Isabela State University Linker: Journal of Education, Social Sciences and Allied Health

Resilient Bonds: Social Capital, Coping Strategies and Challenges of Filipino Single Mothers in Umingan, Pangasinan

2024-11-26T01:24:16+00:00

The prevalence of single motherhood is a significant global phenomenon marked by a distinct set of challenges. This issue is particularly pronounced in Umingan, Pangasinan, where the number of single mothers is steadily increasing. While considerable research exists on single parenthood, there remains a gap in understanding how social capital intersects with the struggles and coping mechanisms of single mothers. To address this, data were collected from ten informants through purposive sampling and analyzed using thematic analysis, offering a comprehensive exploration of their lived experiences. The findings revealed three central themes: the challenges faced by single mothers, the role of social capital in their lives, and the coping strategies they employ. The challenges identified include financial difficulties, parenting demands, and relationship issues. In terms of social capital, single mothers rely on bonding social capital, such as support from immediate family and close friends, for financial assistance and emotional stability. They also utilize bridging social capital to access government services, community aid, and other resources. The case of Filipino single mothers is particularly distinctive. Despite their marginalized position, they effectively leverage their networks of family, friends, neighbors, and community acquaintances to secure financial support, assistance, and even credit. The collectivist culture of Filipinos plays a pivotal role in their coping strategies, providing not only material resources but also a vital source of emotional support.

The Virtue of Chastity: Understanding the Experiences of Abstinence from Pre-Marital Sex Among Public High School Students

2024-11-26T01:19:30+00:00

The moral dilemma surrounding premarital sex among adolescents is a pressing issue that transcends cultural boundaries, affecting young people worldwide. This study explored the reasons and challenges faced by high school student couples in refraining from pre-marital sex (PMS), alongside their coping mechanisms and realizations to understand their experiences of abstinence from pre-marital sex. Using a qualitative case study design, seven couples aged 15 and above in a local high school in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, were purposively selected as participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that the primary reasons for abstaining include setting personal boundaries, strong family influences, and positive peer pressure. Challenges included societal pressures, navigating intimacy, and balancing the emotional and physical aspects of their relationships. The coping mechanisms identified were maintaining open communication, practicing mutual respect, and adhering to religious values. Furthermore, participants realized that avoiding PMS allowed them to prioritize education and personal aspirations while preserving family trust and cultural values. The study concludes that personal values, familial guidance, and social support play a critical role in enabling teenagers to resist PMS despite external challenges. Schools and communities are encouraged to promote comprehensive sexuality education, incorporating information about the risks of early sexual engagement and the benefits of abstinence. Programs should emphasize informed decision-making, fostering a supportive environment for teenagers to navigate relationships responsibly.

Differentiating Mathematics Instruction: Teachers’ Experiences in Inclusive Classroom

2024-11-26T01:37:47+00:00

As the Philippine basic education system moves toward inclusive education, teachers must adapt instructional approaches to meet the needs of every learner. Examining how teachers implement such approaches can provide valuable insights into effective strategies and techniques to improve the teaching and learning process. This phenomenological study investigated the narratives of two female mathematics teachers in differentiating instruction in an inclusive classroom. The data gathered from the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that teachers give preassessments, varying levels of activities, interest-based activities, personalized instruction, and standards-based assessments with accommodations for differentiated instruction. Teachers' challenges in delivering instruction and classroom management seemed to be mostly caused by a lack of training. Moreover, use of modified learning activities, internet dependency, and community collaboration emerged as their coping strategies to address certain challenges. Furthermore, teachers believed that differentiated instruction improved students’ logical-mathematical intelligence. To enhance the quality of education in an inclusive classroom, a comprehensive needs analysis is recommended as input for the design and conduct of intensive training programs for teachers on differentiated instruction.

From Bowl to Soul: Exploring the Emotional and Social Role of Kinalas Among Young Nagueños

2024-11-26T00:46:14+00:00

Food has always been viewed as significant in our lives as it provides us with nourishment and sustenance. However, the underlying impact and role of these foods are often overlooked and not fully recognized. Therefore, this study explored the emotional and social roles of Kinalas, a local favorite noodle dish in Naga City, Philippines, among young Nagueños. A phenomenological research design was employed, wherein participants’ responses were collected and thematized. It was revealed that Kinalas serves as a source of personal satisfaction and joy. Participants expressed unique experiences of the dish that flourished by sharing it with their loved ones. Socially, kinalas acts as a medium for connection and storytelling. It represents a communal experience that is often enjoyed in the company of family and friends where stories, laughter, and memories are exchanged. Culturally, Kinalas is a symbol of Nagueño’s identity as it serves as a medium of cultural diffusion. Therefore, Kinalas, more than a culinary delight, is a cultural emblem and social glue in Naga City which weaves heritage. Initiatives should focus on ensuring that Kinalas remains a vibrant form of preservation, social engagement, and promotion.

Cashiers and Vendors Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) in Recognizing of Philippine Counterfeit Currency

2024-11-26T01:41:34+00:00

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, skills, and abilities of cashiers and vendors in recognizing counterfeit currency. The descriptive research design was used employing a survey questionnaire distributed randomly to cashiers and vendors. The majority of the respondents from Siniloan, Laguna, are vendors, mostly female, aged 35-42 years old, and employed as cashiers and vendors in business establishments. Among them, have reached and graduated from college, holding degrees. It was revealed that cashiers and vendors did not attend any seminar or training in recognizing counterfeit money. The knowledge, skills, and abilities of cashiers and vendors in recognizing counterfeit money revealed that they often practice these skills and show excellent performance in this area at work. Significant differences were found between cashiers and vendors, with cashiers demonstrating superior knowledge and skills due to their frequent handling of cash. This conclude that cashiers and vendors in Siniloan, Laguna, possess a generally high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in recognizing Philippine counterfeit currency. The researchers recommend implementing targeted training programs that focus on practical, hands-on techniques and the latest counterfeit detection technologies. The study findings imply a critical need for continuous and practical training for cashiers and vendors to maintain and enhance their counterfeit detection skills.

Challenges in the Implementation of Online Teaching and Learning in Thailand: Insights for Educational Policy

2024-11-26T01:22:03+00:00

Thailand’s digital transformation has gained significant traction in online education. With the aim of providing quality education across borders for the enhancement of Thailand’s human resources, the goal of improving the quality of online education in Thailand was conceptualized. This study addressed the challenges faced by teachers in managing and supervising online teaching and learning among Thai university students. This was conducted at an international college in a public university in Phitsanulok, Thailand. The study involved a total of 17 teachers who shared their insights on key features, challenges, and strategies in online education. Using a convergent mixed methods design, data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings of this study highlight the critical role of instructional planning, instructional delivery, and learning assessment in enhancing the quality of online teaching and learning. As a result, an online teaching and learning framework was developed to standardize practices, strengthen student competencies, and promote sustainability. The proposed framework addresses existing challenges, enhances engagement, and ensures academic integrity. Overall, the framework was created not only as a strategic response to any educational disruptions that may arise at any time but also to strengthen and future-proof online education in Thailand.

Predictors of Licensure Examination for Teachers: A Comparative Analysis of Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network

2024-11-26T01:39:09+00:00

The growing demand for high-quality education underscores the vital role of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in shaping future educators who can meet the challenges of a dynamic society. Among the key indicators of a TEI's effectiveness is the success of its graduates in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), a critical benchmark for professional readiness and teaching competence in the Philippines. As such, it is imperative to identify the predictors of board examination performance to help TEIs refine their academic programs, enhance their graduates' preparedness, and improve success rates in LET. Hence, this study aimed to identify the best predictors of LET among graduates of Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) program at Isabela State UniversityEchague Campus. To achieve this goal, the study uses advanced statistical models, namely, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), to analyze data on the academic performance of Batch 2019 graduates who immediately took the LET after graduation. The study found a significant positive correlation between academic performance and LET performance among BSE graduates. The study also compared the predictive abilities of MLR and ANN models using Mean Absolute Percentage Error. Results revealed that the ANN model had a lower forecast error compared to the MLR model for the General Education component of LET in the BSE program. However, the MLR model had a lower forecast error for the Professional Education component of LET in the same program. Moreover, the predictive abilities of the two models vary across the six major courses of the LET. While the data used courses in the old curriculum, it is recommended that the same study be conducted using data from the graduates of the new curriculum.

Unveiling Self-regulation in the Online Environment as a Predictor of Academic Performance and Satisfaction

2024-11-26T01:34:41+00:00

The concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) has not been comprehensively explored in Isabela State University-Echague (ISU-E), and there is still relatively little information available regarding this topic in online settings. Hence, this study represents a significant milestone in understanding this concept in this particular context. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of multidimensional relations of SRL in an online learning environment to predict academic performance and academic satisfaction using five dimensions, specifically environmental structuring, goal setting, computer self-efficacy, social dimension, and metacognitive strategies. Using purposive sampling method, 357 students from various colleges of ISU-E were selected as the study respondents. Multiple regression analysis proved that goal setting and computer self-efficacy have a positive impact on the academic performance of students, while revealing that only environmental structuring and social dimensions have a significant relationship with academic satisfaction. This implies that students are self-conscious of their abilities and what things they need to improve on, however, this leads to setting unrealistic goals promoting dissatisfaction. This mirrors the need for a more adaptive teaching approach or strategies that are geared and tailored towards the improvement of students’ ability to prepare and restructure their places before synchronous or asynchronous classes or hybrid setup. These findings contribute to enhancing academic support strategies in higher education institutions (HEIs).