Combating the Stigma: Lived Experiences of Technical-Vocational Learners and Teachers on Pre-Conceived Notions

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

"Education for All (EFA)" has become the mantra in today's education system. Still, there are groups of students such as those who drop out of high school, those who completed high school but did not continue to college, and those who entered college unprepared and often drop out. The K to 12 program has been implemented to encourage these students to complete high school, ensure that they are better prepared for jobs when they graduate, and, perhaps, even increase their chances of entering college. Moreover, education can be classified into academic and technical-vocational. These two types of education encompass the ability of the students to improve themselves in the way that they want.

METHODS

The study utilized the use of qualitative research with phenomenology as an approach. The six respondents were chosen purposively following the ethical considerations for conducting a qualitative study. A semi-structured interview was prepared in gathering the needed data for the study.

RESULTS

On the phenomenological study on the lived experiences of the public school teachers and students of Calamba City as to the aspect of showing discrimination and stigma in taking their courses, the themes that emerged were: outside influence and course alignment; acceptance of the stigma and addressing unfair treatment; various challenges that delay skills development; mass promotion despite the lack of learning materials; and pride in being in technical-vocational courses.

DISCUSSIONS

In the course of the interview with the co-researchers, it was found out that vocational education focuses too much on the narrow job training. It is out-of-step with changes in the industry. It prepares young people for occupations without academic rigor. Perceptions of people affect the way they see things. There are some factors that may be considered why certain actions take place in one's day-to-day living. On the other hand, Filipinos have close family ties that they value so much. They consult their family first before finalizing anything or making decisions.