Central Philippines Research Articles

Language Learning Strategies of Maritime Students

Language learning strategies for maritime students might differ depending on their individual requirements and programs. In this premise, this study aimed to determine the extent of Language Learning Strategies by Maritime Students in a private school in a highly urbanized city in the central Philippines during the first semester of the School Year 2023-2024 as the basis for the language mastery program. The data needed for this descriptive research framework, coupled with statistical analysis to investigate the language learning strategies, was collected from 438 first-year maritime students using a standardized questionnaire. The results indicate that most parents hold graduate-level education, influencing academic environments. Most students are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, with a balanced distribution of private and public school backgrounds. The study examines language learning strategies used by maritime students, finding moderate utilization in both direct and indirect dimensions. The study highlights the importance of tailored language learning support in marine education, enhancing language learning practices and promoting practical communication skills for professional endeavors. Moreover, it reveals notable language learning strategy employment variations among BSMT and BSMarE students. BSMT students showed slightly higher engagement in metacognitive aspects, while BSMarE students showed moderate engagement in affective and social strategies. The overall mean suggests areas for improvement in language learning behaviors. The study compares language learning strategies among maritime students and reveals significant differences based on a program of study. Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation students show higher engagement; in contrast, BSMarE students show no significant difference. The findings suggest tailoring specific language learning strategies to enhance students’ proficiency and academic success. Specialized support programs tailored to academic specializations and collaborative efforts among language teachers and faculty across programs are essential to enhancing language learning in maritime education. Keywords: Education, language learning, maritime, strategies, private school, central Philippines

Coping Mechanism of Teachers in the New Normal

The pandemic gave teachers a crucial role in facilitating and monitoring students’ growth despite difficulties and changes in the educational platform. Thus, in this context, this paper analyzed the teachers’ coping mechanisms in the New Normal in one of the Districts in a highly urbanized city in Central Philippines during the school year 2021 – 2022 as the basis for a Wellness Plan. Using census or complete enumeration, 122 high school teachers responded to a self-made, 30-item questionnaire, which has hurdled the validity and reliability tests. Data were subsequently analyzed according to the research problems stipulated in the study’s objectives. The study’s three major variables on teachers’ coping mechanisms were analyzed using the mean as one of the measures of central tendency. The ensuing analysis showed that curriculum implementation garnered a mean score of 4.37, interpreted as high. At the same time, instructional delivery obtained a mean score of 4.50, which was also interpreted as a very high level. Contrastingly, monitoring and evaluation garnered a mean score of 4.61, which is also interpreted as a very high level. The same data showed a high to very high level of coping mechanisms under all three mentioned sub-groupings. This paper advocates for the provision of necessary resources to support educators in developing their capacity, specifically in the areas of curriculum implementation, instructional delivery, and monitoring and evaluation systems for 21st-century pedagogy and assessment methods. Keywords: Teachers, coping mechanism, curriculum implementation, instructional delivery, monitoring and evaluation, Central Philippines

Difficulties of Teachers in Teaching Reading to Grade 1 Learners

Reading is the basis for all academic learning. A youngster who struggles with reading may have missed the chance to utilize the educational tools offered by the government and the school system because they need to understand their importance fully (Roque et al.,2023). Along this line, this study explored teachers’ difficulties in teaching reading to Grade 1 learners in selected districts in a large school division in Central Philippines during the school year 2022-2023. Data needed for this descriptive paper was collected from 38 Grade 1 teacher-respondents using a 30-item survey questionnaire that has hurdled the rigorous tests of validity and reliability. The ensuing analysis showed the level of difficulties of teachers in teaching reading to Grade 1 learners was moderate in content knowledge (m=2.51; sd=0.843), low in the availability of teaching and reading materials (m=2.3; sd=0.837), and teaching strategies (m=2.02; sd=0.624). There was no significant difference in teacher difficulties when grouped according to the aforementioned variables. There was a significant difference in the availability of teaching and reading materials when grouped according to age. The study’s results called for regular checking of DLL/DLP and providing proper guidance to teachers on effectively utilizing the Teachers’ Guide alongside supplementary materials from LRMDS. The findings are equally provided. Keywords: teachers’ difficulties, teaching reading, Grade 1 learners

Teachers’ Utilization of Information and Communications Technology in Blended Learning Modality

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) claims that when teachers are trained in ICT and possess a strong digital literacy, they can help students develop higher-order thinking skills, offer unique and innovative ways for them to communicate what they know, and better equip them to deal with the constant changes in technology that occur in both the workplace and society at large. Given this background, this study investigated the extent of teachers’ utilization of information and communications technology in blended learning modality in one of the schools in a fifth-class municipality in Central Philippines during the School Year 2022-2023. The study used a descriptive research design and a self-made questionnaire to gather baseline data from 34 public secondary school teachers. The result of the study showed that the extent of teachers’ utilization of ICT in blended learning modality in software applications and online platforms was high. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the extent of teachers’ utilization of ICT in blended learning modality when respondents were grouped according to the variables above. Various recommendations were provided to address the lowest mean scores in both areas, like the BLOCKED TIME Program and the utilization of various online platforms like Group Chats and Google Meet, among others. Keywords: Information and communications technology, teachers’ utilization of ICT, blended learning modality

Difficulties of Teachers in the Contextualization of the Most Essential Learning Competencies

This descriptive study examined the teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing the most essential learning competencies (MELC) in a public elementary school under a medium-sized Division in an urbanized City in Central Philippines during the School Year 2022-2023. It used a validated and reliable self-made questionnaire to collect data from 86 teachers. The results showed that most teachers are younger, married, have taught longer, and hold bachelor’s degrees. Furthermore, data showed moderate teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC according to curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. When further grouped by four demographic groupings, teachers experienced moderate difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same three constructs above on curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. Finally, no significant difference exists in teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same four demographic groupings and three constructs. The findings suggest the need to equip teachers with the necessary tools and support to create a more engaging, relevant, and effective learning environment that enhances students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject. Keywords: Curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, assessment, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Factors Affecting the Implementation of Blended Learning Modality

Blended learning is relatively new in public schools in the Philippines, yet its increasing demand highlights notable challenges hindering effective teaching and learning. In this context, this study aims to assess the factors influencing the implementation of blended learning at medium-sized School Division within a highly urbanized city in Central Philippines, during the School Year 2022-2023. Employing descriptive and quantitative research methods, a 30-item survey questionnaire was administered to ninety-six (96) teachers. Findings reveal low factors affecting the implementation of blended learning in teaching-learning resources and ICT skills. In contrast, moderate levels were observed in stakeholders’ support, interpersonal communication skills, and self-management skills. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the level of ICT skills based on educational attainment and teaching experience. These results offer insights for enhancing current policies and guidelines for blended learning implementation. Keywords: Elementary education, empirical-based approach, blended learning modalities, Bacolod City, Philippines

Reading Skills of Grade 6 Learners

The reading skills of Grade 6 learners typically vary depending on various factors such as their prior exposure to reading materials, the quality of education they’ve received, individual learning styles, and their home environment. In this context, this study aimed to determine learners’ reading skills in an elementary school under a medium-sized Division in Central Philippines during the School Year 2023-2024. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from 176 students using a self-made questionnaire that has passed the stringent tests of validity and reliability. Overall, the results of the study showed that students’ reading skills in terms of comprehension and fluency were moderate. Subsequent analysis indicated no significant difference in students’ reading skills level in comprehension and fluency when grouped according to the number of siblings. Conversely, a significant difference was found in students’ reading skills in terms of parents’ education and family income. This result calls for various stakeholders in the education sector to improve student reading skills and create a more supportive learning environment. Keywords: Education, reading skills, reading difficulties, learners, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

School Heads’ Leadership Style and Teachers’ Performance

The leadership style adopted by school heads can significantly impact teachers’ performance and overall school climate. In this context, this study aimed to determine the school heads’ leadership styles and their relation to teachers’ performance in a medium-sized division in a component city in the central Philippines. Data for this descriptive-correlational study was collected from 84 respondents using a survey questionnaire that has passed the rigorous validity and reliability tests. Data gathered showed that participative leadership style was the most prevalent among school heads. Furthermore, the teachers’ performance was very satisfactory for the Academic Year 2021- 2022. Authoritarian and delegative leadership styles were not significant in the comparative analysis of the level of school heads’ leadership styles. Subsequently, there was a significant relationship between school heads’ leadership styles and the level of teachers’ performance. The result of this study calls for strengthening the seminars and training to equip the school heads and to expand their leadership style in managing their respective schools to maximize their full potential in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. Keywords: School heads’ leadership styles, teachers’ performance, autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style, delegative leadership style, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Teachers’ Utilization of Information and Communication Technology and Learners’ Academic Performance

Several novel concepts and understandings in education can result from researching how teachers use information and communication technology (ICT) and how that use affects students’ academic achievement. It is on this premise that this paper aimed to determine the extent of teachers’ ICT utilization and its relationship with learners’ academic in a public secondary school, in one of the districts of a large size schools division in Central Philippines, during the School Year 2023-2024. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from 42 respondents using a self-made 30-item questionnaire that has passed the rigorous tests of validity and reliability. This study employed appropriate statistical methods based on the stated objectives namely, frequency and percentage count, Mean, Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman Rho. Data showed a great extent of teachers’ ICT utilization when analyzed regarding instructional delivery and computer peripherals and equipment. Meanwhile, learners’ academic performance was found to be very satisfactory. The results state that the relationship between extent of teachers’ ICT utilization in teaching and learners’ academic performance is interpreted as not significant, the extent of teacher’s utilization of Information and Communication Technology does not affect the learners’ academic performance. The study results call for the teachers to encourage using technology in delivering the lesson, and the higher authority may support the school in providing the needs of the teachers and students and equip educators with tangible abilities to enhance technology integration in classrooms, fostering creativity, collaboration, and continuous refinement of teaching and learning approaches. Keywords: Information and communication technology, instructional delivery, computer peripherals and equipment, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Level of Gamification Instruction in Language, Literacy, and Communication Domains for Kindergarten

This study aimed to assess the level of gamification instruction in language, literacy, and communication domains for kindergarten, in private schools, in a highly urbanized city in Central Philippines during the school year 2023-2024. Data for this descriptive study was collected from 34 kindergarten teachers using a self-made data-gathering instrument that underwent a stringent validity and reliability test with scores of 4.51 and 0.848, respectively. The results reveal that teachers’ level of gamification instruction was generally very high. Subsequent analysis indicated no significant difference in the level of gamification instruction in auditory perception and discrimination, oral language, alphabet knowledge, and study skills when grouped by age, area of concentration, length of service, and number of trainings attended. Meanwhile, a significant difference was observed in auditory perception and discrimination, visual perception discrimination, alphabet knowledge, and study skills when grouped by highest educational attainment. Likewise, there was a significant difference in visual perception and discrimination when grouped by highest educational attainment and length of service. Hence, this study recommends professional development for younger teachers, tailored gamified activities pieces of training, and the creation of a climate conducive to learning in the research environment. Keywords: Gamification Instruction, Language, Literacy, Communication, Kindergarten

Difficulties Encountered by Home Facilitators in Printed Modular Learning Modality

Parents or guardians acting as home facilitators may encounter obstacles while introducing printed modular learning modalities. It is a long premise that this paper sought to measure the difficulties encountered by home facilitators in printed modular learning modality in a mountainous public elementary school in a fourth-class municipality in the central Philippines for the school year 2021-2022. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from grade five composed of 2 sections with a total of 58 home facilitators using 30 items self-made instruments that have passed the rigorous validity which obtained a rating of 5.00 from the three jurors interpreted as excellent and valid, and reliability which obtained 0.966 which means that instrument developed has a high degree of reliability. Statistical tools used were mean and Mann- Whitney U test. Data showed that home facilitators experienced a high difficulty in printed learning modality regardless of age, family income, number of children, and educational background. When grouped by age, family income, and number of children, no significant difference was found in the respondents’ level of difficulty with printed learning based on monitoring, support, and learning environment. Nonetheless, a significant difference was found based on groupings by educational attainment. The result calls for the allocation of more funds for possible alternatives, equipping teachers with rigid workshop/orientation/training, revisiting the most essential learning competencies lessening the number of pages in modules, and formulating a plan of action to offset difficulties encountered by home facilitators in printed modular learning modality. Keywords: Education, Communication with Teachers, Monitoring and Support, Learning Environment, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Level of Coping Mechanisms of Parents of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stands as a formidable neurodevelopmental challenge, exerting profound impacts on a child’s academic, social, and familial spheres. Parents of children grappling with ADHD find themselves immersed in a multifaceted struggle, not only contending with the day-to-day management of their child’s symptoms but also grappling with societal preconceptions surrounding the disorder. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of coping mechanisms of parents of children with ADHD in private schools in a highly urbanized city in Central Philippines for the School Year 2023-2024. This study used a descriptive research design. This study used the validated and trial-tested self-made questionnaire to gather data from the thirty-three parents of children with ADHD. The instrument yielded a validity index of 4.51 and a reliability index of 0.845. The coping mechanisms covered three areas: Emotion-focused, problem-focused, and avoidance-focused strategies. Overall, the level of coping mechanisms of parents was high. Subsequent analysis indicated no significant difference in the level of coping mechanisms of parents of children with ADHD. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive support programs for parents of children with ADHD. These programs should go beyond addressing behavioral issues and incorporate emotional well-being and problem-solving strategies. Through workshops or support groups, parents could learn relaxation techniques to manage stress, communication strategies to foster positive interactions, and positive behavior management techniques. By equipping parents with a diverse range of coping mechanisms, they become empowered to effectively navigate the challenges of ADHD and create a nurturing and supportive environment for their child’s overall development. Keywords: Coping Mechanisms, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Parents

Program Implementation of the Alternative Learning System

Educational stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness and impact of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs in providing educational opportunities for marginalized and underserved populations. It is on this premise that this study aimed to evaluate the extent of the ALS program’s implementation in a large school division within Central Philippines for the 2021-2022 academic year. Data needed for this descriptive study was taken from 51 ALS teacher-respondents using a self-made survey questionnaire that passed the rigorous test of validity and reliability. The study’s focus on program implementation revealed that the Assessment of Learning component exhibited a very high extent of implementation, as evidenced by mean scores surpassing 4.5 across all assessed aspects. Similarly, Learning Resources demonstrated a high level of implementation, with the majority of mean scores exceeding 3.5. However, implementing the Learning Environment aspect was deemed moderate, signifying potential areas for enhancement. Regardless of age, both younger and older educators experienced robust implementation in the Assessment of Learning and Learning Resources aspects. Similarly, male and female teachers encountered high implementation levels in these dimensions. While family income did not significantly impact the Assessment of Learning and Learning Resources domains, it did influence the Learning Environment aspect. Specifically, higher-income individuals benefited from a more extensive implementation of the Learning Environment. The study’s outcomes have important implications for designing future capability-building plans and enhancing the educational experience within the ALS program. Keywords: Alternative Learning System, ALS Program Implementation, ALS Teachers, ALS Community Learning Center, ALS Learning Resources, ALS Assessments Negros Occidental

Teachers’ Competence in Information and Communication Technology

By enhancing teachers’ competence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). schools can better prepare students for success in a digitally driven world and empower them to become lifelong learners equipped with essential digital skills. In this context, this study aimed to determine the level of competence of teachers in the utilization of ICT in one of the public secondary schools in a large division of Central Philippines for the School Year 2020-2021 as basis for a capacity building plan. Overall, a very high level of competence in Microsoft Word application indicates that teachers have the skills, knowledge, and proficiency to achieve more in this software effectivity in their teaching practices, enhancing instructional delivery, resource creation, collaboration, and daily productivity in teaching learners every day. Overall, the Competence of Teachers in the Utilization of Information and Communication Technology signifies proficient in leveraging the software to enhance instructional delivery, facilitate resource creation, have collaboration and uphold daily productivity in teaching. Teachers demonstrate strong communication skills integrating technology to enrich the teaching and learning experience, inspiring student engagement in their daily educational endeavors. It hopes that the fruit of this research provides proper data to those people responsible for incorporating new technologies into the school teaching and learning advancement. Keywords: Education, Information and Communication Technology, teachers, students, competence, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Reading Proficiency Among Grade 7 Learners

Analyzing reading competency in children in Grade 7 provides insightful information on learning objectives, cognitive growth, and the efficacy of literacy training. This information has consequences for teaching practices, educational systems, and individual students. This study assessed the reading proficiency of 146 Grade 7 students using a standardized test. The data were statistically analyzed using the mean, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analysis of variance. Results showed that the overall reading proficiency of the students was at a frustration level. When grouped by three different variables, the students’ reading proficiency stayed at the frustration level across all categories. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in reading proficiency when comparing students based on their profile variables. In this context, this paper ascertained the reading proficiency of Grade 7 learners in a public secondary school in a medium-sized division in Central Philippines for the Academic Year 2022–2023. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from 146 respondents using a standardized instrument from the Oral Verification Test with one reading passage and a 7-item question. The ensuing analysis showed that the reading proficiency of Grade 7 Learners was at the frustration level, a level that signals a need for intervention, support, and reflection on instructional practices. This result calls for a customized reading plan to bring relevance and answer to the needs of the learners who still have difficulty in their reading proficiency level. Keywords: Language education, reading proficiency, word recognition, reading comprehension, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Pseudolitochira spinosa, a new species of pilumnid crab from Panglao, Philippines, with a note on P. setosa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Pilumnoidea)

A new species of pilumnid crab, Pseudolitochira spinosa sp. nov., is described from a seagrass bed in Panglao, Bohol, central Philippines. The new species is morphologically most similar to P. maenosonoi Ng & Clark, 2022, from Okinawa, Japan, in its proportionately wide carapace, but can be distinguished by the possession of prominent anterolateral spines, distinct spines on the merus of the cheliped and the presence of a well-developed sharp tooth on the inner angle of the cheliped carpus. The taxonomy of the poorly known P. setosa (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873) from New Caledonia is also discussed and a lectotype selected.

Trace elements and the environmental factors influencing early life-growth of the squid, Uroteuthis duvaucelii

The early growth of Indian squid, Uroteuthis duvaucelii, was examined in specimens with sizes ranging from 41 – 215 mm ML from fisheries catches in coastal waters of Central Philippines. The linear relationship between mantle length and statolith radial length indicates that statolith growth is proportional to body size growth. At 60 days after hatching in different months, growth trajectories revealed high individual growth variability. At this age, monsoons influenced the growth variation and seasonality of U. duvaucelii, revealing the squid’s high growth plasticity and adaptability towards changes in environmental conditions. During the first 40 days, the growth of female U. duvaucelii was significantly influenced by ambient temperature and food availability, indicating that these factors play a crucial role in the survival of their young. Hatching occurs continuously throughout the year, with prominent peaks in July and October. The lateral dome of the statolith contains significant amounts of trace elements, including strontium (Sr), uranium (U), magnesium (Mg), barium (Ba), and sodium (Na), which are known to be correlated with environmental conditions, habitat, and physiology of squids.

Potential, Challenges, and Opportunities of a Philippine State University in Central Philippines as a Farm Tourism Destination

Farm tourism also called agritourism is a growing business globally with limited expansion in the South Asian region. It is valuable as a form of leisure and as facilitator of sustainable rural development, sustainable agriculture and food security. Educational institutions abroad are exploring the potential of agritourism to catalyze development, facilitate learning and generate income. This explanatory mixed method sequential inquiry assessed the level of potential of a state university as an accredited farm tourism destination based on the Philippine’s Department of Tourism (DOT) standards for day farms and farm stays in terms of the 6As: attractions, accessibility, accommodation, activities, amenities, and accountability. For the quantitative part, the researcher used a researcher-made instrument based on the DOT-Department of Agriculture Rules and Regulations Governing the Accreditation of Farm Tourism Camps. For the qualitative part, the researcher used a semi-structured in-depth one-on-one interview. Quantitively, results determined that the state university has high potential to be accredited as farm tourism destination. Qualitatively, results revealed that the potential is due to its agriculture program, area and farm attractions. It is also due to the high presence of some supporting As of tourism. The challenges in tourism development are design and development of the attractions and inadequacy of the As. Nonetheless, accreditation is still possible. Also, it emerged that tourism offers internal and external opportunities. In conclusion, universities may become DOT-accredited tourist destinations if they possess attractive qualities. This is because academic institutions have a built-in readiness for tourism. Specifically, universities offering agriculture program or course may consider operating agritourism. Though there are challenges, these only signal a need for deliberate tourism planning on the part of the institution. Finally, the DOT accreditation process must be pursued in order that the potential of a destination for tourism may be fully realized.

Language politics and prestige in The Walled City: an exploratory study of the linguistic landscape of Intramuros, Manila

Abstract Tupas and Lorente (2014. A ‘new’ politics of language in the Philippines: Bilingual education and the new challenge of the mother tongues. In Peter Sercombe & Ruanni Tupas (eds.), Language, education and nation-building: Assimilation and shift in Southeast Asia, 165–180. New York: Springer) contended that “the politics of language in the Philippines always featured the tension between English on the one hand and the vernacular languages on the other.” But how exactly does this language dynamic manifest itself in the linguistic landscapes (LL) of the Philippines? To explore this question, this paper conducted an exploratory LL analysis of Intramuros, the famed “Walled City” of Manila, using Scollon and Scollon’s (2003. Discourses in place: Language in the material world. London: Routledge) place semiotics and Ben-Rafael et al.’s (2006. Linguistic landscape as symbolic construction of the public space: The case of Israel. International Journal of Multilingualism 3(1). 7–30) top-down and bottom-up sign classification. It found that English-based signs are used to accommodate a global audience, i.e., foreign tourists, whereas Filipino-based signs are used to police and regulate the behavior of residents and, to a certain extent, local tourists. To conclude, it argued that by looking at its linguistic landscape, historical districts like Intramuros articulate beliefs and assumptions on language that, in turn, make them deeply political and ideological sites.

Second Language Writing Anxiety among Faculty Scholars of a State University in the Philippines and Its Sex-Disaggregated Data

The study investigated the causes and the nature of writing anxiety specifically in the use of English as the second official language of the Philippines. Further, it accounted and analyzed its sex-disaggregated data. This was done among faculty scholars of Central Luzon State University. The respondents were randomly chosen from among the purposively identified faculty scholars of the university pursuing their graduate degrees - master’s and doctorate, in the different graduate curricular offerings in various universities in the Philippines and abroad, that require a thesis or dissertation as the final requirement for obtaining a graduate degree. The Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) of Cheng (2004), a questionnaire composed of 22 items with three open-ended questions was used to collect responses. The responses were scored and measured on a five-point Likert response scale. The differences in Second Language Writing Anxiety (SLWA) between male and female participants were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney Test, which is ideal for analyzing statistically the difference between the distributions of data of unparalleled groups with the comparison of ranks and scores. Based on the study findings, the most prominent nature of SLWA among participants is cognitive anxiety. Other sources of anxiety include the availability of external and internal resources and environmental elements. In relation to sex, males scored higher in terms of the level of anxiety compared to females. Lastly, it is forwarded that educators and the pedagogical approach may utilize a positive feedback mechanism as negative evaluation promotes anxiety even in composing in a second language.