ABSTRACT
This study examined the Exploring Factors Influencing Students Perceptions of the Humanities and Social Science Strand, from students at Nasugbu East Senior High School. Descriptive studies was used in the study to explain its overall conclusions. The sample population for this study consists of five (5) G12 HUMSS students. Most participants will probably enroll in the HUMSS Strand of Senior High School. The conclusion implies that the most significant factor influencing a person's decision to choose a career is their interest.
Participants revealed that the primary factors that influence student decision to pursue HUMSS Strand are time management to prevent work overload, critical thinking abilities, and desired career paths, for the students perceive the relevance and value in relation to their future career aspiration are about cultural and global awareness, preparation for diverse fields and broad skill development and The challenges and concerns that associate with HUMSS Strands are having difficulty managing their time and challenges and struggles with workload and time management affect their overall satisfaction with and enjoyment from their education.
Moreover, the researchers recommended that schools should offer extra help and resources for students to develop critical skills in HUMSS like workshops and mentorship programs. Moreover, schools should help students manage their workload and time better with workshops and guidance from teachers. And also Schools should comprehensive career guidance to help students align their academic choices with their future careers, including assessment and support with college applications.
Keywords: Mentorship, Comprehensive, Perceptions, alignment, Senior High
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 epidemic forced global education systems to undergo a significant shift to modular distance learning. In senior high school, the HUMSS strand is a specific academic route that aims to improve students' communication, social awareness, and critical thinking abilities. Notwithstanding its possible advantages, there are a number of reasons why students' opinions toward the HUMSS strand could differ. The Department of Education's regulations caused disparities over proper support in career guidance to increase significantly. Therefore, in order to design initiatives to increase the HUMSS strand's attractiveness to students who pick this academic track, educational institutions and policymakers must have a thorough grasp of the elements that influence students' impressions of the strand (De Ocampo, 2023). This study benefits to the researchers, teachers, and students to know the relevance and value of the HUMSS strand in relation to their future career. Main determinants of students' choice to follow the HUMSS strand.
Students frequently choose HUMSS courses based on their own interests in history, literature, politics, and psychology as well as their perceptions of their own skills in these fields, according to Thompson et al. (2013). Some students are drawn to HUMSS because the strand fits with their career objectives. Humanities and social sciences offer a foundational understanding for careers like law, education, counseling, and social work, which they may want to pursue.
Furthermore, according to Tsai and Kim (2013), a student's decision may be influenced by the support or advice of their family, instructors, and other caregivers who may point out a student's aptitude or potential in HUMSS courses. Participating in relevant extracurricular activities like community service, writing contests, or debating groups can also direct.
METHODOLOGY
This research is composed of (5) participants from Grade 12 HUMSS Student. Most are the participants are inclined to take HUMSS strand in Senior High School. The result implies that in choosing their Career, Interest is the most influential factors that affected their decision. Student’s also depended their decision on the courses they want to pursue in college by choosing the related Senior High School Strand. Before distributing the questionnaires, the researchers got approval from the principle of Nasugbu East Senior High School. Following approval, they addressed any concerns raised by participants and explained the goal of the research before starting any interviews. After then, participants had plenty of time to finish the interview tool. In addition, the researchers asked participants to help them honestly complete the questionnaire, and they verified the accuracy of the completed interview tools before retrieving them. For this study, researchers developed a comprehensive set of open-ended questions to be used during semi-structured interviews. The questions were designed to elicit detailed responses from Grade 12 students enrolled in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, focusing on their motivations, perceptions, challenges, and aspirations within the academic program.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the data gathered, analysis and interpretation to answer the problem which this study aims to achieve.
Table 1: Motivation on choosing humanities and social sciences strand of senior high school Education
| R1 | “Am first of all you average ko noong junior high school hindi sya pasok sa required na grade para sa stem, because stem talaga ang strand ko dapat So nag HUMSS ako them, A side from that second choice ko Ang humss strand, Because sana choices saka courses ko sa college ang psychology na align sa HUMSS” (I'm first of all that my average in junior high school will not allow him to enter the required grade for stem because stem is really, aside from that my second choice is the HUMSS because I wish psychology was an aligned course in college in HUMSS) |
| R2 | “Ang HUMSS kasi parang it's talk about sciences tapos yong course ko sa college align sya sa HUMSS strand which it's psychology” (The HUMSS is because it's like its talk about sciences, after my course in college it was aligned with the HUMSS strand which it's psychology) |
| R3 | “Parang ano ang HUMSS strand kase ano sya e, parang malawak na strand unlike sa STEM parang focus Sila sa science and mathematics. So Ang humss parang advantage nya is more on critical thinking, sya and sa problem solving kaya yon yong advantage nya sa ibang strand” (t's like a humss strand because it's like a wide strand unlike a stem. They seem to focus on science and mathematics. So HUMSS seems to have an advantage in that it is more on critical thinking and problem solving, so that is its advantage over the rest of the strand) |
| R4 | “Yong sa parang personality ng HUMSS strand yong critical thinking skills kasi ay parang general knowledge sya ng isang individual ng Isang kailangan I acquired though out the young journey natin pag laki parang kailangan natin ng critical thinking skills kasi sa mga ginagawa natin sa araw araw is maraming bagay na i apply yon” (It's like the HUMSS personality strand, the critical thinking skills because it's like general knowledge that an individual needs to acquire, even though out of our young journey, when we grow up, we need what we've done on a daily basis, and there are many things to apply it to) |
| R5 | “So yon mahirapan lang akong mag manage ng oras ko kasi parang mas gusto ko yong isang bagsakan nalang na gawa kaya natatambakan ako. Tapos yong kumbaga yong naging feedbacks sakin is parang bumibilis ako gumawa or yong critical thinking skills ko is parang mas na e enhance kasi in short period of time. Maraming gawain at madali akong kailangang tapusin” (So that's why I had a hard time managing my time because it seems like I prefer just a flurry of work so I get dumped. Then it seems that the feedback to me is that my critical thinking skills are more enhanced because in a short period of time. I have a lot to do and a lot to finish.) |
INTERPRETATION FOR TABLE: 1
The topics of interest for all the participants were time management to prevent work overload, critical thinking abilities, and desired career paths. The reasons behind selecting the Humanities and Social Sciences strand of senior high school education are displayed in Table 1. Three (3) participants talked about time management and critical thinking abilities, and two (2) participants said that their desire to take courses that align with the HUMSS Strand was the reason they chose it. Through school programs, students can comprehend how the related Strands support the courses they want to take.
This statement was related to the study of Thompson et al., (2013), students often select HUMSS based on personal interest in subjects like history, literature, politics, and psychology, as well as perceived strengths in these areas. Some students are drawn to HUMSS because of career goals that align with the strand.
TABLE 2: Students beliefs in studying the HUMSS strand that contribute to your future career goals.
| R1 | “ Kasi yung pinili ko yung HUMSS strand kasi yung course ko na kukunin ko sa college is pasok sa strand na yon” ( Because I chose the HUMSS strand because the course I will take in college is in that strand) |
| R2 | “ Kasi ano yung subject kase sa humss more on social science and more on interacting with people” ( Because what is the subject in humss more on social science and what is more on interacting with people) |
| R3 | “ Ma develop ang kakayahan ko sa HUMSS” ( I can develop my skills in HUMSS) |
| R4 | “ parang mas tinutulungan ako nito na yung confidence ko ay ano para mas mabuhos ang confident ko” ( 's like it helps me more with my confidence, so that my confidence can be poured out more) |
| R5 | “ ung nga yung pag hahati hati ko ng oras na kung pano ko gagawin yung mga bagay na dapat kong gawin and makakatulong ito na ano na parang kung pano ko imamanage ang oras ko sa mga dapat na gawin” ( That's when I divide my time so that I can do the things that I have to do and it will help, like how I manage my time with the things that have to be done) |
INTERPRETATION FOR TABLE: 2
Every participants talks about their desired career path, skill development, and time management. Students' opinions about studying the HUMSS strand that support your long-term professional objectives are displayed in Table 2. One (1) respondent said they selected the HUMSS Strand because it was in line with the courses they wanted to take, and four (4) participants said they improved their time management skills, attitude, and other aspects of their lives by pursuing the HUMSS Strand.
This statement was related to the study of Hissey (2000) revealed that HUMSS encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and flexibility, enabling individuals to adapt to a variety of roles and careers in an ever-evolving job market. HUMSS education is known for emphasizing soft skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and developing skills, which are highly sought after in the modern workforce and critical for career progression.
TABLE 3: The advantages of pursuing the HUMSS strand in relation to academic and personal development.
| R1 | “Ahh para sa course gusto ko makuha in the future and para ma exist Ako sa mga kahinaan ko katulad ng pag sasalita ko sa unahan like sa pagpepresent sa unahan at speech presentation"hh para sa course gusto ko makuha in the future and para ma exist Ako sa mga kahinaan ko katulad ng pag sasalita ko sa unahan like sa pagpepresent sa unahan at speech presentation" (Ahh for the curse I want to get in the future and for me to exist in my weaknesses like when I speak in front like in presenting in front and speech presentation) |
| R2 | "Nakakatulong Ang HUMSS strand sa akin para ma enhance ko Yung mga knowledge na nakakasakop o na eenvolbe sa kursong gusto kung kuhanin" (The HUMSS strand helps me to enhance the knowledge that covers or is involved in the course I want to take |
| R3 | “Para mas magkaroon Ako o makatulong Ang mga skills na gusto ko katulad na lamang ng pakikipag communicate sa tao at para magkaroon Ako ng lakas para sa activities na ginagawa or gagawin pa lamang" (Para mas magkaroon Ako o makatulong Ang mga skills na gusto ko katulad na lamang ng pakikipag communicate sa tao at para magkaroon Ako ng lakas para sa activities na ginagawa or gagawin pa lamang) |
| R4 | “Nakakaapekto Ang mga challenges na ito sakin sa pagharap ko sa madaming tao pero Ang mga naging positive effects niyo sakin ay mas ma develop ko Ang aking Sarili na magkaroon ng skills na connected sa strand na HUMSS” (These challenges affect me when I deal with many people, but the positive effects on you had on me is that I can develop myself more to have skills connected to the strand HUMSS) |
| R5 | “Ang mga naging struggle ko Dito ay lalong Lalo nayung mga ginagawa sa bahay and also sa mga activities na maraming ginagawa Dito sa school para mamanage ko Ang mga ito nagawa Ako ng checklist or mga notes para ma checkan lahat ng activity na kailangan kung gawin” (The things that I have struggled with here are especially the things that are done at home and also the activities that are done a lot at school so that I can manage them. I made a checklist or notes to check all the activities that need to be done) |
INTERPRETATION FOR TABLE: 3
Every participant talks about cultural and global awareness, preparation for diverse fields and broad skill development. The benefits of pursuing the HUMSS strand in terms of academic and personal growth are displayed in Table 3. three (3) participants said that HUMSS Strand give insights about human behavior and cultural dynamics. On the other hand two (2) participants said that HUMSS Strand contributed and engaged them in multi cultural world.
This statement was related to the study of Hissey (2000) revealed that HUMSS encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and flexibility, enabling individuals to adapt to a variety of roles and careers in an ever-evolving job market. HUMSS education is known for emphasizing soft skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and developing skills, which are highly sought after in the modern workforce and critical for career progression. As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to navigate and appreciate different cultures becomes more vital.
TABLE 4: The challenges in developing critical skills such as analysis, synthesis, and communication within the HUMSS strand that affects your confidence in the academic and future professional pursuits.
| R1 | “Tingin ko makakaapekto ito sa atin pag wala tayong kumpiyansa at tiwala sa ating sarili sapagkat ang strand na HUMSS ay mismong pag harap at pag sasalita sa harap ng madaming tao” (I think it will affect us if we don't have confidence and trust in ourselves because the strand HUMSS is actually facing and speaking in front of many people) |
| R2 | “Ang kritikal na pag-iisip at komunikasyon ay mahalagang kasanayan na kailangan sa HUMSS strand at sa anumang propesyonal na larangan. Kung ito ay matagumpay na naipamamahagi at naipapakita, ito ay maaaring magdulot ng malaking kumpiyansa sa isang estudyante na maabot ang kanilang mga layunin” (Critical thinking and communication are important skills needed in the HUMSS strand and in any professional field. If it is successfully distributed and demonstrated, it can give a student great confidence to reach their goals) |
| R3 | “Ang kumpiyansa ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang kapasidad na magtagumpay sa mga aktibidad sa pagsusuri, pagbigkas ng mga kumplikadong ideya, at epektibong pakikipag-usap sa kanilang mga iniisip ay maaaring maapektuhan ng mga paghihirap na mayroon sila sa pagbuo ng mga kritikal na kakayahan sa loob ng HUMSS strand. Maaaring tanungin ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang kahandaan para sa pagpapatuloy ng kanilang paaralan o pagsali sa workforce nang wala itong mga pangunahing kakayahan” (Students' confidence in their capacity to succeed in analytical activities, articulate complicated ideas, and effectively communicate their thoughts might be affected by the difficulties they have in developing critical abilities within the HUMSS strand. Students could question their preparedness for continuing their school or joining the workforce without these fundamental abilities) |
| R4 | “Ang pagbuo ng mga kritikal na kasanayan tulad ng pag-analyze, pagtutukoy, at pakikipag-ugnayan sa HUMSS strand ay maaaring magdulot ng pag-aalinlangan sa akin o sa kanilang kumpiyansa. Ngunit sa bawat pagsubok, mas lumalakas ang ating kakayahan at kumpiyansa” (Developing critical skills such as analyzing, specifying, and interacting with the HUMSS strand may cast doubt on my or their confidence. But with each test, our ability and confidence grow stronger) |
| R5 | “Sa HUMSS strand, maraming challenges sa pagbuo ng critical skills tulad ng analysis, synthesis, at communication. Isa sa mga challenges ay ang pagiging creative at observant sa pag-unawa ng iba't ibang perspectives. Nakakaapekto ito sa aking confidence sa academics at future professional goals dahil it teaches me to be open to different ideas and viewpoints” (In the HUMSS strand, there are many challenges in developing critical skills such as analysis, synthesis, and communication. One of the challenges is being creative and observant in understanding different perspectives. It affects my confidence in academics and future professional goals because it teaches me to be open to different ideas and viewpoints) |
INTERPRETATION FOR TABLE: 4
The topics of development of habit, struggles, challenges, and critical thinking skills are addressed by all respondents. Table 4 illustrates the difficulties in acquiring critical HUMSS strand skills like communication, synthesis, and analysis that impact your confidence in your academic and future career aspirations. Three (3) participants said that critical thinking skills help participants be creative and observant in understanding different perspectives. Two (2) participants said that by selecting the HUMSS Strand, they develop their attitude, habits, struggles, and challenges of daily life.
This statement was related to the study of Hissey (2000) revealed that HUMSS encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and flexibility, enabling individuals to adapt to a variety of roles and careers in an ever-evolving job market. HUMSS education is known for emphasizing soft skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and developing skills, which are highly sought after in the modern workforce and critical for career progression. As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to navigate and appreciate different cultures becomes more vital.
TABLE 5: The particular struggles facing by the student in terms of workload and time management, and challenges shape the overall educational experience and satisfaction.
| R1 | “Ang hamon na aking kinakaharap ay ang paghati sa oras, pagod at kapasidad na matuto kahit may ibang inaatupag” (the challenge I face is dividing the time ,fatigue and capacity to learn even if someone else doing the work) |
| R2 | “Ang mga hamong ito ay maaaring magdulot ng stress at kawalan ng kasiyahan sa edukasyon. Ngunit, ang mga ito rin ang maaaring magturo sa isang estudyante ng mahahalagang kasanayan sa pag-aasikaso ng trabaho at pamamahala ng oras. Kung matututunan ng isang estudyante kung paano haharapin ang mga hamong ito, ito ay maaaring makatulong sa kanila na maging mas epektibo at produktibo sa kanilang mga gawain, na magdudulot ng kasiyahan at kumpiyansa sa kanilang edukasyon” (These challenges can cause stress and dissatisfaction in education. But, they can also teach a student valuable work and time management skills. If a student can learn how to deal with these challenges, it can help them be more effective and productive in their work, which will bring satisfaction and confidence in their education) |
| R3 | “Effective task prioritization, completing deadlines, and balancing various obligations and assignments are common time management issues. By imparting important time management and organizing skills to students, these challenges have the potential to influence their entire educational experience. While managing these challenges can cause tension and frustration, overcoming them can bring a sense of satisfaction and success.” (Ang epektibong pag-prioritize ng gawain, pagkumpleto ng mga deadline, at pagbabalanse ng iba't ibang mga obligasyon at takdang-aralin ay karaniwang mga isyu sa pamamahala ng oras. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mahahalagang kasanayan sa pamamahala ng oras at pag-oorganisa sa mga mag-aaral, ang mga hamong ito ay may potensyal na maimpluwensyahan ang kanilang buong karanasan sa edukasyon. Habang ang pamamahala sa mga hamong ito ay maaaring magdulot ng tensyon at pagkabigo, ang pagdaig sa mga ito ay maaaring magdulot ng kasiyahan at tagumpay) |
| R4 | “Sa pag-aalaga ng trabaho at oras, maaaring maramdaman mo ang presyon at limitasyon sa pag lipaa ng oras. Ngunit ito'y magtuturo sa akin ng pagiging maayos sa pagplano at paggamit ng oras. Sa kabuuan, ang mga hamon na ito ay nag tuturo sa akin ng mga kasanayang mahalaga para sa aking hinaharap na karera at magdudulot ng kasiyahan sa pag-unlad ko” (By taking care of work and time, you may feel the pressure and limitations of the time limit. But it will teach me to be good at planning and using time. In general, these challenges teach me skills that are important for my future career and will bring satisfaction to my progress) |
| R5 | “Ang pag-aasikaso ng trabaho at pamamahala ng oras ay patuloy na challenge para sa akin. Bilang isang mag-aaral na may iba't ibang gawain at responsibilidad, mahalaga ang pagiging organisado at epektibo sa paggamit ng oras. Ito ay humuhubog sa aking kabuuang karanasan sa edukasyon dahil itinuturo sa akin ang pagiging responsable at disiplinado. Although ito ay hamon, ito rin ay nagbibigay sa akin ng kasiyahan dahil sa bawat tagumpay na nakakamit sa pamamagitan ng maayos na pag-aasikaso ng trabaho at oras” (Managing work and time management continues to be a challenge for me. As a learner with a variety of tasks and responsibilities, being organized and effective in using time is important. It shapes my overall educational experience because it teaches me to be responsible and disciplined. Although it's challenging, it also gives me satisfaction because of every achievement achieved by properly managing the job) |
INTERPRETATION FOR TABLE: 5
Every participants mentions having difficulty managing their time. Table 5 demonstrates how a student's unique challenges and struggles with workload and time management affect their overall satisfaction with and enjoyment from their education. Every single one of the five (5) participants admitted to having trouble managing their time between work overload and scheduling, which can lead to stress and discontent with their education.
This statement was related to the study of Nair and Vasudevan, (2017) said that students may feel stress due to academic pressures and the challenge of balancing various demands. A strong support system, such as mentoring programs, can be critical in improving student perceptions by providing academic and social support.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn.
1. Most of the participants’ answers on the primary factors that influence student decision to pursue HUMSS Strand are time management to prevent work overload, critical thinking abilities, and desired career paths.
2. Most of the participants’ answers on the students perceive the relevance and value in relation to their future career aspiration are about cultural and global awareness, preparation for diverse fields and broad skill development.
3. Most of the participants’ answers on the challenges and concerns that associate with HUMSS Strands are having difficulty managing their time and challenges and struggles with workload and time management affect their overall satisfaction with and enjoyment from their education.
RECOMMENDATIONS
From the preceding findings and conclusions, the following Recommendations are offered by the researchers:
1. Support for Critical Skills: Schools should offers extra help and resources for students to develop critical skills in HUMSS, like workshop and mentorships programs.
2. Time management Support: Schools should manage their workload and time better, with workshops and guidance from teachers.
3. Career Guidance: School should provide comprehensive career guidance to help students align their academic choices with their future careers, including assessment and support with college applications.
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