ROLE OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND READINESS FOR ONLINE LEARNING AMONG COLLEGE FILIPINO STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PILOT STUDY

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions in the Philippines rapidly introduced widespread online learning to ensure safety of learners. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible relationship of social determinants of health with COVID-19 specific psychological distress and the readiness of Filipino students to learn online. Researchers conducted an online survey of 30 college students from the Psychology program of Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, Philippines. Results showed that students experienced mild (53.3%) to severe (36.7%) levels of COVID-19 specific psychological distress. COVID-19 specific psychological distress and readiness for online learning was not significantly correlated, r (30) = -.18, p = .35. Among social determinants of health, only living with family members was significantly associated with readiness for online learning, r (30) = -.37, p = .046. These findings showed promising findings on how social determinants of health may be associated with distress and online learner readiness during a global pandemic. Future studies may elaborate on the subjective experiences of students. Finally, this pilot study serves as a basis for the development of school programs that address students’ mental health and promote online learning readiness of students who are experiencing unique learning circumstances.

Combining Active Learning Strategies: Performances and Experiences of Grade School Filipino Students

This study combined computer simulation and predict-observe-explain as a new strategy known as Computer Simulation Supported Predict-Observe-Explain (CSSPOE) to explore other ways to facilitate the teaching and learning in physics. This strategy was tested in determining the conceptual understanding and scientific reasoning among grade school Filipino students. A quasi-experimental method was used to gather quantitative data from 38 participants then a case study was used to acquire information from the students. After the CSSPOE intervention, post-test results showed that students had positive conceptual changes, and this increase was significant. The interview data showed that participants pointed out the affordances of CSSPOE, such as visualization, autonomy, recognition of alternative conceptions, and consequently accommodating the scientific notions, and noticing the departure of the strategy from the usual lecture method. The recommendation is to adapt CSSPOE in the K to 12 science curriculum or even in college Physics classes. Physics teachers should strive to utilize constructivist and active learning approaches like CSSPOE.

Modular Approach: Its Effect on Learners’ Reading Attitude and Proficiency in the New Normal

In March 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced schools in the Philippines to stop face-to-face learning activities and abruptly shift to modular approach. In practical sense, the modular approach situates Filipino students to learn in the comfort of their homes. Reading attitude is the feeling that results in the adoption or avoidance of positive reading habits. Along this line of thinking, the study was conducted to determine the effects of modular approach on the reading attitude and reading proficiency of Grade 3 learners in Mindanao State University- Integrated Laboratory School. The research employed a descriptive correlational research design. A standardized test questionnaire was used to gather data and distributed to 128 both learners and parents in Grade 3. Results divulged that majority of the respondents aged 10 years old. Majority of respondents’ parents’ educational attainment was high school graduate. Further the relationship between the learners’ profile and perceived effect of modular approach and their profile showed that the learners’ perceptions are not significantly related to their profile. However, the modular approach does not affect their reading attitude and reading proficiency. To address the modular approach problem encountered by the respondents, an Enhanced English Reading Module is hereby recommended.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANXIETY EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO STUDENTS ACROSS THE FOUR MACRO SKILLS

Throughout the years, scholars have determined that foreign language learning is associated with negative emotional reactions rooted from communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation; a phenomenon more widely known as Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA), which has effectively hindered language learning for many students. Moreover, it does not help that the abrupt and drastic pedagogical transformations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in itself has proven to be stressful and anxiety-provoking for the learners. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the foreign language anxiety experienced by Filipino learners in the remote learning setup. This mixed method study gathered data from 83 Filipino college students about their FLA experience across the four macro skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking amidst remote learning. Results revealed the participants experienced the highest level of anxiety with speaking. However, it must be noted that the fear of making mistakes and fear of negative evaluation can be observed across all the four macro-skills. Participants also struggle with opportunities to improve across the four macro skills due to the intermittent internet connection, inadequate resources, and limited interaction with their teachers and peers.

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANXIETY AND STUDENTS’ LEARNING MOTIVATION TO FILIPINO FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNERS

This quantitative research study investigated the relationship between anxiety acquired through foreign language learning and learning motivation of Filipino students in Bataan Peninsula State University. Participants were identified through stratified random sampling. It adapted two sets of questionnaires: Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale by Horwitz, et al. (1986) and Foreign Language Learning Motivation Questionnaire developed by Gonzales (2006). Results showed that anxiety and motivation have a significant relationship with each other. Higher level of learning motivations students set for themselves manifest higher chances for them to develop consciousness and anxiety over their academic performance. They see L2 learning essential in employment opportunities, effective communication, and exploring foreign culture. However, their sense of interest to the course is primarily driven by extrinsic motivations which are only influenced by external factors such as the need to take the subject to pass a requirement. In return, they grow anxious and fearful of the possible consequences of being unable to achieve learning expectations and self-goals. While it is true that age does not significantly affect the relationship of the two variables under examination, it was found that females are more likely to exemplify a receptive behavior in learning than males. It is of high suggestion to integrate different strategies in teaching foreign language to minimize anxiety tendencies and maximize students’ engagement in learning. Also, it is recommended to devise or adapt a more context-specific questionnaire that will deeply explore on the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of students and the anxiety concomitant to it. Finally, further studies are highly encouraged to be conducted to further navigate the interplay of other contributing variables in their foreign language learning experiences.