"THE EFFECT OF GRADE CONSCIOUSNESS IN SEEKING FOR ACADEMIC VALIDATION IN GRADE 12 STEM STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AT GENERAL DE JESUS COLLEGE"

Abstract

Academic validation and grade consciousness are crucial for students, as they seek approval based on their academic performance. These factors influence students’ self-esteem and decision-making and affect their overall academic performance. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of grade consciousness on the academic performance of Grade 12 STEM students, with emphasis on their experiences and challenges as students. This study explored the reasons why students seek validation and the effects of being grade-conscious. This study was conducted using qualitative research with a descriptive design. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews, as well as survey forms administered prior to the interviews with the participants. The researchers selected Grade 12 STEM grade-conscious students at General De Jesus College as respondents. The study presented the profile of the participants, including their age range of sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) years old, with the majority being female. The study revealed both positive and negative effects of grade consciousness on students. Participants reported gaining higher grades, experiencing academic stress, lack of sleep, and mental health problems. The findings also showed how grade consciousness affects the type of validation students seek through their academic performance. In addition, the majority of participants sought validation from their parents and themselves. Lastly, the respondents’ coping strategies included roaming and eating comfort food. The study showed that grade consciousness has both positive and negative impacts, such as gaining higher grades, experiencing academic stress, lack of sleep, and mental health problems. It also identified that students primarily seek validation from their parents and themselves and cope with stress by roaming and consuming comfort foods such as ice cream. Furthermore, this study aims to raise awareness of the challenges and experiences faced by grade-conscious students.