Challenging Behaviors Affecting the Academic Performance of Grade 11 Technical-Vocational and Livelihood Learners

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Education gives an individual the opportunity to make their future better. However, challenging behaviors make individuals struggle to perform and excel in class. In this study, varying root causes of these challenging behaviors are witnessed.The researcher explored varying levels of these challenging behaviors and proposed activities and programs that were solidly grounded in evidence and theory.

METHODS

Descriptive design was used in the study. Eighty Grade 11 learners across 4 different strands responded to a questionnaire. The researcher conducted a focus group discussion with 5 students from the eighty respondents. The study also used unstructured interview given after the administration of the research questionnaires. Data was gathered and collected through quantitative analysis. The frequency distribution and weighted mean were the statistical treatment used for the quantitative analysis of the data gathered.

RESULTS

Many respondents who participated in our focus group discussion perceived substantial problems dealing with their academic performance predominantly from family problems, poor attention from parents, financial problems, poor health, and low level of understanding. Surprisingly, being outcast and having the feeling of being out of place in the class marked to be the highest of the root causes of the said problem. Challenging behaviors of the learners in terms of class participation, peer belongingness, and obedience to school's rules and regulations may not just affect their academic performance but can be also critical to their character, attitude, and future career. Conducting counseling and personal development programs concerning their challenging behaviors can help them overcome those behavioral problems. One of these activities that marked the highest is conducting Bible lessons from religious leaders like Pastors to encourage these students that there is still hope for them to change.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the possible impacts of these challenging behaviors to the character and future of these learners. It also revealed the need for the institution to conduct personal development, counseling, visitation, and other substantial programs to direct the learners' mindset and stimulate their motivation. By executing these programs, improvement in the learners' performance and character would be possible.