Ayesha Joy Abayon

This study examined the relationship between innovative and inclusive teaching practices and student motivation and academic performance among Grade 5 and Grade 6 pupils in selected public elementary schools in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines, during the School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it determined the level of innovative teaching practices in terms of teaching strategies, use of instructional materials and technology, and student engagement activities; assessed inclusive teaching practices in terms of respect for learner diversity, equal participation, and support for diverse learning needs; identified the level of student motivation; and examined the relationships between these variables and academic performance. A descriptive-correlational research design using a quantitative approach was employed. Data were gathered from 97 Grade 5 and Grade 6 pupils through a validated researcher-made questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.892, indicating strong internal consistency. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that School administrators should provide sustained professional development to strengthen teachers’ innovative and inclusive instructional approaches and allocate resources to enhance access to technology and learning materials. Teachers should consistently apply differentiated, student-centered strategies and foster welcoming, diversity-affirming classrooms to boost student motivation and equitable achievement further further. Parents and guardians should reinforce school learning at home by encouraging curiosity, effort, and consistent study habits, and maintaining open communication with teachers. Future researchers should conduct experimental or longitudinal studies to examine cause-and-effect relationships and explore additional factors influencing academic performance beyond those investigated in this study. Innovative teaching practices, inclusive teaching practices, and student motivation were rated at a high level, which means teachers effectively practice inclusive teaching by recognizing learner diversity, promoting equal participation, and providing support to students with different learning needs; teachers also frequently use innovative teaching practices, apply engaging teaching strategies, integrate instructional materials and technology, and promote active student engagement in classroom learning activities. Furthermore, significant positive relationships were found between innovative teaching practices and academic performance, inclusive teaching practices and academic performance, and student motivation and academic performance, with a moderate correlation coefficient (r = 0.57). Overall, the findings indicate that these educational variables are positively associated with academic performance among the respondents.