Abstract & Overview
Mastery level of cognitive competencies covers the understanding of facts imperative for science teaching and learning in the new science curriculum following the Spiral Progression Approach. The study assessed the status of mastery level of Chemistry cognitive competencies by pre-service science teachers of Benguet State University as the basis for instructional recommendations to the College of Teacher Education. The mastery level was studied using mean percentage scores (MPS) with their differences in the grade levels and specialization (Biology and Physical Science). The quantitative descriptive method was employed using a reliable and valid Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT). Results revealed that pre-service teachers of both Biology and Physical Science majors had an overall performance of Average Mastery (between 3565MPS). The mastery goal in basic education is 75MPS or better which was obtained only by the Physical science majors at the grade 7 level. The Physical science majors had significantly higher mastery levels on the chemistry cognitive competencies in grades 7 and 10 but had similar mastery levels with the biology majors in grades 8 and 9. In both majors, the grade 7 cognitive competencies were mastered best while the grade 9 chemistry cognitive competencies were least mastered.