Persistent Gaps in Conceptual Mastery: Assessing Grade 11 Learners’ Competency in General Chemistry

Mastery of chemistry learning competencies is a key indicator of students’ academic achievement; however, many learners continue to experience difficulty in understanding core chemical concepts and applying them to practical contexts. This study examined the level of mastery of Grade 11 learners in the assessed chemistry learning competencies. A descriptive research design was employed using a conceptual understanding test covering Matter and Its Properties, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical Reactions, Gases and Gas Laws, Solutions, Acids and Bases, Thermochemistry and Chemical Kinetics, Nuclear Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Chemistry in Everyday Life and the Environment. The results showed that the majority of learners obtained scores ranging from 11 to 17, with a mean score of 13.80 and a median of 14. Among the 445 participants, only five learners (1.12%) achieved a passing score, while 440 learners (98.88%) did not meet the mastery criterion. Overall, the learners attained a mean percentage score of 20.3%, indicating a low level of mastery, with error frequencies ranging from 71% to 84% across the assessed competencies. These findings highlight persistent challenges in students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry and underscore the need for targeted instructional interventions to improve mastery of essential learning competencies.

Chemistry Education, Least Mastered Competencies

1. Akkuzu, N., & Uyulgan, M. A. (2016). An epistemological inquiry into organic chemistry education: exploration of undergraduate students' conceptual understanding of functional groups. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/C5RP00128E [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ananda, L. R., Rahmawati, Y., & Khairi, F. (2023). Critical thinking skills of chemistry students by integrating design thinking with steam-pjbl. Journal of Technology and Science Education. Retrieved from https://www.jotse.org/index.php/jotse/article/view/1938/702 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Andrada, M. D., & Marasigan, A. C. (2020). An inquiry into the k to 12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics students’ persistence. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3546006 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Asmussen, G., Rodemer, M., & Bernholt, S. (2023). Blooming student difficulties in dealing with organic reaction mechanisms – an attempt at systemization. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RP00204C [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Bernardo, A. B., Cordel, M. O., Calleja, M. O., Tevez, J. M., Yap, S. A., & Chua, U. C. (2023). Profiling low-proficiency science students in the philippines using machine learning. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-023-01705-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Chen, Y., So, W. M., Zhu, J., & Chiu, S. (2024). Stem learning opportunities and career aspirations: the interactive effect of students' self-concept and perceptions of stem professionals. International Journal of STEM Education. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1407854 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Dapedran, R. S. (2025). Academic experiences of junior high school students in learning chemistry. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388231446_ACADEMIC_EXPERIENCES_OF_JUNIOR_HIGH_STUDENTS_IN_LEARNING_CHEMISTRY [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Frost, J. (2025). Cronbach’s alpha: definition, calculations & example. Statistics By Jim. Retrieved from https://statisticsbyjim.com/basics/cronbachs-alpha/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Garingo, A. C., & Cajucom, E. L. (2022). Challenges of junior high school chemistry learners in an enriched virtual mode. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. Retrieved from https://www.ioer-imrj.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Challenges-of-Junior-High-School-Chemistry-Learners-in-an-Enriched-Virtual-Mode.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Gulacar, O., Mann, H., Mann, S. S., & Vernoy, J. (2022). The influence of problem construction on undergraduates’ success with stoichiometry problems. Education Sciences. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120867 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Hagos, T., & Andargie, D. (2023). Effects of formative assessment with technology on students’ meaningful learning in chemistry equilibrium concepts. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RP00340F [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Kousa, P., Kavonius, R., & Aksela, M. (2018). Low-achieving students’ attitudes towards learning chemistry and chemistry teaching methods. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/C7RP00226B [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Kraft, A., Popova, M., Erdmann, R. M., Harshman, J., & Stains, M. (2023). Tensions between depth and breadth: an exploratory investigation of chemistry assistant professors’ perspectives on content coverage. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RP00299J [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Lee, E. N., & Orgill, M. (2025). Enhancing the accessibility of chemistry assessments for multilingual learners: understanding challenging features in assessment items. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RP00187G [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Liday, D. (2025). Making sense of students’ attitude towards college. Journal of Technology and Science Education. Retrieved from https://www.jotse.org/index.php/jotse/article/download/2971/964 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Magas, J. (2023). Predictors of student’s performance in timss mathematics released items. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal. Retrieved from https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=21022 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Manulang, S., Gea, S. P., & Nahadi, N. (2025). Higher-order thinking skills (hots)-based assessment in chemistry education: a systematic literature review of its implementation in senior high schools. Journal of The Indonesian Society of Integrated Chemistry. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.22437/jisic.v17i1.44953 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Melitante, K. A., Nabua, E. B., Hairulla, M. S., Fernandez, M., & Rosales, V. (2025). Profiling least mastered competencies among grade 11 non-stem learners: a basis for targeted instructional intervention. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400475 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Navalta, E. R., Nabua, E. B., Micutuan, R. G., Abdurahman, M. M., & Poblete, T. C. (2025). Learning competencies of grade 11 stem learners in organic chemistry: basis for strategic intervention. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. Retrieved from https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/learning-competencies-of-grade-11-stem-learners-in-organic-chemistry-basis-for-strategic-intervention/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. OECD. (2023). Pisa 2022 results (volume i and ii) - country notes: philippines. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2022-results-volume-i-and-ii-country-notes_ed6fbcc5-en/philippines_a0882a2d-en.htmlOlude, A., Saibu, S., Sunday, E., & Akande, J. (2024). Using Everyday Life Experiences to Teach Chemistry Concepts in Secondary Schools: A Catalyst for Sustainable Global Development. Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Applied Chemical Science Research. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Poblete, T. C., Nabua, E. B., Abdurahman, M. M., Navalta, E. R., & Micutuan, R. G. (2025). Grade 11 stem learners’ learning competencies and their motivation in general chemistry. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010294 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Sayre, J., Nabua, E., Salic-Hairulla, M., Alcopra, A., & Fernandez, M. (2025). Assessing general chemistry learning gaps: a needs assessment of competency mastery among grade 11 learners. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. Retrieved from https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/articles/assessing-general-chemistry-learning-gaps-a-needs-assessment-of-competency-mastery-among-grade-11-learners/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Taglorin, H. L., Nabua, E. B., Latonio, B. C., & Bolocon, A. (2025). Least mastered competencies in grade 10 chemistry and their motivation levels: a basis for pedagogical intervention. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9020081 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Thompson, N. (2021). Item analysis and statistics. ASC. Retrieved from https://assess.com/what-is-item-analysis/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Tseng, Y.-J., Hong, Z. R., & Lin, H.-S. (2022). Advancing students’ scientific inquiry performance in chemistry through reading and evaluative reflection. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Retrieved from https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/rp/d1rp00246e [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Valdez, J. E., & Bungihan, M. E. (2019). Problem-based learning approach enhances the problem. Journal of Technology and Science Education. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1215283.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Yulia, S., & Purtadi, S. (2024). Needs analysis of student perception scale instruments on chemistry learning difficulties. Indonesian Journal of Chemical Education. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Green Synthesis of Cobalt Oxide/Gold (Coo/Au) Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Sinapinic Acid: A Comprehensive Study
• Advances in Solar Cell Technologies: A Comprehensive Review of Material Synthesis, Structural Properties, Efficiency and Diverse Applications
• Thermal Decomposition of Co-Fe-Cr-Citrate Complex Via Structural and Spectral Study
• Surface Activity and Thermodynamic Assessment of Surfactants Derived from Oreochromis Niloticus Oil (Nile Tilapia Fish)
• Green Synthesis of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Sustainable Approach for Advanced Applications