Enhancing Learning Outcomes: Investigating The Impact of Explicit Instruction on Academic Performance of Students

Teaching is considered both an art and a responsibility, as educators play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and personal development of learners. Effective teaching strategies are essential to ensure that students understand concepts deeply and develop critical thinking skills. One instructional approach that has gained attention in improving learning outcomes is explicit instruction, a structured teaching method that provides clear explanations, guided practice, and systematic feedback. This study investigated the impact of explicit instruction on the academic performance of students in Mathematics. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design conducted at Mialen Central School in the Clarin North District, Division of Misamis Occidental, during the School Year 2023–2024. The participants were 80 Grade 1 students selected through purposive sampling and divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). The study utilized validated lesson plans aligned with the Department of Education’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC), along with diagnostic and summative assessments administered during the pre-test, first trial run, second trial run, and post-test. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, the Shapiro–Wilk test of normality, and paired t-test to determine significant differences in academic performance across testing periods. Findings revealed that both groups initially demonstrated comparable performance during the pre-test and first trial run, with no significant differences observed. However, during the second trial run and post-test, the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores compared to the control group, indicating improved academic performance after exposure to explicit instruction. The results suggest that explicit instruction is an effective pedagogical strategy for enhancing students’ academic performance in Mathematics. The structured and guided learning approach facilitated better comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts. Consequently, integrating explicit instruction into classroom teaching may significantly contribute to improved learning outcomes among elementary learners.