Philippine Social Science Journal

Reading between the Lines: Unveiling Online Distance Learning Experiences in Philippine Public High Schools

Monica V. San Juan — 2024-12-05

This qualitative phenomenological study explores the experiences of reading teachers from public junior high schools in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, who have adopted online distance learning (ODL) for teaching reading. The study aims to understand the challenges and strategies involved in ODL reading instruction. Using Moustakas' (1994) transcendental phenomenology, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven teachers. The analysis revealed that teaching reading via ODL requires meticulous planning, interactive activities, and multimedia materials. Teachers faced challenges such as technical difficulties, limited time, and ensuring assessment authenticity, but also noted benefits like accessible learning materials and engaging online applications. The study concludes that comprehensive training and support for teachers are crucial for effective ODL implementation. It recommends future research to explore the perspectives of students and parents to gain a more thorough understanding of ODL's impact on reading instruction. These insights are vital for educators and policymakers to optimize ODL practices.

Beyond the Screen: The Lived Experiences of College Seminarians Facing Speaking Anxiety in Online English Classes

Christine Anne G. Abling-Salupen — 2024-12-05

This study investigated the speaking anxiety experienced by college seminarians in online English classes. The research aimed to describe the causes, effects, and coping strategies related to this anxiety. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and peer debriefing with nine purposively sampled participants. The analysis identified key themes such as fear of judgment, lack of confidence, and negative teaching styles as primary causes of anxiety. Manifestations included increased use of fillers, stuttering, and avoidance behaviors. Participants employed coping mechanisms like positive self-talk, regular practice, and prayer. The study concludes that supportive teaching practices significantly reduce speaking anxiety. Practically, the findings suggest that educators should create positive, interactive learning environments to alleviate anxiety and enhance language acquisition. Future research should explore speaking anxiety in diverse educational contexts and develop targeted interventions to mitigate this issue further.

Which Students Thrive in Flipped Classrooms? An Examination of Students’ Performance in an Online Flipped Course

Julius R. Satparam — 2024-12-10

Educational disruptions are leading to a shift in flipped classroom delivery, transitioning from a blend of asynchronous and face-to-face instruction to combining asynchronous and synchronous activities in a fully online setup. This study examines the effects of an online flipped course on student clusters with varying prior cognitive outcomes. A college mathematics course is flipped online for a semester. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative tests and surveys to assess student performance and perceptions, respectively, with qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of students. Test results show that students in the ‘average’ and ‘low’ clusters benefit most. These groups also report higher engagement, effectiveness, and enjoyment. The findings support the potential of flipped learning to advance equity and ensure learning continuity during disruptions. However, the design, sample, context, and exploratory nature of this study present certain limitations. Therefore, interpreting the results with caution is advised.

Donor Relation and Income Diversification Strategies of a Diocese in the Philippines

Christopher M. Villaronte — 2024-12-10

Religious organizations, particularly in the Philippines, face financial challenges and require effective resource mobilization strategies to ensure sustainability. This study investigates donor relations and income diversification strategies within a Philippine diocese, examining funding policies, relationship management, donor influence, and income generation to address financial sustainability challenges faced by religious organizations. It analyzes these strategies through a descriptive-comparative design, utilizing data from 128 clergy and Parish Pastoral Council members. Findings reveal significant differences in perceptions between these groups regarding donor relations and income diversification, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to financial management. This research contributes to understanding resource mobilization in religious organizations and offers practical insights for enhancing financial stability and autonomy.

Psychological Well-being and Demographic Factors among Private Company Employees in a Highly Urbanized City, Western Visayas, Philippines

Mary Edillis O. Moleño — 2024-12-17

Employee well-being is crucial for organizational success, influenced by factors like workplace design, leadership, and organizational culture, with the latter significantly impacting mental health. Psychological well-being is multifaceted, shaped by individual demographics (age, sex), job resources and stressors, and organizational factors. In the Philippines, well-being is recognized as crucial, with the government issuing guidelines for mental health in the workplace. This study examines the psychological well-being of 101 employees in three private companies in Central Visayas, Philippines, revealing moderate levels across all dimensions, which indicates a generally positive work environment with room for improvement. Contrary to expectations, demographic factors like age and tenure are not significantly correlated with well-being. However, a significant relationship between sex and psychological well-being highlights potential gender-based disparities. These findings underscore the need for personalized well-being initiatives and further research with larger, more diverse samples to explore the complex factors contributing to employee well-being in the Philippines, particularly gender differences, and to develop tailored interventions.

Unveiling the “Whys” of Japanese Third-age Learners’ English Language Proficiency

Dominic Bryan S. San Jose — 2024-12-17

Japanese third-age English language learners, though growing, are still an under-researched demographic. Grounded on the quantitative results of Japanese third-age learners' English language proficiency (ELP), which is B1 on average, this descriptive-qualitative study explored why the participants got certain levels of ELP. Using the maximum variation sampling, the researchers chose five third-aged Japanese participants from the five cities of Aichi, Japan. The findings reveal two significant themes: motivational factors (with three sub-themes: personal interest, social engagement, and personal enrichment) and factors affecting ELP (with four sub-themes: dynamics of sex and ELP, dynamics of age and ELP, dynamics of education and ELP, dynamics of time and ELP), encourage the examination of learning a language as a means to greater autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of the global community. It provides valuable insights for teachers or curriculum designers to improve EFL programs for third-age learners, enhancing accessibility, interest, and effective language acquisition.

Laughter and Well-Being: The Transformative Experiences of Working Mothers

Jhonna G. Toledo — 2024-12-17

This study explores how laughter therapy transforms the experiences of working mothers, impacting their stress, resilience, and well-being. Six participants engaged in unstructured interviews, analyzed through a descriptive phenomenological approach. Findings revealed that both genuine and simulated laughter offer therapeutic benefits, improving optimism, stress management, and sleep. Laughter's contagious nature strengthens social bonds and promotes shared joy. The therapy fosters emotional resilience, enhances health, and nurtures spirituality, contributing to inner peace. Accessible and holistic, laughter therapy empowers working mothers to face challenges with resilience and optimism, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Entrepreneurial Competencies and Succession Planning of Family Business Owners in a Second Class Municipality in Iloilo Province: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study

Elaine B. Sobrevega — 2024-12-17

This study investigates the critical interplay between entrepreneurial competencies (EC) and succession planning within Filipino family businesses, which constitute a significant portion of the business landscape. Recognizing the vital role of EC in ensuring business continuity, this research employs a sequential mixed-methods approach. The quantitative phase, involving 218 family business owners, reveals high levels of cognitive competencies and a strong emphasis on succession planning, with a significant correlation between the two. Subsequently, qualitative interviews, analyzed through Lichtman's 3 Cs framework, uncover the challenges entrepreneurs face in translating their strong EC into effective succession plans. This study further identifies age, education, and experience as influential factors in both EC and succession planning. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that robust entrepreneurial competencies are crucial for driving innovative succession strategies and ensuring the longevity and prosperity of Filipino family businesses.