Articles

A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Secondary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A. Y. 2017-2022

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A tracer study is a research method commonly used in the field of education to assess the outcomes and impact of an educational program or institution on its graduates. It involves tracking and gathering data on the employment status, career paths, and overall experiences of program graduates over a specific period after they have completed their studies. The tracer study titled “A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Secondary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022″examined the employability of graduates and assessed the effectiveness of the teacher education program outcomes. Data was collected from a sample of 35 graduates using an adapted-modified questionnaire and analyzed using various statistical tools. The study revealed that the majority of participants were females aged 22 to 25, with a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational attainment. English was the most specialized area, and most respondents graduated in 2017. Within six months of graduation, approximately 51.43% were employed and 48.57% were unemployed, with employed graduates occupying teaching positions at different levels and others pursuing various occupations. Competencies learned in college, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, were deemed useful in their first jobs. The study also identified attributes acquired during undergraduate studies, including communication, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, social and ethical responsibility, productivity, accountability, leadership, teamwork, and pursuit of academic excellence. Graduates rated the teacher education program outcomes and their knowledge in teaching, global competence, reading proficiency, effective communication, pedagogical competence, technological proficiency, knowledge integration, transformative education, assessment competence, ethical responsibility, creativity, empathy, and lifelong learning as very effective. The study concluded by recommending targeted support and preparation for challenging areas of licensure examinations, measures to enhance employability and job placement assistance, and efforts to bridge the education-employment gap. Additionally, specific programs, resources, mentorship initiatives, and curriculum improvements were proposed to support graduates’ success and professional growth. Regular assessment, collaboration with industry professionals, continuous learning promotion, and partnerships with stakeholders were suggested to ensure program effectiveness and foster innovation in teaching and learning.

A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022

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A Tracer study is a research method that tracks and collects data on the outcomes and experiences of graduates to assess the effectiveness of educational programs. This research study titled “A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022” aimed to trace the employability of graduates and assess their rating of the effectiveness of the teacher education program outcomes. The researchers collected data from 45 graduates using an adapted-modified questionnaire and analyzed using various statistical tools. The findings showed that most of the graduates were female and within the age range of 21-24. Most participants were single, held a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational attainment, and graduated in 2018. The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) was taken by 31 graduates, with professional education subjects identified as the most challenging area. Six months after graduation, at least 62% of the graduates who responded remained unemployed, while those employed mostly worked as grade school teachers. The competencies learned during college, such as communication, information technology skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, were reported as valuable in their first jobs. Graduates highlighted the development of attributes such as communication and relational skills, academic excellence, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, social and ethical responsibility, productivity, and accountability during their undergraduate studies. Graduates rated the nine teacher education program outcomes as very effective. The study’s conclusion recommends targeted support for licensure exam preparation, enhancing employability and job placement, and bridging the education-employment gap.

Public Speaking Anxiety among College Students at St. Paul University Surigao

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Public speaking is the act of making speeches in public or the art of effective oral communication with an audience. Fear of public speaking is common among students and the general population. The National Institute of Mental Health Report stated that public speaking anxiety is considered a social anxiety disorder (Brewer, 2001). This research aimed to find out the public speaking anxiety among college students of St. Paul University Surigao. It sought to answer the participants’ anxiety levels as Trait Anxiety, Context Anxiety, Audience Anxiety, and Situation Anxiety. The data were tested for the significant difference when grouped according to their profile. The researchers utilized the quantitative descriptive survey design using a researcher-made questionnaire that was subjected for validity and reliability checking and was administered to 81 education students. The findings revealed that students experienced very high Audience Anxiety while only high Trait, Context and Situation Anxieties. Furthermore, the findings found no significant difference in the participants’ level of anxiety when grouped according to profile. This means that anxiety level remains the same regardless of age, sex, and year level. Hence, it is recommended that public speaking should be offered as a subject to all degree programs at the tertiary level especially for teacher education programs. Also, the school administrators should encourage more public speaking activities in and out of the school where students would participate in such public speaking events to hone skills, thus, minimizing public speaking anxieties.