A Qualitative Research on Grade 11 SHS Students in UST Experiencing the August–May Academic Calendar

Abstract

Most schools in the Philippines open their classes on the first Monday of June and close by the end of March; this has been in practice across the country since the school year 1965-66 when the Republic Act No. 4116 was promulgated (R.A. No. 4116). (MQ Villafuerte II, 2017). Last year, bills were filed in Congress seeking the synchronization of the start of the academic year in all Philippine schools beginning 2018. Senator Escudero, chair of the Senate Education Committee, filed Senate Bill 1432 that seeks to mandate “all public and private schools start their school year on the second Monday of August but not later than the second Monday of September. (Malipot, 2018). Different universities are now changing the start of classes, from June to August. According to sources, the Philippines and Thailand are the only countries that start their classes in June. Under the new academic calendar, the first semester will be from August to December; the second semester, from January to May; and the short term, from June to July. (Eagle News, 2015). The researchers interviewed on September 22, 2018, and each interview lasted around 3-5 minutes by the selected Grade 11 SHS students. The researchers used a qualitative interview guide, video/audio recorded the interview, and transcribed the interview for more detailed information from the informants. To summarize the researcher’s findings, it has been concluded that most of the interviewees prefer the August-May Academic Calendar. Few still acknowledge that they are used to the June-March calendar. They are all very aware as to why they had to shift into a different academic calendar. They all stated the same facts like there are fewer suspensions during the August-May Calendar, and that it is easier to commute and that it can somehow motivate students to study more. “Para saakin, okay naman kasi parang inaanticipate nila ung bagyo for the months of June at July kaya minove nila para hindi masuspend yung klase dito sa UST.”“Yung sa ngayon kasi mas konti narin yung suspension para mas maraming matutunan, sulit yung tuition mas marami kang magagawa sa school para matapos agad.”Although there are also disadvantages like for summers that don’t feel like summers because of the rainy weather, having a hard time to catch up with friends are experienced by those using the June-March Academic Calendar.“Para saakin po yung August to May hindi ko po siya gusto kasi first yung sa weather kapag po bakasyon ano po hindi na po parang summer hindi siya summer maulan po.”Further study about the topic is recommended upon which academic calendar would best suit our country from the different opinions of students who have experienced the said academic calendars