FACTORS INFLUENCING COURSE SELECTION: A STUDY ON WHAT

GRADE 12 STEM STUDENTS IN BULIHAN INTEGRATED NATIONAL

HIGHSCHOOL CONSIDERING WHEN SELECTING COLLEGE COURSE

___________________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in English 10

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A Research Report
Presented to:
Mrs. Marivie Peñalba
English Teacher

_________________________________

Presented by:
Cabundoc, Christine Ibarra, Cyrell Jhon

Canlas, Carlo Maloto, Mark Nickson

Cerdenia, Jhesa Maulion, Anthony
Cornejo, Ashlyn Reyes, Atasha Mhae
De Leon, Princess Nathalie Tumulac, Mark Louie
 JUNE 23, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I. THE RESEARCH AND ITS BACKGROUND

A. Introduction …………………………………………………………..….…..1-2

B. Statement of the problem ………………………………………………........2-3

C. Scope and Delimitation ………………………………………………….…..3

D. Significance of the Study ………………………………………………...….4

E. Definition of Terms …………………………………………………………5

Chapter II. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

A. Factors In Grade 12 College Course Selection ………………...……………6-7

B. Parents/Guardians Influence in College Course Selection ………………….7-9

C. Grade 12 Students Knowledge About Their Strand Courses …………….….9-10

CHAPTER III. CONCLUSION / SUMMARY FINDINGS ……………………..11-12

CHAPTER IV. RECOMMENDATION……………………………………………13

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES
 CHAPTER 1

THE RESEARCH AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, education is seen as a universally recognized answer to

socioeconomic issues around the world. Many people thought of education as their light

to conquer poverty, unemployment, and hunger. Thus, as the world aspires a high quality

of education, students, especially those who are struggling to select their courses, will

have to be wise in choosing their career path and pick the best one that they think will

help them refine their skills and potential as they pursue their life in college.

Choosing a career path is indeed a crucial decision for students, as it can

significantly impact their future prospects and personal fulfillment. It is important for

students to consider their interests, skills, and aspirations when making this choice. They

should explore various career options and gather information about the different fields

they are interested in. Conducting thorough research, speaking to college students in

those fields, and seeking guidance from career counselors can provide valuable insights

and help students make informed decisions.

Moreover, students should also consider the current and future demand for their

chosen career path. With the rapid advancement of technology and the changing

dynamics of the job market, it is essential to choose a career that aligns with the evolving

needs of the economy, like the stem students who have a large pool of choices because of

the demand. This includes considering the potential for growth, employability, and job

security in a particular field.

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 By selecting a career path that has a promising outlook, students can increase their

chances of finding rewarding employment opportunities upon graduation.

Lastly, it is crucial for students to remember that their career choice should not be

solely driven by external factors such as salary or societal expectations. While financial

stability is important, finding passion and personal fulfillment in one's chosen career is

equally vital. Students should aim to pursue a field that resonates with their interests,

values, and long-term goals. When individuals are genuinely passionate about their work,

they are more likely to excel and find joy in their professional endeavors, leading to a

more fulfilling and meaningful life. In conclusion, choosing a career path requires careful

consideration and research. By assessing their interests, skills, and aspirations, as well as

evaluating the demand and potential for growth in different fields, students can make

informed decisions that align with their personal and professional goals. Pursuing a

career that combines passion, fulfillment, and the potential for future success can pave

the way for a rewarding and prosperous future.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The process of selecting college courses is a critical decision for Grade 12 STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students in as it shapes their

academic and career trajectory. However, these students often encounter difficulties and

face numerous challenges during the course selection process.

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 Understanding the factors influencing their decision-making and the specific

difficulties they encounter is essential for educational institutions to provide effective

guidance and support. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing

course selection and identify the difficulties faced by Grade 12 STEM students in BINHS

when selecting college courses. By addressing these issues, the study aims to contribute

valuable insights to improve the course selection process and ensure better educational

outcomes for these students.

1. Why do Grade 12 students find it difficult to make decision in choosing career?

2. What strategies can be employed to provide personalized guidance to incoming

college students who are struggling with their choice of major?

3. What are some difficulties that occur to you when choosing your college course?

4. How do personal interests and passions impact the course selection process for Grade

12 STEM students in BINHS?

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The purpose of this proposed study is to assist indecisive incoming Grade 12

students in exploring and comparing various college majors and their respective career

paths. The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, particularly when

students are faced with the challenge of selecting a major that aligns with their interests,

abilities, and future career goals.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Students - It will Increase awareness of the factors that influence their course

selection. By studying this topic, students can gain a better understanding of the various

factors that influence their decision-making process when it comes to selecting college

courses. This awareness can help them make more informed decisions and choose

courses that are better suited to their interests and career goals. It can also Improve

decision-making skills. Studying this topic can help students develop better decision-

making skills by providing them with a framework for analyzing and evaluating the

various factors that influence their course selection. This can help them make more

rational and objective decisions, rather than relying solely on subjective factors such as

peer pressure or personal preferences. It is also for better career planning Understanding

the difficulties faced by Grade 12 STEM students when selecting college courses can

help students plan their careers more effectively. By identifying the factors that influence

course selection, students can gain insights into the skills and knowledge that are in high

demand in their chosen fields, and can choose courses that will help them develop these

skills. Lastly it will improved academic performance. By selecting courses that are well-

suited to their interests and career goals, students are more likely to be engaged and

motivated in their studies. This can lead to improved academic performance and better

outcomes in their chosen careers. Overall, studying this topic can provide students with

valuable insights into the course selection process and help them make better-informed

decisions about their academic and career paths.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Aspire - direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving something

Career trajectory - refers to the journey your career takes as you move through different

roles, companies and stages of your professional life.

Conquer - to gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or opposition

Crucial - extremely important or involving an extremely important decision or course of

action.

Endeavor - endeavor means, try hard to do or achieve something.

Prosperous - successful in material terms; flourishing financially.

Policy makers - a person responsible for making policy, especially in government.

Socio-economic - related to the differences between groups of people caused mainly by

their financial situation.

Vital - vital means, absolutely necessary or important; essential.

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 CHAPTER 2

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

FACTORS IN GRADE 12 COLLEGE COURSE SELECTION

Choosing college courses is a significant decision for Grade 12 STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students. This process involves numerous

factors that influence their choices, and understanding these factors is crucial for

educational institutions and policymakers. The present study aims to examine the

difficulties faced by Grade 12 STEM students at BINHS (hypothetical school) in

selecting college courses and identify the key factors influencing their decision-making

process.

Figure 1

1.2
21.1
Interests and Passion
Financial Considerations
Future Opportunities
52.6% Parent's Influence

26.3%

In figure 1, 52.6% of STEM students in the 12th grade give more consideration to

their interests and passions when selecting a college course.

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 On the other hand, 26.3% of STEM students in the 12th grade examine their financial

situation.Whether they like it or not, whether they want it or not, picking a college course

is difficult for them when they are struggling financially or are in a precarious financial

situation. They are left with no option but to select a different path. In contrast, the data

we have collected indicates that future opportunities are the least taken into account.

When picking a course for college, only 21.1% of students choose their college courses

based on their potential career paths. And last, parental influence. The statistics indicate

that no students give their parents' influence a second thought. Why these pupils didn't

give it any thought is something we will never know. It could be that the child is

preoccupied with interests other than what their parents desire. They are primarily

concentrated on where they hope to be in the near future.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS INFLUENCE IN COLLEGE COURSE SELECTION

Choosing a college course is a significant milestone in a student's life, as it sets the

foundation for their academic and professional journey. While the decision-making

process typically lies in the hands of the student, it is undeniable that parents and

guardians play a crucial role in influencing and shaping their child's choices. The

guidance, opinions, and expectations of parents can have a profound impact on the course

selection process.

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 Figure 2

21%
32% Yes
No
Maybe

47%

The data presented provides insights into the perceived influence of parents and
guardians on college course selection. The responses indicate that 21.1% of the
participants acknowledged their parents or guardians influence, while 47.4% firmly
believed that their parents or guardians influence did not impact their choice of college
courses. Additionally, 31.6% of the respondents expressed uncertainty or the possibility
of parental or guardian influence. This data shows that parental or guardian influence on
college course selection is not universally perceived by the graduating Grade 12 students.
The majority of respondents feel that they have made independent choices regarding their
college courses, indicating a sense of autonomy and personal decision-making. On the
other hand, the significant proportion of respondents who selected "maybe" suggests that
they acknowledge the potential influence of their parents or guardians but are uncertain
about its extent. Further research will be advised in order to understand the underlying
factors contributing to these responses.

Factors such as cultural background, socioeconomic status, educational aspirations,

and family expectations could play a role in shaping the perception of parental or
guardian influence. Conducting interviews or surveys could help gather more in-depth
information about the nature of parental or guardian influence on college course
selection, providing a richer understanding of the topic.

GRADE 12 STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR STRAND COURSES

As Grade 12 students prepare to take their next step towards higher education and
future careers, understanding their strand courses becomes paramount. The senior high
school program offers specialized strands that allow students to delve deeper into specific
fields of study, providing them with a foundation for their chosen path.

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 Figure 3

0.368 Yes
No
Maybe
0.579

0.068

Based on the data you provided, it appears that 36.8% of respondents feel they
have enough information about the different college courses available to them, while
6.8% do not feel they have enough information.
The majority of respondents, 57.9%, are unsure or have mixed feelings, indicating
that they may need more information or have varying levels of confidence in their
knowledge about college courses. This data suggests that there is a significant portion of
individuals who are uncertain or lack sufficient information about the different college
courses available to them. This may indicate a need for improved access to information,
guidance, or resources related to college courses. Further research could explore the
factors contributing to this uncertainty and identify potential strategies to address it, such
as improved career counseling, informational materials, or online platforms that provide
comprehensive and easily accessible information about college courses.

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 CHAPTER 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the research conducted on the factors influencing course selection

and difficulties faced by Grade 12 STEM students in selecting college courses provides

valuable insights into the decision-making process and the challenges these students

encounter.

The data revealed that Grade 12 students find it difficult to make decisions in

choosing a career due to various factors. While some students prioritize their interests

and passions, others consider their financial situation or future opportunities. Parental

influence was not perceived as a significant factor by the majority of respondents.

The research emphasizes the need for personalized guidance to assist incoming

college students who are struggling with their choice of major. By providing access to

resources, career counseling, and comprehensive information about different majors and

career paths, educational institutions can better support students in making informed

decisions.

Difficulties faced by Grade 12 STEM students in choosing their college courses

include uncertainty about their knowledge of available courses and mixed feelings about

their level of information. This highlights the importance of providing adequate

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information and resources to help students gain a better understanding of their options

and make confident choices.

The impact of personal interests and passions on the course selection process for Grade

12 STEM students in BINHS was found to be significant, with the majority of students

giving priority to their own interests when making their decisions. This underscores the

importance of aligning career choices with personal aspirations and goals to ensure

fulfillment and success in their chosen fields.

Overall, the research underscores the significance of informed decision-making,

personalized guidance, and access to resources in the course selection process for Grade

12 students. By addressing these factors and challenges, educational institutions can

improve the outcomes and satisfaction of students as they embark on their academic and

professional journeys.

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 CHAPTER 4

RECOMMENDATIONS

We highly recommend this research project to incoming Grade 12 students. The

study's relevant and useful information comes from questionnaires that were taken by

grade 12 students themselves. Additionally, we fervently urge academics to take this

research work into account as it presents a chance for education and understanding in this

area. This study sheds insight on the potential impacts of these two movie platforms on

academic performance, thus parents of students are also encouraged to read it. As stress

associated to these platforms can affect people of all ages, this research is an important

resource for helping those who struggling to choose what path they're taking on.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES

https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/people-changing-education/

https://www.academia.edu/79697194/FACTORS_AFFECTING_GRADE_12_STUDEN

TS_COURSE_SELECTION_IN_THE_MIDST_OF_PANDEMIC

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330815017_FACTORS_INFLUENCING_ON_

GRADE_12_STUDENTS_CHOSEN_COURSES_IN_JAGOBIAO_NATIONAL_HIGH

_SCHOOL_-_SENIOR_HIGH_SCHOOL_DEPARTMENT

https://www.scribd.com/document/441696205/Challenges-Faced-by-Grade-12-STEM-

Students

https://www.merriam-webster.com

https://www.dictionary.cambridge.org.com

https://www.dictionary.cambridge.org.com

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 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

NAME:

GRADE & SECTION:

SEX:

1. How would you rate the level of difficulty in choosing a college course? (Scale of 1 to

5, with 1 being very dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied)

2. What factors do you consider when choosing a college course?

A. Interests and Passion

B. Financial Considerations

C. Future Opportunities

D. Parent's Influence

3. Do you feel that you have enough information about the different college courses

available to you?

A. Yes

B. No

4. Do you feel that your parents or guardians have influenced your college course

selection?

A. Yes

B. No

5. On a scale of 1 to 5, how anxious or stressed do you feel about making the right

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 decision regarding college course selection? Scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very

dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied)

6. How satisfied are you with the guidance and support you have received regarding

course selection? (Scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very dissatisfied and 5 being very

satisfied)

7. What specific difficulties or challenges have you encountered while selecting a college

course? (Open-ended response)

8. How influential are recommendations from friends, family, or mentors in your course

selection?

A. Very influential

B. Moderately influential

C. Slightly influential

D. Not influential at all

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 APPENDIX B

Figure 1.1

1.2
21.1
Interests and Passion
Financial Considerations
Future Opportunities
52.6% Parent's Influence

26.3%

Figure 1.1 shows what Grade 12 STEM Students considering when choosing college

courses.

Figure 1.2

21%
32% Yes
No
Maybe

47%

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Figure 1.2 shows the insights of the perceived influence of parents and guardians on

college course selection.

Figure 1.3

0.368 Yes
No
Maybe
0.579

0.068

Figure 1.3 shows the comparison of the respondents who feels they have enough

information about the courses that are available to them. the available % of the

respondents answered "Yes," indicating that they feel they have enough information about

the different college courses available to them. These individuals seem to be confident in

their knowledge and understanding of the available courses. ion about the different college

courses available to them. These individuals seem to be confident in their knowledge and

understanding of available courses002E 36.8% of the respondents answered "Yes," indicating

that they feel they have enough information about the different college courses available to

ege

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