A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022

Abstract

A Tracer study is a research method that tracks and collects data on the outcomes and experiences of graduates to assess the effectiveness of educational programs. This research study titled “A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022” aimed to trace the employability of graduates and assess their rating of the effectiveness of the teacher education program outcomes. The researchers collected data from 45 graduates using an adapted-modified questionnaire and analyzed using various statistical tools. The findings showed that most of the graduates were female and within the age range of 21-24. Most participants were single, held a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational attainment, and graduated in 2018. The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) was taken by 31 graduates, with professional education subjects identified as the most challenging area. Six months after graduation, at least 62% of the graduates who responded remained unemployed, while those employed mostly worked as grade school teachers. The competencies learned during college, such as communication, information technology skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, were reported as valuable in their first jobs. Graduates highlighted the development of attributes such as communication and relational skills, academic excellence, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, social and ethical responsibility, productivity, and accountability during their undergraduate studies. Graduates rated the nine teacher education program outcomes as very effective. The study’s conclusion recommends targeted support for licensure exam preparation, enhancing employability and job placement, and bridging the education-employment gap.