Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science: Social Sciences
Tạp chí của Trường Đại học Mở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science
Cebuano-Visayan influence in English Language acquisition: Turning challenges into opportunities
Learning a new language is a challenging journey filled with obstacles, but these difficulties can transform into powerful tools, turning you into a highly effective and fluent communicator. In lieu of proposing a learning packet to make this possible, this research investigated the Cebuano-Visayan linguistic interference on the students’ school publication corpora at one of the secondary schools in the Division of Danao City, Academic Year 2023 - 2024. Qualitative content analysis was utilized in this research, which involved comparing the primary language, Cebuano-Visayan, and the second language, English, and analyzing the linguistic interference of the primary language on the 28 written outputs of students. Based on the findings, there is Cebuano-Visayan linguistic interference in the outputs of students in subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and the use of prepositions, pronouns, and articles. This can be seen through the errors in their sentences. Thus, it is recommended to utilize the learning packet crafted through this study to acknowledge, address, and utilize these linguistic interferences to produce more accurate and coherent English writing, ultimately facilitating clearer communication and academic success.
Becoming a bayani: Exploring Filipino college students’ social constructs of modern-day heroism
The objective of this qualitative study was to investigate perspectives on modern-day heroism using narrative inquiry as a research design. The study focused on sophomore college students enrolled in GEC courses, who were selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data was collected through open-ended surveys and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The study’s thematic analysis identified the qualities of a modern-day hero as being inclined towards goodness, sacrificial, helpful, compassionate, and influential in empowering others. Notable models of modern-day heroes encompass parents, friends, teachers, overseas Filipino workers, and the frontline. The study’s insights could potentially inform the development of educational materials for civics, values education, and ethics.
Unraveling the mediating role of environmental attitude and the moderating role of altruism in the pro-environmental behavior of Vietnamese domestic tourists
For tourism to grow sustainably, promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) among tourists is crucial for the sustainable growth of tourism. This is the first study to focus on Vietnamese tourists and the variables that influence their PEB. An integrated structural model of PEB was developed by drawing on postulates from the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Data from 306 tourists who visited Vietnam locations were analyzed in our study. It was found through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) that there is a significant direct association between Perceived Severity (PS), Perceived Vulnerability (PV), and PEB. The relationship between PS, PV, and PEB is mediated by Environmental Attitude (EA). Also, Altruism (AL) plays a significant moderating role in the EA and PEB relationship. This suggests that both EA and AL are key factors in shaping Vietnamese domestic tourists’ PEB. The findings, which include the correlations between the variables, provide credence to the theoretical framework that was suggested. To enhance PEB, tourism agencies should make visitors’ PS, PV, and AL more prominent.
Lived experiences of Artisanal Fishers: Climate change impact in marginal communities along the coast of Cogtong, Bay
Climate change poses significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable marginal communities. This study explores its impact on artisanal fishers, focusing on their lived experiences. Employing a phenomenological approach, it captures how climate change affects their livelihoods, income, physical health, and well-being. The participants of this study were the ten (10) fisher folks from a Barangay in Candijay, Bohol. Moreover, the participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. The criteria used were: participants are not known by the researchers, recommended by the local Barangay unit, know the nature of the study, and are into fishing as a livelihood and source of income. Key findings include fish depletion leading to income instability, with many fishers unable to sustain their households due to reduced catches. Additionally, harsher conditions have increased physical strain, resulting in exhaustion and deteriorating health. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions and sustainable solutions to support the resilience of small-scale fishers. The study contributes to the broader climate change discourse by advocating for targeted actions to address the challenges faced by these vulnerable communities
Enhancing Vietnam’s financial policies for climate change response: Gaps, challenges, and legal recommendations
This article investigates Vietnam’s financial policies in the context of climate change response, focusing on their objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. The primary aim is to analyze the use of fiscal tools such as carbon taxes and financial instruments like green bonds to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Employing a qualitative approach, the study integrates doctrinal legal analysis and comparative methods to evaluate Vietnam’s regulatory frameworks against international best practices. The findings indicate significant limitations, including the lack of a dedicated carbon tax and underdeveloped guidelines for green bond issuance, particularly for local authorities. These gaps hinder Vietnam’s ability to mobilize financial resources effectively and address climate-related challenges. The study concludes by offering targeted recommendations, such as implementing a carbon tax policy aligned with global standards and strengthening regulations on green bonds to ensure transparency and accountability. These improvements are crucial for enhancing Vietnam’s resilience to climate change and achieving sustainable development goals
Political awareness and civic behaviors of youth organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic
The role of youth organizations in the community has become increasingly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the Philippines, where they are recognized for their proactive stance in addressing government shortcomings. This study aimed to examine the association between youth organization members’ political awareness and their civic behavior during the pandemic. Specifically, it addressed the research question: How does youth political awareness affect their civic behavior during the time of Covid-19 pandemic? The study employed a descriptive-correlational quantitative approach, utilizing a self-administered survey questionnaire tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical analyses, including Pearson Correlation, One-Way ANOVA, and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference, were applied to data collected from 103 respondents across 26 purposively selected youth organizations in Nueva Ecija. The study was grounded in the Political Awareness Model by Baddeley and James and the Normative Democratic Theory inspired by Dewey. Findings revealed a significant association between political awareness and civic behavior during the pandemic. The nature of the organization emerged as a significant factor in political awareness, particularly on political issues, with politically based organizations reporting the highest levels of awareness. Additionally, the position held within an organization significantly influenced engagement in volunteerism, with officers more actively participating in non-electoral organizations compared to non-officers. The study concludes that youth organizations serve as critical mechanisms for enhancing political awareness and fostering civic participation, highlighting their role in upholding democratic values during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Probing faculty researchers’ competencies: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey in a Philippine University
Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing university faculty researchers is essential as it can significantly impact their research abilities and effectiveness. This paper investigated the research competencies of faculty researchers in the context of a Philippine state university using a cross-sectional survey design. The researcher assessed the educational qualifications, research experience, academic rank, field of specialization, and research competencies in practical skills, problem-solving, thinking, communication skills, personal and professional ethics, dissemination skills, and roles and functions as a researcher among the 133 permanent and temporary faculty members using an adopted survey instrument. Findings revealed that while faculty members demonstrated reasonable competency in most research domains, their problem-solving, thinking, and communication skills fell below expectations. Educational qualifications significantly influenced practical skills, while research experience impacted dissemination skills. Findings further revealed a direct relationship between practical skills and academic qualifications. These findings highlight the need for the university to strengthen capacity-building initiatives to enhance faculty members’ research competencies, particularly in problem-solving, thinking, and communication skills, thereby contributing to their professional development and ultimately improving the quality of education the university offers.
Students’ perception of school climate and academic motivation in a blended learning lnvironment
The school environment significantly influences students’ performance, yet limited studies were conducted on the relationship between school climate and academic motivation in blended learning environments. This study aimed to describe the level of student’s perception of school climate and academic motivation and analyze the relationships between these variables. Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, data were gathered from 278 randomly selected high school students of a state university in Eastern Visayas using two standardized survey questionnaires, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that students generally have high levels of school climate perception and academic motivation in a blended learning environment. Moreover, a significant relationship was found between the high school students’ school climate perception and academic motivation. This indicates that the university still needs to give its attention to focus on improving its environment and school climate in order for its educational system to thrive. In connection with this, this paper suggests interventions to improve the implementation of blended learning at the secondary level.
Keeping the heart of community engagement beating in higher education: An interdisciplinary group work collaboration of social work and psychology academics
This conceptual review explores the transformative potential of community engagement through group work in high schools, with social work and psychology academics playing a pivotal role as an interdisciplinary team. Community engagement, often underestimated, is a crucial aspect of academia that this paper seeks to underscore. By addressing the diverse challenges high school learners face, the review highlights the importance of collaboration among academics and key stakeholders such as health and education departments, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Employing a narrative review approach that involves the systematic search, selection, and synthesis of existing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular topic, we synthesise literature from 2015 to 2024, demonstrating the benefits of group work in tackling challenges in high schools. Key themes identified include socio-economic disparities, mental health issues, substance abuse, and violence. These insights and the researchers’ expertise working with groups have culminated in developing practical guidelines. This paper provides guidelines for initiating group work, engaging stakeholders, and presenting existing successful interventions. Moreover, these guidelines empower social work and psychology academics as an interdisciplinary team to create supportive, collaborative school environments, ultimately contributing to better educational and social outcomes for high school learners.
Embracing change: Investigating Filipino preservice teachers’adjustments in response to ongoing flexible instructional delivery
In the dynamic landscape of education, continuous monitoring and evaluation of preservice teachers’ adjustments across various domains are essential to identify emerging challenges and implement proactive measures effectively. Thus, this study investigated Filipino preservice teachers’ adjustments in response to ongoing flexible instruction delivery. To answer this problem, the researcher developed a 54-item survey questionnaire on students’ adjustments administered to the 215 preservice teachers of the Philippine Normal University Visayas. The study’s findings revealed that the level of academic, social, and emotional adjustment of the preservice teachers is good. Findings also revealed no statistically significant difference between male and female preservice teachers’ academic, social, and emotional adjustment. Thus, this research underscores the importance of implementing holistic support mechanisms to address preservice teachers’ diverse academic, social, and emotional needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of preservice teachers’ adjustments across various domains are essential to identify emerging challenges and implement proactive measures effectively.
The role of Working Memory in enhancing listening comprehension for pre-intermediate Vietnamese EFL learners
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in interest regarding the interplay between Second Language (L2) Acquisition and Working Memory (WM). However, the impact of WM on L2 Listening Comprehension (LC) remains a subject of ongoing debate, as evidenced by inconsistent results from various empirical studies. Consequently, this study aims to explore the relationship between LC and WM capacity among novice English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. It also seeks to determine how the presentation mode of WM assessments, whether visual or auditory, affects L2 listening skills. The study collected data from 65 Vietnamese college beginners who participated in the DIALANG listening test and undertook memory tests, including both visual and auditory versions of the forward and backward Digit Span Tasks. Contrary to our expectations, the analysis revealed only a weak positive correlation between LC and WM. This tenuous connection is likely influenced by the participants’ L2 proficiency, individual characteristics, and the nature of the WM measures used. These findings add to the body of inconsistent evidence regarding the LC-WM relationship. The study discusses several pedagogical implications and acknowledges its limitations based on these results.
English language teaching anxiety: A case of junior high school teachers
Much research revealed language learning anxiety among elementary to middle school students and/or student teachers. Whereas English Language Teaching (ELT) anxiety among English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers has been understudied. Hence, the study explored ELT anxiety among ESL teachers. This case study investigated the causes of teaching anxiety and coping mechanisms among purposively selected three novice and three experienced ESL teachers in different public Junior High schools in the Philippines. Questionnaires and onsite interviews were used to gather relevant data. The study revealed that external and internal factors contribute to state and situation-specific ELT anxiety. The study also concluded that teachers employ varied teaching methods before and during the pandemic despite the anxiety felt while teaching. Furthermore, grounded on Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis it is recommended to impose training programs on ELT anxiety awareness, professional development targeting teachers’ Language weakness, and teaching assignments based on teacher’s qualification. In addition, this calls for the administration to consider additional staff or personnel to accomplish ancillary and administrative work instead of the teachers.
EFL teachers’ perceived challenges of implementing service-learning in higher education
Service-learning has gained popularity in global education due to its effective blending of academic instruction with practical community service experiences. Despite its transformative potential, this model poses significant challenges that have been overlooked in scholarly research. This is most evident in the Vietnamese educational landscape, where educators struggle with the unfamiliarity of service-learning and its incorporation into existing courses. Therefore, this study endeavored to explore the challenges Vietnamese EFL teachers experience when service-learning is implemented in higher education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four teachers and subsequently analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings identified four key aspects, namely students’ lack of commitment, workload, insufficient resources, and time constraints. Based on these challenges, this study provides pedagogical implications for teachers and administrators to grasp the obstacles of adapting service-learning, paving the way for innovative plans and reforms in Vietnam’s educational system.
On the practices of teachers to mathematics achievement of high school students
This study emphasizes the pivotal role of mathematics as a foundational prerequisite for diverse scientific and engineering disciplines. Its primary aim is to evaluate the teaching practices of mathematics in four national high schools, exploring elements such as professional development, technology integration, manipulative use, instructional strategies, and assessment methods. Employing a descriptive-normative methodology, the study engages mathematics educators and students from four national high schools in Bontoc District, Bontoc, and Southern Leyte, utilizing absolute, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques for data collection. The analysis employs various statistical measures, revealing notable practices, such as a focus on professional development, frequent use of instructional technology, and consistent application of instructional strategies. Most teachers are Mathematics majors with 06 - 15 years of teaching experience, while students predominantly achieve standard ratings. The study establishes a moderate correlation between professional development and students’ mathematics achievement, with the instructional strategy applied to be notably significant while teaching experience differences are not. Finally, mathematics teachers exhibit a dedicated commitment to enhancing professional development and serving as effective facilitators in the classroom. The study underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach, integrating diverse practices to optimize student outcomes and cultivate a dynamic and effective educational environment. Recommendations include integrating educational practices, fostering professional development, advocating for technology, promoting manipulative use, implementing assessments, and supporting teachers.
Factors influencing college students from rice farming families in the Philippines to pursue non-agricultural degrees
One of the most pressing global challenges today is the aging workforce in the agricultural sector, which poses significant threats to food security. Carodan (2016) highlights a concerning trend: many farmers notice that their children are not interested in farming and instead encourage them to pursue other career paths. This study investigates the factors influencing farmers’ children to pursue non-agricultural degrees and their limited interest in farming. Using a descriptive-quantitative methodology and purposive sampling, the research examines first-year non-agricultural students from farming backgrounds in a state university in the Philippines. The findings reveal that personal factors significantly shape their attitudes toward farming. Although these students possess farming skills and recognize their benefits, they have greater confidence in their current non-agricultural paths. Additionally, there is minimal influence from peers or parents on their career decisions. The study also notes an increasing trend of students selecting courses based on market demands to enhance their employability and economic efficiency.
Public sentiment on Covid-19 vaccination rollout through Twitter content analysis
This study looks at what people are saying about Covid-19 vaccines on Twitter. Text mining techniques and sentiment analysis were used to analyze the tweets and see what patterns and trends emerged. The study found that most tweets were positive, showing hope and confidence in vaccines. People believe vaccines can help reduce deaths, severe illness, and the spread of the virus. However, the result also noticed that people express different emotions like sadness, fear, joy, and surprise in their tweets. These emotions can change based on how people feel and what’s happening around them. Understanding how people think about Covid-19 vaccines can help policymakers, doctors, and community leaders. It can guide them in addressing concerns, sharing accurate information, and building vaccine trust. This can ultimately help in the fight against the pandemic.
Promoting pro-environmental behavior among university students: Does psychological green climate matter?
This study tests a model that explains how a university’s green climate can motivate students to exhibit pro-environmental behaviors. Specifically, the research model, which consists of the nexus between Psychological Green Climate (PSC), Green Self-Efficacy (GSE), Environmental Passion (EP), and Pro-environmental Behavior (PB), was proposed. A survey of 270 university students indicated that the psychological impact of green climate significantly impacts pro-environmental behavior, mediated by green self-efficacy and environmental passion. Furthermore, GSE has been found to have a moderating effect in strengthening the impact of PSC on EP. The research findings provide evidence of how and when university green strategies can fuel green behavior among the younger generation. Additionally, a cognitive collection consisting of GSE and EP was found to play a vital role in translating the university’s green climate into green behaviors.
Interaction-based activities in the teaching of speaking
This research assessed the acceptability and effectiveness of Interaction-based activities in teaching speaking to propose appropriate enhancements. It utilized two instruments - Interaction-based Activities and the Acceptability Survey Questionnaire. The Descriptive normative survey, which involved the analysis of the Interaction-based Activities in its acceptability through the Acceptability Survey Questionnaire and effectiveness in developing students’communicative performance through the 49 student-respondents, was utilized in this research. The findings using the Interaction-based activities through the statistical treatment of Pearson r showed that the student’s performance in communicative and discourse competence is approaching proficiency, and strategic competence is proficient. On the other hand, the four aspects of the Interaction-based activities’acceptability level, as perceived by the student respondents, received an acceptable response. Moreover, a moderate positive correlation exists between learners’performance and their perceived acceptability level. The following conclusions are capsulized based on the findings: Interaction-based activities using Jose Garcia Villa’s select poems are accepted and can be improved for utilization to develop learners’performance in discourse and strategic competence anchored on Lev Vygotsky’s Interactionist Theory and Canale and Swain’s Communicative Competence Theory. Based on these findings and conclusions, it is recommended that enhanced interaction-based activities be utilized to refine Grade VII learners’communicative competence.
Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the life of criminology students
This paper aims to look at the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the life of Criminology students. A descriptive-correlational study utilized a researcher-modified survey questionnaire conducted on 342 Criminology students using a two-stage stratified random sampling technique. Frequency, percentage distribution, weighted mean, highest frequency, ranking, and Spearman’s rho Correlation were the statistical treatments used to quantify the data. The study also explored student experiences with off-site learning and the pandemic’s impact on their social life, emotions, and overall circumstances. Finally, we examined the relationship between student satisfaction and their perception of the pandemic’s consequences. The findings reveal overall satisfaction with academic life, though library access and financial services received lower ratings. Interestingly, despite concerns about finances, future careers, and education due to the pandemic, students generally maintained a positive outlook and connected with loved ones online. However, a significant correlation emerged between student satisfaction and their perception of the pandemic’s impact. Based on these findings, we recommend improvements to support student well-being: explore online platforms and Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate access to library materials, establish online platforms for accessing financial aid and accounting services, implement a counseling hotline, and increase mental health awareness seminars.
Cultural and linguistic mapping in Laguna Province: Preserving indigenous heritage and communication
This study explored the cultural and linguistic mapping in Laguna Province in preserving indigenous heritage and communication. The study employed the narrative inquiry method. The study participants were ten residents across various towns and cities in Laguna. They were interviewed and asked to tell their stories and experiences. The data collected underwent coding and thematic analyses. The research uncovers four key themes: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Evolution, Linguistic Diversity and Proficiency, Challenges in Preserving Cultural Heritage in a Changing Society, and Community Engagement and Participation in Cultural Preservation. These themes underscore the urgent need to protect cultural traditions against globalization, urbanization, and technological advancements. Likewise, it revealed themes from residents’ testimonials, offering deep insights into their experiences. The first theme highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions while allowing them to evolve, emphasizing culture’s dynamic nature and the need for ongoing efforts to safeguard it. The second theme focuses on the linguistic diversity in the province, stressing the value of proficiency in multiple languages for shaping cultural identity and promoting communication. The third theme explores the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in a rapidly changing society where globalization, urbanization, and environmental factors threaten traditional practices. Lastly, the study underscores the significance of community involvement, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial to preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Thus, the Tradition, Roots, Evolution, Engagement (TREE) Model is introduced to encapsulate these themes and provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in cultural preservation. The findings offer significant insights into the challenges and motivations driving cultural and linguistic preservation, aiming to inspire respect and recognition for Laguna’s diverse cultural practices. Acknowledging limitations such as a small sample size, the study calls for further research with a broader and more diverse participant base to deepen the understanding of cultural and linguistic dynamics in the province. Ultimately, the study aspires to contribute to policy-making and educational initiatives that support the revitalization of indigenous languages and the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.
Contributors to the unrelatedness between jobs and degrees of Social Sciences Graduates
There is a persistent challenge of educational and employment mismatch in the Philippines, especially notable among Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences graduates at Central Luzon State University. This research delves into the contributors of the unrelatedness between jobs and degrees through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, employing snowball sampling and thematic analysis. Using the Psychology of Working Theory, the researchers systematically investigate the reasons contributing to career decision-making. Personal factors like academic struggles, passion for socialization, and the need for immediate employment shape their choices. Social pressures, workplace dynamics, and economic considerations, including familial obligations and wage disparities, also play significant roles. These findings underscore the complex interplay of personal, social, and economic factors in employment decisions. Recommendations include enhancing career counseling, facilitating networking, ensuring transparent recruitment, and providing financial and job placement support to address graduates’ challenges effectively.
Empirical evidence on the practice of latitude of discretion in personnel selection: Basis for an informed intervention
This study addresses the notable gap in understanding the application of latitude of discretion in personnel selection. It then adds value to the practice and existing literature in public personnel administration by presenting empirical data on how the latitude of discretion was applied and justified. The qualitative exploratory case study design was adopted due to the limited research on the topic. This study was conducted in a government agency in Baguio City, Philippines. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling using the following criteria: they must be directly involved in the agency’s recruitment process and willing to participate in the study. Document analysis and member checks were also employed to add weight to the accuracy and validity of the findings. Data were treated using the thematic analysis. The findings reveal that despite a rigorous recruitment process comprising vacancy postings, initial screenings, aptitude tests, and panel interviews, most hires were from rank 5 rather than higher-ranked applicants. Additionally, the study highlights that subjective criteria such as “attitude” and “work experience” affected the hiring decisions of the appointing officers. The research contributes to the broader discussion on integrating discretion with merit-based criteria in personnel selection. It provides empirical evidence on the application of discretion, emphasizing the importance of developing detailed guidelines to ensure hiring practices are fair and aligned with organizational goals. This insight is crucial for improving recruitment processes’ transparency and accountability, aligning with Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory and Administrative Control Theory.
Parental involvement and educational outcomes for Aeta indigenous peoples in Botolan, Zambales Philippines: A descriptive study
This study examines parental involvement and its impact on the educational outcomes of the Aeta community in Botolan, Zambales, focusing on parental management, financial support, and parent-teacher collaboration. Using researcher-designed questionnaires and a 5-point Likert scale, data were collected from randomly selected participants to assess engagement levels. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to explore variations in parental involvement based on demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and educational attainment. Results indicate that age, gender, occupation, family size, and recreational activities do not significantly affect parental engagement, reflecting consistent commitment across demographic groups. However, monthly income and educational attainment significantly influence overall involvement, with higher levels linked to greater engagement. Despite these disparities, financial support and parent-teacher collaboration emerged as universal priorities among parents. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening parent-school partnerships to enhance parental involvement. Schools are encouraged to provide workshops, regular updates, and literacy programs alongside fostering effective communication through newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms. Addressing socioeconomic and educational disparities through targeted programs and flexible participation options can empower parents to support their children’s academic and holistic development effectively.
Unveiling the culture of cogtonganon through Timori: A coded native dialect
Timori, a coded dialect used by the Cogtonganons, has long been a subject of interest in the study. Despite its prominence among the Cogtonganons, it is being endangered of becoming obsolete due to various social and environmental changes. This study aims to amplify the relevance of the Timori as a cultural body and analyze its profound influence on the Cogtonganons’ identity as speakers of this distinctive linguistic code. Ethnography is used to collect and analyze data from eight key informants aged 55 and above through in-depth interviews. The key informants are natural, born in barangay Cogtong, and considered native residents. Interview data were then recorded and transcribed for the analysis. Using a thematic analysis, five themes emerged: the Spanish era, elders’ wisdom through wit and tradition, cultural narrative on folk survival, whispers of community in strengthening social bonds, and closely-knit nature. These themes exemplify that the Timori dialect has been a significant element in the culture of the Cogtonganons as they mark their collective identity. Cogtonganons have demonstrated a strong connection between their language and cultural practices, as evidenced by the preservation of traditions and the transmission of knowledge across generations, and even in far places, they still recognize their being Cogtonganons. Timori, with its nuanced expressions and deep-rooted symbolism, serves as a unifying force, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a sense of shared belonging among the Cogtonganon community.
Parenting and academic experience: The dual roles of motherhood and student life
Education is a transformative force, particularly for women, as it facilitates empowerment and promotes gender equality. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of individuals entering tertiary education, including a rising number of student mothers. Hence, this study aims to explore the unique experiences faced by student mothers in navigating their dual roles as both students and mothers. Using purposive sampling, ten (10) student-mothers were interviewed, and their experiences were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The findings revealed 03 major themes: (1) the lived experiences of student-mothers, which include conflicting demands, finances, self-neglect, feelings of inadequacy and guilt, social stigma, and support system; (2) personal meanings they provide for their experiences; which includes motivations, disappointments, character improvements, fulfillment, and lessons learned; and (3) their aspirations and inspirations, such as proving themselves, drawing inspiration from their family, and their dreams for themselves and their children. These findings emphasize the diverse experiences of student mothers, ranging from their hardships to how they provide meaning to their experiences. Recommendations for supporting student-mothers include tutoring services, class considerations and exemptions, scholarship programs, and counseling services to assist them in fulfilling their dual roles effectively.
Nurses’ creativity in the Vietnamese public hospitals: The role of responsible leadership and trust in leader
This study investigates the nexus between Responsible Leadership (RL) and Employee Creativity (EC) in the Vietnamese public healthcare sector, examining the mediating role of Affective Organisational Commitment (AOC) and the moderating effect of trust in a leader (TRU). Based on Exchange Theory (SET), the research employs a questionnaire survey, collecting data from 234 nurses chosen through a quota sampling approach in public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) results show a significant relationship between RL and EC. More importantly, findings reveal a significant association between RL and AOC, which subsequently enhances the EC of nurses. Furthermore, we found a stronger positive relationship between RL and EC when nurses showed higher levels of TRU. These insights offer valuable theoretical contributions to understanding RL’s influence in the healthcare sector and practical implications for enhancing EC through effective RL styles. As a result, healthcare organizations ought to develop a set of values that emphasize social responsibility and encourage hospital leaders to be strong advocates for it.
Teachers’ perceptions of the roleplaying technique in teaching English speaking skills to non-English major students
Roleplaying is considered a prominent teaching technique for teaching English speaking skills. However, little has been known about how teachers perceive its benefits, challenges, and learning outcomes when applying this technique to teaching English-speaking skills to predominantly non-English-major students. The case study, employing a mixed-method design, was conducted at Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMC OU). There were ten participants for quantitative data collected via questionnaire and 02 interviewees for semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze data. The findings revealed that the participants perceived that the roleplaying technique significantly impacted students’ English confidence. However, the participants held neutrality regarding improving pronunciation and grammatical accuracy when teachers apply roleplaying techniques in teaching English speaking skills. The researcher draws some pedagogical implications and recommendations for future research based on the findings.
Rhetorical structure of introduction chapter in Vietnamese English-majored undergraduate’s theses
This research investigates the rhetorical structure of the Introduction chapter of English major undergraduate theses, adopting Swales’ Create-A-Research-Space framework (Swales, 1990, 2004). The data encompassed Introduction chapters of 30 theses written by English-majored students at a university in Vietnam. Move analysis was used to identify the frequencies of moves, steps, and patterns. Results indicated that all the introduction chapters in the corpus conform strictly to three moves in the model. However, students tend to employ fewer steps, in which gap-indication and result-presentation steps are not given sufficient attention. Findings from this research offer pedagogical implications for embedding the rhetorical genre structure of the thesis in writing courses for English major students. The study also recommends integrating critical thinking skills in the educational program at B University and other institutions of similar contexts to sharpen their scientific mindset in academic writing skills.
Embracing e-learning in a higher education institution in the Philippines
Although online learning plays an increasingly significant role in education, this learning strategy cannot be fully implemented unless resources, the efficacy of key players, and the intention to use the modality are given utmost attention. In this context, this study was conceptualized to identify the readiness of higher education students in terms of technology resources, technology self-efficacy, and willingness to embrace online learning, utilizing descriptive-correlational research design. A survey was conducted among systematically and randomly sampled students in a higher education institution, which included both sexes and various year levels from its three campuses, to gain a better grasp of the current situation of the university. An expert-validated and reliability-tested survey questionnaire was used to gather data. Findings revealed that cellular phones were widely used; cellular data was the data connection source of the majority; the Internet was mainly described at moderate speed; and blended learning was preferred by many. Weak correlations existed between available gadgets, Internet speed, and learning modality preference, with a willingness to embrace e-learning. Technology efficacy was positively and moderately correlated with willingness to embrace online learning. Thus, one’s desire to embrace online learning was greatly influenced by his effectiveness in using technologies. With this, students’ technology self-efficacy should be considered an essential factor in implementing online learning in the University while considering other variables. Should online learning be implemented, students must be disciplined and directed towards active learning. At the same time, teachers require professional development in using this technology to take advantage of the benefits of online learning.
Understanding stress and satisfaction of private teachers: A correlation analysis and K-means clustering
Stress is caused by weariness at work due to unpleasant experiences, adversely affecting job satisfaction and well-being. This article study focuses on elucidating the level of job stress and satisfaction of private teachers in Abuyog and Jaro, Leyte, Philippines. Additionally, the study investigated the association between stress and satisfaction across different levels. A cross-sectional study was employed to gather primary data through a census of private teachers. Data was collected through a constructed questionnaire and summarized with standard descriptive metrics in statistics. The K-means clustering approach determined the relationship among variables (stress and satisfaction) across different levels. Results disclosed that, on average, private teachers are moderately stressed and satisfied at their work. In addition, it is shown that the higher the stress level at work, the lower their satisfaction is based on their correlation. Moreover, the K-means clustering approach has portrayed that private teachers can be categorized into two clusters. The first cluster (Cluster 0) comprises teachers with a lower level of stress and a higher level of satisfaction. The second cluster (Cluster 1) comprises teachers with moderate stress and satisfaction levels. Conclusively, teaching in a private institution can be stressful due to the high demand for work, which can negatively affect the well-being of teachers. Hence, the study suggests that school heads must consider adjusting the work assignments and provide enough incentives to boost teachers’ satisfaction and promote productivity and well-being.