering Procedure
2.6 Data Analysis Procedure
2.7 Statistical Treatment of Data

3.0 Results
4.0 Discussions
4.1 Conclusion
4.2 Recommendation
4. 3 References
5.0 Appendices
5.1 Research Instrument
5.2 Authorization Letter
5.3 Informed Consent Letter
5.4 Validation Tool
 SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG
Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Research and Capstone - Practical Research 2