Interest, Coping Mechanisms, and Learning Achievements of Single Mothers in the Alternative Learning System

Abstract

This study determined the interests, coping mechanisms and learning achievements of single mothers in Alternative Learning System. The study employed descriptive-correlational research design utilizing four-parts research instrument. There were 115 ALS learners enumerated as respondents of the study. Descriptive statistics and Pearson R correlation analysis were utilized. Many of the single mothers dropped out of school when they were in their grade seven to ten level of education because they experience difficulty in terms of their economic status but they were interested to continue and finish their study in the basic education level. They adjust to stressful events they encounter; struggle with their understanding in the prerequisite and fundamental knowledge and/ or skills in their communication skills in Filipino and English, and in Mathematics and Science. Further, number of siblings is the best predictor common to the achievements of single mothers in Communication Skills in Filipino and English, Expanding One’s World Views, and overall learning achievement but not in the area of Mathematics and Science and Sustainable Use of Resources and Productivity to which the last grade attended by the single mothers is the best predictor. More importantly, the single mothers enrolled in ALS were motivated to continue and finish their study despite the difficulties they experienced. They hurdle all the odd circumstances that distract their academic journey purposive of improving their current well-being. It was recommended mainly that intensive interventions should be implemented to address the factors such as pregnancy and parenthood, boredom, academic challenges, lack of parental support, and money that generally causes the youths to drop from attending school.