ABSTRACT
The study aimed to assess enhancing theory to practice: bridging gaps and clarify ambiguities in student’s academic research among grade 12 HUMSS students at Nasugbu East Senior High School, School Year 2023-2024.
The researcher used descriptive method of research. Moreover, the respondents of the study were 180 Grade 12 HUMSS students in Nasugbu East Senior High School.
Overall, respondents strongly agree on perceiving the importance or research skills in terms of career development (WM:3.53, SD=3.05), personal growth (WM:3.51, SD=3.08), and holistic development (WM:3.49, SD=3.08) The researcher developed an action plan to effectively bridge the gap between the theory and practice in student academic research.
Keywords: Theory to Practice, Bridging gap, Academic, Researcher, Grade 12 students
INTRODUCTION
According to Roxas (2020), research to the basis of knowledge and innovation. In the Philippines, an inquiry-based has been introduced at K to 12 programs in order to foster a culture of inquiry among pupils. The study therefore looked at the attitudes of Grade 12 students towards research and its relationship to their academic performance through a convergent, parallel, and blended methodology.
The primary objective of education is to enhance critical thinking and research skills. The transition from theoretical understanding to real application in academic research is a major aspect frequently disregarded by teachers and stakeholders as they seek to train students for the rigorousness of university education and professional life.
Academic research is a systematic investigation of one specific problem and the discovery of results that clarify its characteristics. For every student, it can help them understand the importance of academic research.
Today's assessment of the state of academic research carried out by students in senior high schools by examining the challenges and opportunities that arise in drawing up theory and practice.
Effective approaches to enhance the theory and practice of student academic research are ultimately contributing to an ongoing discussion on educational change and improvement through a comprehensive analysis of those factors.
The next generation of students and researchers can be empowered to create a more efficient, connected world through bridging the gaps in theory and practice. The researchers want to assess their views on how to improve theory to practice for students' academic research in order to identify gaps and clarify the ambiguities of students' academic research. In order to understand the problems, confusions, and importance of academic research among senior high school students, researchers want to assess their competencies in making academic research.
It is desire of the research, therefore, to seek out the theory and practice in Bridging gaps and clarifying ambiguities in academic research in order to develop student’s research skills that can benefit to students future academic and profession.
METHODOLOGY
The study used descriptive research design to determine the Enhancing Theory to Practice: Bridging Gaps and Clarifying Ambiguities in Student Academic Research among Senior High School Students. Based on Harrapa.education.com (2021), a descriptive research design describes the characteristics of a phenomenon, situation, or population. Descriptive design accurately describes a research problem without asking why a particular event happened. In this study, the method was utilized to gather the need information and data on the perceive the importance of research skills in their future academic and professional endeavor in terms of career development, personal growth and holistic development. The aforementioned variables were included in the research as it was deemed significant to the present study.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the data collected where the researcher is given interpretation and analysis.
1. The demographic profile of the respondents
A. Age
Table 1 shows the distribution of the respondents according to their age including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.
| Age | Frequency | Percentage |
| 15-25 | 180 | 100% |
| 26-35 | 0 | 0% |
| Total | 180 | 100% |
This table shows that the most significant number of respondents is the age of 15-25, with a total number of 180. Such a generation accounts for 100% of the total number of respondents. In addition, the most significant frequency of respondents in terms of age comes from those aged below 26-35, accounting for 0% of the total number of respondents.
B. Gender
Table 2 shows the distribution of the respondents according to their gender including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.
Distribution of respondents in terms of gender
| Gender | Frequency | Percentage |
| Male | 90 | 50% |
| Female | 90 | 50% |
| Total | 180 | 100% |
Table 2 shows the distribution of respondents according to gender. When the respondents are grouped according to their gender, female and male respondents have equal significant number of respondents, 50% and 50% with of the total respondents.
2. Assessment of the respondents in Perceiving the Importance of Research Skills in terms of:
A. Career Development
Table 3 shows the perception of the learners about the implementation of Project THREADS in terms of shaping fashion sense with its weighted mean and interpretation.
| Statements | Weighted Mean | Interpretation |
| 1. Research skills are essential for success in students chosen academic field. | 3.63 | Strongly Agree |
| 2. Evaluate the credibility of information online is important for student’s future career development. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 3. Research skills help students stay up-to-date with advancements in field throughout career. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 4. Conducting thorough research gives students competitive edge when applying for jobs. | 3.49 | Strongly Agree |
| 5. Research skills become valuable in solving problems students encounter in future profession. | 3.54 | Strongly Agree |
| 6. Employers value employees with strong research capabilities. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 7. Developing students research skills prepare for the demands of future academic program. | 3.56 | Strongly Agree |
| 8. Strong research skills enhance students critical thinking and analytical abilities. | 3.53 | Strongly Agree |
| 9. Conducting independent research make students more confident learner. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 10. Improving students research skills because they are transferable across many different career paths. | 3.52 | Strongly Agree |
| General Weighted Mean | 3.53 | Strongly Agree |
This table shows the different perception of learners about the perceiving importance of Research Skill in terms of career development. The highest weighted mean of 3.63 that showed that Research skills are essential for success in students chosen academic field. With an overall mean score of 3.53 means strongly agree in perceived importance of Research Skills in terms of career development. According to Upwork (2023), the proactive, life long process of finding your footing and advancing your career path.
B. Personal Growth
In Table 4, it shows the perception of the learners about the perceived importance of Research Skills in terms of personal growth with its weighted mean and interpretation.
| Statements | Weighted Mean | Interpretation |
| 1. Developing strong research skills make more independent learner. | 3.59 | Strongly Agree |
| 2. Research skills become a more critical thinker in everyday life. | 3.48 | Agree |
| 3. Evaluating information allows to make more informed decisions personally. | 3.53 | Strongly Agree |
| 4. Strong research skills empower individuals to explore topics that interest me outside of academic and career. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 5. Strong research skills enhance problem-solving abilities in personal situation | 3.56 | Strongly Agree |
| 6. Strong research skills are linked to increased intellectual curiosity. | 3.48 | Agree |
| 7. Research skills contribute to overall intellectual growth and development. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 8. Conducting independent research fosters a sense of self-reliance and confidence. | 3.48 | Agree |
| 9. Researching new topics allow to broaden personal knowledge base. | 3.48 | Agree |
| 10. Improving research skills contribute to a lifelong learning journey. | 3.47 | Agree |
| General Weighted Mean | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
This table shows the perceived importance of research skills in terms of personal growth. The highest weighted mean of 3.59 that showed that developing strong research skills make more independent learner. With an overall mean score of 3.51 means strongly agree in the perceived importance of research skills in terms of personal growth.
According to Springer (2024), refers to a subset of personality development that relates to the process of becoming better in a personally meaningful way.
C. Holistic Development
Table 5 shows the shows the perceived importance of Research Skills in terms of holistic development with its weighted mean and interpretation.
| Statements | Weighted Mean | Interpretation |
| 1. Strong research skill allows to develop a deeper understanding of complex issues, contributing to my intellectual and academic growth. | 3.58 | Strongly Agree |
| 2. Evaluate information and critical thinking, leading, leading to well-informed decisions that benefit both my academic and personal life. | 3.47 | Agree |
| 3. Research skills equip me to solve problems creatively in both academic and professional settings, contributing to my overall development. | 3.51 | Strongly Agree |
| 4. Strong research skill improve communication and collaboration abilities, which are crucial for academic and professional success. | 3.54 | Strongly Agree |
| 5. Research skill enhance my self-confidence as a learner and professional, contributing to my holistic development. | 3.47 | Agree |
| 6. Conducting independent research allows my personal interests that enrich my academic and professional pursuits. | 3.43 | Agree |
| 7. Developing strong research skills promote intellectual curiosity and a lifelong learning mindset, contributing to my holistic growth | 3.43 | Agree |
| 8. Improving my research skills empower more independent and resourceful individual, both academically and professionally. | 3.52 | Strongly Agree |
| 9. Analyzing information critically help navigate complex situations effectively in both academic and personal spheres. | 3.47 | Agree |
| 10. Strong research skills enhance my overall adaptability and resilience, allowing me to thrive in a changing academic and professional landscape | 3.52 | Strongly Agree |
| General Weighted Mean | 3.49 | Agree |
This table shows the perceived importance of research skills in terms of holistic development. The highest weighted mean of 3.58 that showed that strong research skill allows to develop a deeper understanding of complex issues, contributing to my intellectual and academic growth. An overall mean score of 3.49 means agree with the perceived importance of research skills in holistic development.
According to Linkedln (2024), Complete educational strategy that aims to develop physical, intellectual, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities in kids.
CONCLUSIONS
The following statements are conclusions drawn from the finding:
1. Profile of Respondent. The majority of respondents fall within the age range of 15-25 years old, indicating a focus on this specific demographic. However, there is a relatively equal distribution of male and female respondents in the study, with each gender comprising approximately 50% of the sample. This indicates a balanced representation of both sex within the student population surveyed.
2. The respondents strongly agree that the research skills are essential for success in students chosen academic field. On the other hand, respondents agree that conducting thorough research gives students competitive edge when applying for jobs. Furthermore, the respondents strongly agree that developing strong research skills make more independent learner. On the other hand, respondents agree that improving research skills contribute to a lifelong learning journey. Additionally, the respondents strongly agree that strong research skill allows to develop a deeper understanding of complex issues, contributing to my intellectual and academic growth. On the other hand, respondents agree that conducting independent research allows my personal interests that enrich my academic and professional pursuits.
3. The action plan was developed to effectively bridge the gap between the theory and practice in student academic research, thus enhancing their skills in conducting a research.
RECOMMENDATIONS
From the result of the study which was to assess the effectiveness of Project THREADS on the clothing preferences of the students at Nasugbu East Senior High School, these are the recommendations of the researcher to the beneficiary of this study:
1. The study should consider the unique viewpoints, needs, and goals of respondents aged 15-25, and consider whether results apply to older or younger individuals. Expanding demographic representation may provide a deeper understanding. b. Sex The study's balanced representation of male and female respondents may influence the outcomes. The entire process, from data collection to analysis, should consider gender dynamics and explore gender-related components, such as differing opinions, behaviors, or experiences.
2. The respondents are advised to actively look for chances to improve their abilities during their time in school. As a way to advance their skills, they ought to think about doing research projects, internships, and attending academic conferences. Moreover, students ought to investigate avenues for utilizing their research abilities in practical contexts, internships, or individual assignments.
3. The developed action plan should be enhanced and properly implemented to address the gap between the theory and practice in conducting a research. It must be materialized for future improvements of the research.