The Learning Preferences of the Adolescent Children of Migrant Workers: A Basis for a Proposed Differentiated Psycho-Education Session

Abstract

The Philippines appears to be a significant contributor to other countries when it comes to migrant workers. Parents leave their children behind to assist them and support their needs. As a result, their migration leaves an impact on the children that they leave behind in different aspects. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the learning preferences of the adolescent children of migrant workers as the basis for the development of a proposed differentiated psychoeducation system. The participants in this study were the children of migrant workers from grade 7 and 10 levels of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City. The researchers employed a quantitative descriptive method utilizing frequency and percentage distribution, standard deviation, and the mean as statistical treatments to identify the learners’ learning preferences. A total of twenty-eight (28) students composed of fourteen (14) male and fourteen (14) female students were the respondents of the study. Their learning preferences were identified through the use of the Interest & Study Habits Inventory (ISHI) as it will serve as a basis for the development of psychoeducation sessions. The results showed that the most prominent learning preference of both the male and female respondents was Musicality. Additionally, students aging seventeen (17) were identified to have kinaesthetic as their most prominent learning preference. Moreover, Musicality was identified in the students aging from fourteen (14) to sixteen (16). Self-awareness was identified in terms of the students aging 13 and Naturalist in the students aging twelve (12) as their most prominent learning preference. It was recommended that approaches to further in line with the learning preferences that will best suit the adolescent children of migrant workers. The study found Musicality as to where the children of migrant workers can learn best. The result is somehow related to the previous research of Simonelli (2003) and Reyes (2008) where learning opportunities for the same focus group can include arts and another short-term basis program such as drama, play, or workshops. The study can be used in planning for effective methods in assisting the focus group in educational and developmental aspects. Future researchers may use another basis such as personality or aptitude that may help in devising a psychoeducational session for children of migrant workers.