MAXIMIZING LEARNING OUTCOMES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AND HYBRID UPSKILLS TRAINING APPROACHES TO STUDENT-TRAINEES AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study aims to maximize the learning outcomes of hospitality management student-trainees during their upskills training. Two separate batches of students underwent traditional and hybrid training approaches. The study seeks to identify the challenges associated with implementing these training approaches and assess their effectiveness in improving training programs at Bestlink College of the Philippines. The researchers utilize a descriptive quantitative research design. The study engages eighty-four (84) students who conducted a traditional training approach in the year beyond 2023 and eighty-two (82) students who went through hybrid training at Astoria Plaza, a hotel in Ortigas, Pasig, in December 2023 through Stratified sampling. Survey questionnaires and Google Forms serve as the primary instruments for data collection. Findings indicate that both traditional and hybrid training programs in hospitality management at Bestlink College of the Philippines provide student-trainees equal opportunities for deployment and learning in housekeeping, front office, and food and beverage departments. Trainees evaluated their upskills training as effective in collaboration, communication, competence, learning support, and training assessment. However, challenges such as time constraints, financial limitations, travel time, and traffic congestion significantly impacted student-trainees’ ability to fully achieve their learning objectives. The study also identified a significant difference between traditional and hybrid upskill training approaches. The study recommends that the hospitality management program at Bestlink College of the Philippines develop a training program that balances traditional and innovative approaches. This will help maintain high-quality skills training and maximize learning outcomes, equipping student-trainees with essential competencies for future careers in the hospitality industry.