A Phenomenological Inquiry of Lived Experiences of Pioneer Senior High School Graduates under General Academic Strand (GAS): Influence on Career Decision Making

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the most significant changes in Philippine education is the shift in the curriculum from the Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) to K to 12. Additional two years was added for primary education. Senior High School (SHS) aimed to produce graduates who are ready for college, employment, and being an entrepreneur. The curriculum produced its first batch of graduates on the school year 2017-2018. This study aimed to describe the experiences of pioneer SHS graduates under General Academic Strand (GAS) track of Gen. E. Aguinaldo National High School-Bailen in different subjects included in the curriculum and explore the influence of these experiences in their identity development and career decision making to come up with suggestions on how to improve teachers' instruction of selected disciplines and on the improvement of the GAS program itself.

METHODS

The primary sources of data were from the surveys; interviews participated in by selected graduates and documentary analysis from students' portfolio. The participants or co-researchers were three graduates who will pursue college, one will enter the military, one is planning to look for a job, and two are undecided on what path to take on the day the interview was conducted. Clark Moustakas phenomenological treatment of data wasdone to analyze and interpret the results of the study.

RESULTS

Findings from the study showed individual description of experiences. Co-researchers encountered meaningful experiences which some can be described as follows: "A More Responsible and Compassionate Research Leader", "Built Character through Various Social Sciences Disciplines", "Fascinated by Technology", "From a Carefree to a Disciplined Man", Mystified by Philosophy", "Enlightened by World Religions" and "The Accidental Writer". Eidetic insights on self-discovery, transformation, and sustainability served as the essence of the experiences.

DISCUSSIONS

The coming of SHS brought many questions to students, and they experienced critical adjustment during the transition period. The results of this study showcased the different manners on how the curriculum impact the lives of the pioneer graduates. GAS is a crucial strand. It has to serve its purpose for every student who is struggling to know themselves and to find what they want in the future. If the school guided GAS students, that goal was attained. The school has to maximize the resources to meet this goal. Slowly, the goal of K to 12, particularly senior high school, will be seen in the lives of Filipino students.