Effects of Journalism to the Academic Standing of Student-journalists in Secondary Schools of San Juan, Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Campus journalism provides platforms in which students highlight their skills in collecting data to come upon an article for school paper publication. However, as they go along with different journalism activities, time for academic ventures are being affected. The time supposed to allow in different academic works is allocated to fulfill journalism-related endeavors assigned. In some cases, the school protects the grades of the student-journalists by means of retaining it and exempting them from missed activities and examinations. In a way, they are able to balance their academic standing and journalism-related activities. As such, this study aimed at determining how journalism affects the academic standing of student-journalists in secondary schools of San Juan, Batangas. It also revealed the difficulties encountered in participating in Journalism.

METHODS

A descriptive method was used in this study with a validated questionnaire as a research instrument. The study made use of the student journalists from different secondary schools of San Juan, Batangas as respondents, obtained through purposive sampling. Before conducting the study, the researcher secured permits to authorities.

RESULTS

As revealed in the study, most of the respondents are Editors of sections such as news, features, sports, and science. Likewise, most of the respondents are student-journalists for almost four years and have participated in various contests held in the Division Level. This study further revealed that students'attendance is greatly affected by their participation in Journalism-related activities. It is evident on the generated composite mean of 2.83 interpreted as frequently encountered. Likewise, they also encountered problems during examinations, output preparation, and class discussion. It is supported by the obtained composite means of 2.75, 2.71 and 2.61, respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

Journalism has a great impact on the academic standing of every student-journalists. However, their attendance, examinations, output preparation, and class discussion are greatly affected by their participation in Journalism-related activities. Despite being unable to attend classes and submit the prescribed academic requirements, the schools are making its way to provide remediation and enrichment activities to provide them with the needed skills and knowledge required in different learning areas. As such, strengthening specialized programs for student-journalists is highly recommended.