Senior High School Students' Perceptions and Coping Strategies on the Absence of Textbooks in Looc Integrated School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Books are essential materials for students and provide structure for a student's learning. They are used as standard sources of information for formal study of a subject and an instrument for teaching and learning. In Looc Integrated School (LIS) Senior High School, printed text materials such as books and learners' modules are not readily available for students' use, which gave the students difficulties in learning. In connection with this, the researcher came up with identifying the perceptions of SHS students of Looc IS on the absence of books and how they deal with this situation.

METHODS

Qualitative research design was employed in this study. Forty (40) randomly selected SHS students served as respondents, comprised of 10 students from STEM, 10 from ABM, and 20 from GAS strands. Survey questionnaire was utilized as instrument in identifying the perception of SHS students on the absence of textbooks, which was divided into three parts which focused on the following: 1) Feelings and perception of SHS students onthe absence of textbooks; 2) How the absence of textbooks affected their learning and academic performance; and 3) Adjustments and coping strategies employed by SHS students to deal with the absence of textbooks in their classes. Thematic coding was utilized in analyzing the data collected in this study.

RESULTS

Based on the results, 87.5% of respondents agreed that the absence of books had a huge impact in students' learning since they were not able to perform advance reading for the next lessons. They also found it hard to find several information about the lessons being discussed. However, 12.5% of respondents mentioned that the absence of books did not affect their learning and found it helpful in encouraging them to study harder. To deal with the situation, 82.5% of students opted to use the internet in acquiring information about their lessons and other school related works, while 70% of students agreed that group study provided great help to better understand their lesson.

DISCUSSIONS

The data revealed that majority of the students opted to use the internet as alternative source of information to deal with the absence of books. Use of library and old notes were likewise possible in acquiring information regarding their studies. Also, students still preferred using textbooks during classes despite the current trend of technology use; and that textbooks play an essential part on students' life in school and in developing the cognitive aspect of their being.