A Tracer Study on the Graduates of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English PDF

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1 Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction As the new millennium embraces the endless journey of the changing generation, student centered approach and performance based assessment become various instruments in bringing out the best of the learner’s capabilities. This is one of the esse...

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1 Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction As the new millennium embraces the endless journey of the changing generation, student centered approach and performance based assessment become various instruments in bringing out the best of the learner’s capabilities. This is one of the essential goals of the teachers that needs to be achieved and accomplished. However, it can only be possible if teachers have the ability to teach and the manifestation of the different competencies and skills such as the ability to prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and research papers, the ability to think critically, to communicate with other people and a lot more. These, will lead the teachers to effectively impart knowledge to students. These skills serve as the key in making the journey of teachers more meaningful and transformational in terms of the success and triumph of the students. In addition, they can be weapons to fight against the never ending needs of the present generation and the educational system, especially that the main focus now is on the measurable outcomes based on the observed performance of the students, that is why different educational reforms had been implemented and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) paved the way in meeting the demands of current challenges and trends of today’s generation. From the traditional way of teaching down to the modernized one, the continuing journey of teachers is clearly seen as they need to become flexible enough to adapt vast changes. For this reason, the demand of today’s generation is to produce learners who do not only excel in academics but also in the field of applying and performing what they have learned inside the classroom, that is why Outcome Based Education (OBE) started to arise. This is considered as one of the models

2 of education which aims to assess learner’s potential and ability through giving them variety of observable activities more than what textbooks or any reference materials could possibly provide. In this way, students can perform what they know and what are they capable of in line with their capacity. Furthermore, the need of exposing the students in real life situations and concrete outcomes is very essential in order to immerse them with what is expected in reality. It can also help them hone the skills and competencies they possess in order to become successful professionals in their own chosen field. Hence, the extent of the level of achievement of the learners will also be a reflection of the performance of the teachers and on how the curriculum greatly contributed to the development of learner’s abilities. For this reason, tracer studies had been conducted globally as it gives a reliable assessment and basis in improving curricular programs in a particular institution. At the same time, it provides an immediate feedback in making the curriculum relevant and appropriate to the type of learners in the present generation. According to Schomburg (2010) in many countries, conducting tracer studies is a formal requirement for the accreditation of study programmes. In line with this, tracer studies have been proven effective as it gives an avenue for improvement toward progress and development. He also (2010) also said that Education institutions are also increasingly interested in feedback from their former students to improve their study programmes, and to show new applicants how their graduates have managed the transition to employment. This only means that the main purpose of conducting a tracer study is to have a proof regarding the effectiveness and relevance of the curriculum.

3 Furthermore, Chorvy (2015) said that curricula need to be precisely defined in terms of outcomes or expected competencies, skills, attitudes, and knowledge to be achieved by graduates. It only means that the performance of the graduates has a great connection with how they had been taught and the quality of the content in line with the curriculum. Thus, Outcome Based Education serves its purpose as it prepares the learners to give the best of their ability before they graduate. In this case, it is expected that graduates are highly competent and can manifest the different competency skills. These skills are very important as they serve as one of the factors in producing holistically developed graduates. Since the demand of teachers is gradually arising, tracer studies conducted around the world are mostly about the graduates who had taken education as their course. Through this, teachers must possess the different competencies and skills since it has been proven that it will help the teachers to effectively impart knowledge to the students. Through the different tracer studies about teaching conducted around the world, the prevalent skills and competencies are Lesson Planning, Preparation of Instructional Materials, the Use of variety of methods, Communication skills, Information Technology Skills, Problem-Solving skills, Critical thinking skills, Human relations skills, and Research skills (Colarte, 2010).These skills are of paramount importance as they will be one of the reasons in making the teachers become highly qualified and experts. Moreover, these skills are to be not only manifested but also applied for the needed qualifications of the in order to lessen the scarcity of quality teachers around the world. Such tracer studies determine the extent of the impact of the curriculum among graduate students. Its contribution has a great effect to the expected performance and level

4 toward the acquired competencies and skills which will surely help them to be not only qualified but also effective and efficient professionals in their own chosen career. Conducting a tracer study in the Philippines has been an attestation to test and examine if the different bachelor’s degree programs in teacher education were still “effective, adequate and relevant” (Gines, 2014). Especially now, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in partnership with the major higher education stakeholders, generates a vision to promote relevant, efficient and quality higher education. In the same way, Tarlac State University – College of Education shares the same role and the goal of providing quality training among its students. As of now, Tarlac State University – College of Education was re-accredited Level III by AACCUP, Inc. Furthermore, TSU-COED is considered to be a “Center of Development in Teacher Education”, which only implies that the institution provides preparation for the students to be competent and highly qualified graduates in the teaching profession. In the year 2006-2007, English and Filipino were added to the BSED programs. At present, BSED English program of TSU- COED has been producing graduates for ten years. It was said that “one of the ways of evaluating an educational institution is by its graduates” (Punzalan, 2014). Furthermore, the graduates of a certain institution will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum and the type of training they received during their pre-service teaching. The graduates of the BSED English program made a history in passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) two years ago by obtaining a 100% of passing rate. It is with this very reason why this study aimed to trace the BSED English batch 2014-2015 not only to locate them but most significantly to find out if the training provided by Tarlac State University College of Education is sufficient in

5 their teaching career and if their teaching and competency skills were developed, the employment status of the graduates as well as their achievements in the field and if the support services provided by TSU-COED is adequate. This study explored as well on how the findings of the study will improve the BSED English program and if it can be a reference point to produce another 100% passing rate among its prospective graduates.

Statement of the Problem This study aimed to trace the BSED English graduates of Tarlac State University – College of Education and how the BSED English program and the institution helped them in their teaching career, hence the study sought to answer the following: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 General Information; 1.2 Employment Data; and 1.3 Continuing Professional Development? 2. How did the BSED English program of TSU-COED contribute to the development of the respondents’ teaching skills and competencies: 2.1 Lesson planning; 2.2 Preparation of Instructional Materials; 2.3 Use of variety of methods; 2.4 Communication skills; 2.5 Information technology; 2.6 Problem-solving skills; 2.7 Critical thinking skills; 2.8 Human Relation skills; and

6 2.9 Research skills? 3. How would the respondents rate the quality of support services they received from TSU-COED? 4. How useful are the different major and professional subjects being offered in the BSED English program in the respondents’ teaching career? 5. What is the implication of the study to the BSED English program?

Significance of the Study This study aimed to figure out the general information, employment data, and continuing professional development of the respondents, the acquired teaching skills competencies, the usefulness of different major and professional subjects and the support services received of the BSED English graduates of Tarlac State University, College of Education batch 2015 only. The results will serve as a basis to provide feedback for the improvement and development of the curriculum or program. To the TSU Administrative Official, this study will serve as a basis for further improvement of the curriculum and programs. Moreover, it will help them meet the current demands and needs of the new generation. At the same time, it will fasten the implementation of enhancement of a program in order to immerse the learners with what is current and latest. It also serves as a reflection on how the curriculum and the quality of support services contributed to their success in the field of teaching. To the English teachers of COED, the result of the study will serve as feedback to determine the strategies used in teaching English. In addition to this, the usefulness of the different topics and pedagogical theories will be shown as a basis for improving the

7 academic performance of the students. It will also motivate them to produce quality and globally competitive students possessing the needed teaching skills and competencies. To the students of BSED major in English, this study served language as their guide in pursuing the course and motivating themselves to become successful teachers. It will also help them feel driven to learn that will lead in maximizing their potential and they will be willing to be fully equipped with competencies and skills as they will become efficient educators in the future. To the future researchers, the result of the study will serve as a source of information and related study to the future researchers who will explore on studies of the same concern.

Scope and Delimitation This study aimed to determine the general information, employment data, and continuing professional development of the respondents, obtained teaching and competency skills, the quality support services offered by the TSU-COED and the usefulness of the major and professional subjects being offered by the program in the teaching career of the BSED English graduates batch 2015. The general information includes the age, sex, civil status, and the respondents’ present address. In addition, employment data encompass the present employment status of the graduates including employment history and their first job. Likewise on the continuing professional development, it covers the continuing professional development activities that the respondents participated and their professional development needs. The graduates of BSED English batch 2015 are the respondents of this study. There were 40 graduates of BSED English and 40 graduates took and passed the Licensure

8 Examination for Teachers. The researchers located all of the respondents, however, only 36 respondents were able to return the questionnaires.

Definition of Terms Academic. It is defined as the courses of study taken at a school (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it refers to the usefulness and contribution of the major and professional subjects taken by the respondents provided by the TSU-COED under the BSED English program. Communication Skill. It is defined as the ability to convey information to another effectively and efficiently (Business Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it refers to the ability of the respondents which they have developed to process and transfer information through verbal or written messages effectively. Competencies. It is defined as an ability or skill (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it pertains to the skills the respondents have acquired through the help of the BSED English program. Continuing Professional Development. It is the process of improving and increasing capabilities of staff through access to education and training opportunities in the workplace, through outside organization, or through watching others perform the job (Business Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it refers to the training and seminars that the respondents had or still have after graduating in order to maintain and develop their teaching skills. Critical Thinking Skill. It includes the component skills of analyzing arguments, making inferences using inductive or deductive reasoning, judging or evaluating, and making decisions or solving problems. (Lai, 2011) In this study, critical thinking skill refers

9 to the ability of the respondents to analyze, evaluate, and to make good decision in dealing with different circumstances in their field of work. Employment Data. It provides information on how the job title and compensation were determined. In this study, it refers to the first job that the respondents had as well as their current job. General Information. It is defined a set of characteristics that identify or are thought to identify a particular type of person. In this study, it refers to the profile of the respondents including their name, age, sex, civil status, address, etc. Human Relation Skill. It is a discipline within resource management which addresses interpersonal behaviors. (Business Dictionary, 2017) In this study, human relation skills are the developed skills of the respondents as professional teachers. These skills are the way the respondents treat their learners and other people properly inside and outside the school. Information Technology Skill. This relates to the knowledge and abilities needed to accomplish mathematical, engineering, scientific or computer-related duties, as well as other specific tasks relating to technology. In this study, IT skills refers to the ability of the respondents on how to integrate technology with language learning. Instructional Materials. These are the tools used in educational lessons which includes active learning and assessment. (Janovsky, n.d.) In this study, instructional materials refers to the ability of the respondents to prepare good and suitable instructional materials which could aid the needs of their learners.

10 Journey. It is the act of travelling from one place to another (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it refers to the progress of the respondents of how the BSED English program helped them to succeed in their teaching career. Lesson Planning. In this study, lesson planning refers to the ability of the respondents to make a precise and good lesson plan which has been developed by Tarlac State University - College of Education, under Bachelor of Secondary Education program. Major Subjects. These are the academic disciplines to which an undergraduate student formally commits. In this study, it refers to the usefulness of the major subjects, which had taken by the respondents, in the development of their knowledge and skills for their teaching career. Method. It pertains to a particular form of procedures for accomplishing or approaching something especially a systematic or established one. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017) In this study, methods are the varieties of methods in teaching which the respondents have possessed to involve their learners in meaningful teaching and learning process. Problem-Solving Skill. It is the ability to work through details of a problem to reach a solution. (Business Dictionary, 2017) In this study, problem-solving skill refers to the ability of the respondents to provide and engage their learners to seek solutions from the real-life problems using the English language. Professional. It refers to a job that requires special education, training, or skill (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it refers to the respondents obtained 100% passing rate in LET which made them professionals in the field of teaching.

11 Professional Subjects. These are college-level courses designed to target those who are in, or about to enter, the workforce in corporate, government or technology fields. In this study, professional subjects refer to the education-related courses which helped the respondents to develop their teaching skills. Program. It is defined as the plan or system under which action may be taken toward a goal. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017) On the other hand, it concerns the BSED English program which is the one that the researchers would want to enhance in this study. Research Skill. It pertains to lead an original contribution to knowledge in a particular field of inquiry by defining an important question or problem and then answering or solving it in a systematic way. In this study, research skill refers to the developed competency of the respondents to conduct a research study. Success. It is defined as the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). In this study, it is defined as the progress of the respondents in terms of their current profession and career. Support Services. These are the functions or activities which are required for successful completion of a process, program, or project. In this study, it pertains to the facilities, equipment, or even trainings provided by the Tarlac State University, College of Education to the BSED English graduates. Tracer Study. It measures the quality of graduates through the employability and transformation they gained as they exposed themselves to the real world. (Flomo, 2013) Teaching Skills. It is defined as a group of teaching acts or behaviors intended to facilitate students learning directly or indirectly. In this study, it refers to the teaching skills

12 which had developed by the respondents under BSED – English program of Tarlac State University, College of Education.

13 Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter presents the related literature and studies which are relevant to the present study done by the researchers. This chapter will provide the conceptual background for further understanding of the research.

Related Literature From the book Contemporary Social Problems and Issues by Sanchez, et. al. (1997), it stated that the Philippines is the highest in Asia when it comes to the levels and literacy rates of the workers, but speaking about the facilities, technology, manual, and other things that could help the work of a person easier are poor and not enough in supply. The purpose of the book is to show the realization that even graduates coming from the different educational institutions may experience difficulties to be employed if they are not being well-prepared by the university in terms of providing trainings and programs that could help them to enhance their skills and competencies and to get an appropriate job related to what course they had finished in a university. Also, a series titled “Follow-up and Tracer Studies” gives descriptions to the competencies, skills, approach, and techniques used and applied from being a student in a particular university turning to be a worker in a chosen field of wor...