BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVESITY

MAIN CAMPUS
Telefax: (6347) 2372350
Website: www.bpsu.ed.ph GRADUATE SCHOOL
Email : batpenstateu@yahoo.com City of Balanga 2100 Bataan, Philippines

REFLECTION PAPER NO. 4

Student : JENSE C. GATDULA
Program : DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
Course : Problems & Issues in Education & National Development
Time : 11:30 am to 3:00 pm ( Saturday )
Professor : Dr. ROLAND M. FRONDA

Issues and Problems in the Graduate Schools in the Philippines

Graduate education is rigorous, career-focused, and at times may appear more
challenging than undergraduate study. It provides both fresh obstacles that pupils have
never faced before and some old ones that are brought up again. Graduate school can be
equally fulfilling and challenging for students.
According to University of Bridgeport, there are several issues and common
problems that the Graduate school has and these issues and problems also noticed
nowadays. One of the most common and first issues is the “ time management”. The
capacity to effectively and efficiently manage their time is one of the main issues graduate
students encounter. Many graduate students are already juggling a multitude of
responsibilities at once, including caring for themselves, managing households, working
multiple jobs, and raising families. The busy schedule just became busier when you add
education on top of those obligations. Therefore, it is important to intentionally nurture
and cultivate time management skills and programs for both graduate programs and
students. The efficiency with which a student manages their time frequently determines
whether or not they will graduate on time. Graduate programs also have free resources to
help them balance all their tasks. For example, students can tap into resources like mentors
and tutors, as well as counseling when needed.
Second, “ financial problems”, graduate students are often responsible for finding
and funding their own financial support. And the cost of higher education alone can be a
huge hurdle to one’s studies. Luckily, the Division of Bataan has its program called “ Gurong
Iskolae” wherein graduate students can pursue their study for free. One of the sources of
stress for students that has been observed among higher education systems in different
parts of the world relates to financial pressures (Aherne, 2001; Joo, Durband, & Grable,
2008; Roberts, Golding, Towell, & Weinreb, 1999). Not surprisingly, stress related to
financial strain and uncertainty has a negative impact on student well-being (Mahmoud,
Staten, Hall, & Lennie, 2012; Smyth, Hockemeyer, Heron, Wonderlich, & Pennebaker, 2008).
Students’ financial stress is associated with higher self-reported mental health needs
(Hyun, Quinn, Madon, & Lustig, 2006), difficulties in college adjustment (Meehan & Negy,
2003), and a range of adverse behaviors, social relations, and academic outcomes (Adams,
Meyers, & Beidas, 2016; Northern, O’Brien, & Goetz, 2010).
Third, “writing papers”, Graduate degrees are inherently known for the amount of
writing required in the classes and for a lengthy thesis and dissertations. Graduate students
speculate that it's challenging to write papers. It involves a lot of work, money, and other
challenges. Additionally, they believed that completing 36 units of graduate coursework
would be sufficient for them. They are adamant about writing their papers for a variety of
reasons, including their fear of having to defend them. Lack of writing direction and low
self-confidence are two further factors that prevent individuals from writing (Steinke
2011).
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVESITY
MAIN CAMPUS
Telefax: (6347) 2372350
Website: www.bpsu.ed.ph GRADUATE SCHOOL
Email : batpenstateu@yahoo.com City of Balanga 2100 Bataan, Philippines
Writing academic papers like theses and dissertations is undoubtedly difficult.
Graduate students, lecturers, and practitioners are under pressure as a result of this. It's
possible to compare writing to fine arts like painting and sculpture. To develop compliance,
it takes time and thoughtful effort. But in order to further their careers and support the
teaching profession, thesis authors must overcome these difficult situations.
( Howell ,2013).
Third, “sense of belonging”, Graduate students may experience issues with
belonging. According to research, graduate students' yearning for interpersonal
connections is what gives them a sense of belonging. Consider programs with peer
mentorship, teacher-student mentoring, and network events that link students with the
faculty, the administration, and their peers in order to build a sense of belonging and
community. Even if you may want to have a great relationship with your adviser or
professor, keep in mind that there can be obstacles in the road. For instance, your adviser
might be too busy to meet with you as frequently as you'd like, or when they do, they might
be interrupted by phone calls or unexpected visitors. What are your options as a graduate
student, then? Don't let it bother you. These interruptions are not about you; your boss has
a lot on her plate. Together, decide on the ideal time of day, day of the week, and even the
place for your meetings. Do you prefer a phone conversation, virtual meeting, or email for
your queries to be answered? The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you are part of
a team with your supervisor, fellow graduate students, and yourself.
Lastly, having an “impostor syndrome”, also known as the imposter phenomenon,
is characterized by self-doubt while taking on new tasks, a pervasive dread of being
discovered as lacking the necessary skills to succeed, and difficulty believing in your own
value. Additionally, even when success is attained, many who suffer from imposter
syndrome think their success was the consequence of luck rather than talent. Take heart if
you relate to the description of the imposter phenomenon. There are techniques to get rid
of the notion that you fall short: talk to your mentors, know your expertise, remember what
you do well, realize no one is perfect, change your thinking, and talk to someone who can
help.
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVESITY
MAIN CAMPUS
Telefax: (6347) 2372350
Website: www.bpsu.ed.ph GRADUATE SCHOOL
Email : batpenstateu@yahoo.com City of Balanga 2100 Bataan, Philippines

References
American Psychological Association ( APA)

Challenges of the Graduate Students in Thesis writing : A Locus-of-Hope for

Educational Advancement ( Philippines Journal) by: Zenia Lacaba
https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=14466

Financial Stress and Well – Being of Filipino Students: The Moderating Role of
Locus – of – Hope Allan Bernardo University of Macau, Katrina Fernando
De La Salle University

University of Bridgeport News https://www.bridgeport.edu/news/common-grad-

school-challenges-and-how-to-overcome-them/