Parental Guidance and

Learners’ Career Choice

 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
 Background of the Study
Students live in a world of constant change, the transitions
from elementary to junior high school, to senior, and to college
occur at a fast pace. As students develop, it is essential for them
to choose a career path. One that will set them up for the rest of
their lives. With over 22 million students enrolled all over the
Philippines (ABS-CBN News, 2023), choosing the right career will
be the difference between a life of satisfaction or disappointment.
Background of the Study

The influence of parental supervision on a student's attitude

toward career exploration and choosing is important. Parents frequently
act as a child's first and most important career counselors. (American
Psychological Association, 2017) Throughout the decision-making
process, they can offer valuable insights, inspiration, and emotional
support. However, it's critical to recognize that depending on cultural,
social, and personal characteristics, the effects of parental supervision can
differ greatly.
Background of the Study

The rationale for researching the correlation between parental

guidance and career choice stems from the recognition that students
undergo crucial transitions during their academic journey, and selecting
a career path is a pivotal decision that can significantly shape their
future. Given the large number of students enrolled in the Philippines
and the potential impact on their satisfaction and success in life,
understanding the role of parental guidance becomes paramount.
Background of the Study

This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring

and analyzing the correlation between parental guidance and career choice. By
conducting empirical research and considering various influencing factors, we aim to
gain a deeper understanding of how parental guidance impacts career decisions and
the potential implications for individuals' career satisfaction and success. Moreover,
the findings of this study will not only provide insights into the role of parents in career
development but also inform the development of more targeted career counseling
programs and interventions. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to make
informed and fulfilling career choices that align with their aspirations and values while
acknowledging the significance of parental guidance in this process.
 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the Parental

Guidance and Learners’ Career Choice of the
Grade 12 learners of Dalid National High
School for the School Year 2023-2024.
Specifically, this study will seek answers for the
following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of sex, monthly

household income, parent’s educational attainment and academic
performance?
2. What is the level of Parental Guidance of learners when taken as a whole
and when classified according to sex, monthly household income,
parent’s educational attainment and academic performance?
3. What is the career choice of learners when taken as a whole and when
classified according to sex, monthly household income, parent’s
educational attainment and academic performance?
Specifically, this study will seek answers for the
following questions:

4. Are there significant differences in the parental guidance when

classified according to sex, monthly household income, parent’s
educational attainment and academic performance?
5. Are there significant differences in the learners career choice when
classified according to sex, monthly household income, parent’s
educational attainment and academic performance?
6. Is there a significant relationship in the parental guidance and
career choice of the learners?
Research Hypotheses
Based on the foregoing questions, the following hypothesis is hereby advanced:
1. There are no significant differences in the level of parental guidance of the
learners when taken as a whole and when classified according to sex, monthly
household income, parent’s educational attainment and academic
performance.
2. There are no significant differences in the career choice of the learners when
taken as a whole and when classified according to sex, monthly household
income, parent’s educational attainment and academic performance.
3. There is no significant relationship in the level of parental guidance and career
choice of the learners.
Theoretical Framework

This research will be guided by Albert Bandura’s “Social Cognitive Theory''.

The theory posits that our learning is heavily influenced by our interactions
within social environments. It suggests that individuals can acquire new
behaviors by observing others, particularly when the observed behavior is
positive and the overall experience is favorable. This process involves
assimilating and imitating observed behaviors. The person exhibiting the
behavior serves as a "model," and the entire learning process is referred to as
modeling. Modeling encompasses not only simple imitation but also involves
more in-depth identification processes, where individuals strive to emulate and
become like the person they are observing.
Theoretical Framework

Through the observation of others' behaviors, people gain the ability to

imitate those behaviors themselves, sometimes adopting the observed
behaviors as a model for their own conduct. In relation, that career
choices are influenced by a dynamic interplay of personal factors,
environmental factors, and behavioral factors. The theory emphasizes the
role of observational learning, social influence, and self-efficacy in career
development. By applying this framework, the study aims to understand
how parental guidance aligns with the key constructs of the chosen theory
and contributes to Grade 12 students' career decision-making processes.
Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of this study is based on the

premise that parental guidance encompasses various dimensions,
including information provision, emotional support, role modeling,
and expectations. These dimensions will be explored as
independent variables, while the dependent variable will be the
career choices made by Grade 12 students. The relationships
between these variables will be examined to determine the
strength and direction of the correlation.
 Significance of the study

This study holds significance for several stakeholders, including

educators, parents, policymakers, and students themselves.
Understanding the correlation between parental guidance and career
choices can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance
parental involvement in the career decision-making process. Educators
can use the findings to design more effective career guidance programs,
while parents can gain insights into the ways they can positively influence
their children's career choices.
Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarification and better understanding of the study, the
following terms are conceptually and operationally defined:

Parental Guidance - Refers to the support, advice, and influence provided

by parents to their Grade 12 children in matters related to career choices.
As used in this study, parental guidance encompasses various
dimensions, including information provision, emotional support, role
modeling, and expectations, all aimed at assisting Grade 12 students in
making informed and fulfilling career decisions.
Definition of Terms

Career Choices - The decisions made by Grade 12 students regarding their future

educational and professional paths.

In this study, career choices represent the diverse options and pathways that
Grade 12 students consider and ultimately select for their future academic and professional
endeavors.
Learner - A learner is someone who is actively engaged in the process of acquiring
knowledge, skills, or understanding, typically through formal education or training or is
engaged in the process of education and personal development within the school setting.
In this study, a learner refers specifically to Grade 12 students at Dalid National
High School during the academic year 2023-2024, who are the subjects of the research
regarding parental guidance and career choices.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focused on Parental Guidance and Learners’ Career Choice.

The respondents of the study will be all Grade 12 learners of Dalid National High School

for the school year 2023 -2024.

The descriptive-survey research method will be used as the research design of the study.

A researcher-made questionnaire on the parental guidance and career choice will be used to

gather data from the respondents. They will be classified according to sex, parent’s educational

attainment, monthly household income and academic performance. The validity of the

questionnaire will be determined by presenting the questionnaire to the panel of experts with the

use of the Eight-Point Criteria of Good and Scates. The reliability will be tested to 30 non-

respondents grade 12 learners from other school in Alimodian II.

Scope and Limitations of the Study
The descriptive statistics that will be used in this study are

Frequency count, Percentage Distribution, and Mean. For inferential

statistics, Mann-Whitney U test , and Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson r will

be employed. The data gathered will be subjected to both descriptive

and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social

Science (SPSS) computer software. The results of the inferential

statistics were interpreted at 0.05 alpha level.

 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Conceptual Literature
Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT)
Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory asserts that human behavior results from the
interplay of personal factors, environmental influences, and behavioral patterns. It underscores
the significance of observational learning, social experiences, and reciprocal determinism,
indicating that individuals both shape and are shaped by their surroundings. The theory regards
people as active agents capable of influencing and being influenced by their environment.
Expanding on social learning, social cognitive theory incorporates cognitive processes
such as conceptions, judgment, and motivation, considering their impact on an individual's
behavior and the influencing environment. In contrast to the passive absorption of knowledge
from external stimuli, social cognitive theory argues that individuals actively shape their
learning experiences by interpreting the outcomes of their actions. This, in turn, affects their
environment and personal factors, thereby informing and modifying subsequent behavior.
Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT)

Following exposure to this model, the children were placed

in a room with the same inflatable Bobo doll. The results showed
that those who observed the model receiving positive
reinforcement or facing no consequences for their aggressive
actions were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior toward
the doll. This experiment was noteworthy for introducing the
concept of observational learning to human behavior
(Nickerson, 2023).
 Foreign Related Studies

The study by Vautero et al. (2021) investigated the influence of family on

the implementation of career choices among college students. The research
assumed that implementation could be assessed through goal progress and
satisfaction, with family influencing the latter through perceived environmental
supports or barriers and self-efficacy. A total of 323 college students
participated in the study, providing data on family values, beliefs, expectations,
financial and informational support, as well as perceived environmental
support and barriers, academic self-efficacy, goal progress, and satisfaction.
Foreign Related Studies

The path analysis revealed that family values, expectations, and supports indirectly
influenced students' choice implementation through supports and barriers and self-efficacy. The
study highlighted the importance of considering these influences in career interventions. Family
was identified as a significant contextual factor in career decision-making, with its influences
being mostly indirect and mediated by core variables like self-efficacy and perception of
environmental support.

Interestingly, family expectations showed a mixed influence, with some studies indicating
a negative impact on self-efficacy, while others suggested a positive influence on academic
success and as a source of self-efficacy for career decision-making. The study highlighted the
complexity of these relationships and the potential moderating role of variables like
encouragement in understanding the effects of family expectations on academic success.
Foreign Related Studies

The challenges and significance of career decision-making for undergraduates, emphasizing the
long-term impact on their future income, employment type, and overall mindset. It highlights the critical role
of selecting the right educational path, as it significantly influences career choices. The economic growth of
a nation is also depicted as being influenced by individuals' career decisions.

The focus of Din et al. (2022) is on the concern students have about their future careers during their
college years, suggesting that the choice of higher education is a crucial determinant for future employment
prospects. The article stresses the complexity and time-consuming nature of choosing a targeted
profession, emphasizing the need for professional expertise and qualified academic credentials.

The study results mentioned indicate that parents' social class plays a significant role in the career
choices of medical students, with contrasting opinions among participants. The influence of socio-economic
factors and family reputation on career decisions is discussed, with some studies showing a higher value
placed on these aspects compared to ethical or socially constructed approaches.
Foreign Related Studies

The role of parents in supporting their children's career choices is explored, with
findings suggesting that parental guidance and support impact students' decisions positively.
However, there are conflicting results regarding interventions aimed at assisting parents in
supporting their children's career progress.

A study cited in the article suggests that parents' academic credentials strongly
predict future academic choices for students. The influence of parents' income level on career
paths is also examined, with a notable percentage of students acknowledging its impact.

In summary, the article underscores the intricate nature of career decision-making for
undergraduates, with parental influence, socio-economic factors, and educational choices
playing significant roles in shaping students' professional paths.
 Local Related Studies

The primary objective of the study of Abbaro (2016) was to design a Senior High
School program at the University of Rizal System. The research employed the Descriptive
Survey Method and revealed that the majority of Grade 9 students opted for Career Tracks
and Strands in Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), and Technical Vocational
Livelihood (TVL). The findings also indicated a significant correlation between students'
career track choices and various factors such as gender, family income, the occupation of
the head of the family, school preference, and academic performance in Grade 8. However,
no significant correlation was found between career track choices and the highest
educational attainment of the head of the family or the influential person in the choice of
career track.
Local Related Studies

The context of the study included the significant educational reform in the
Philippines, the K to 12 program, aimed at producing well-rounded graduates with 21st-
century skills. The implementation added two additional years, Grades 11 and 12, with
core courses and career pathways, intending to prepare students for employment,
entrepreneurship, middle-level skills development, and higher education upon Grade 12
graduation. This shift poses a challenge for colleges and universities during the School
Year 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 due to a potential decline in enrollment for first and
second-year college courses. The study proposed that collaboration between colleges
and universities and the Department of Education (DepEd) could help optimize resources.
Local Related Studies

Making career decisions is undeniably one of the most challenging aspects of a

student's life, with profound implications for their future. Choosing a career wisely as
student’s progress to college significantly shapes their professional trajectory. Instances of
changing courses may stem from initial misjudgments in career selection, resulting in a
potential waste of time, resources, and career frustration. Dangol’s et al. (2020) paper sought
to evaluate the level of career preferences and the factors influencing the career choices of
senior high school students in a Catholic School in Antique during the 2019-2020 school year.
Additionally, it compared students' career preferences and influencing factors based on their
demographics, while also examining the correlation between career preferences and the
influence of factors in career choices.
Local Related Studies

The findings revealed that students' career choices were generally influenced
to a great extent by socio-economic, psychological, occupational, and family factors.
Notably, significant differences were identified in the degree of career preference,
such as Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), when grouped according to sex and grade
level, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in the extent of
influence of factors in students' career choices when grouped according to
demographics. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established between
preferred careers (HUMSS and STEM) and the factors influencing career choices.
Local Related Studies

Recognizing the complexity of career decision-making, the paper underscored the

importance of designing and implementing a comprehensive career guidance program. This
program is crucial for fostering students' individual competencies in self-knowledge,
educational and occupational exploration, and career planning. As part of the guidance
program, guidance counselors and school administrators bear a significant responsibility in
developing and implementing a robust career guidance initiative. This initiative aims to
cultivate the career maturity of students, ensuring success, productivity, and commitment in
their future careers. Additionally, the role of family as primary role models was emphasized,
as their influence plays a substantial part in shaping students' career paths. Students
equipped with a clear vision and maturity in their career choices are more likely to navigate
their chosen fields successfully in the future.
 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design,
respondents of the study, sampling design,
research method, data gathering procedures,
research instruments, data analysis, and
statistical tools used in this study. The purpose
of this study will be to assess the parental
guidance and career choice of Grade 12
learners for School Year 2023-2024
Research Design
This study will use the descriptive-survey research design characterized

by the collection and analysis of data. This design is appropriate when the

purpose of the study is to obtain the general picture of the characteristics of a

study population at a particular time (Fraenkel and Wallen, 2016).

This is considered appropriate since this research design allows the

researcher to gather information about parental guidance and career choice of

the learners.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study will be all Grade 12 learners

who are officially enrolled for the school year 2023 -2024. They will

be classified according to sex, parent’s educational attainment and

monthly household income and academic performance.

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents
Data Gathering Instrument

The data will be gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire. This will be validated

by the panel of experts and will be subjected to thirty (30) non respondents for reliability

testing.

The researcher made questionnaire will have three (3) parts. Part I will be the profile of

the respondents which will include sex, parent’s educational attainment and monthly

household income and academic performance. Part II will be about the level of parental

guidance among Grade 12 learners. Part III will be on the career choice of the learners.

In Part II, the respondents will be asked to rate the level of parental guidance using a 5-

point scale: 1- never, 2-seldom, 3- sometimes, 4- often and 5- always.

Data Gathering Instrument

The data will be gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire. This will be validated by the

panel of experts and will be subjected to thirty (30) non respondents for reliability testing.

The researcher made questionnaire will have three (3) parts. Part I will be the profile of the

respondents which will include sex, parent’s educational attainment and monthly household

income and academic performance. Part II will be about the level of parental guidance among

Grade 12 learners. Part III will be on the career choice of the learners. In Part II, the

respondents will be asked to rate the level of parental guidance using a 5-point scale: 1-

never, 2-seldom, 3- sometimes, 4- often and 5- always. Part III, the respondents will be asked

to tick the checklist on the career choice.

Validity of the Instrument

The content validity of the questionnaire will be established

through expert review by a panel of educators and

researchers familiar with the topic of parental guidance and

career decision-making. The panel will evaluate the relevance,

clarity, and comprehensiveness of the questionnaire items to

ensure that they adequately measure the intended constructs.

Reliability of the Instrument

To assess the reliability of the questionnaire, a pilot

test will be conducted with a small sample of Grade 12
students from a different school. The internal
consistency of the questionnaire items will be evaluated
using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with values above
0.7 indicating acceptable reliability. Any necessary
revisions to the questionnaire will be made based on the
results of the pilot test.
Data gathering procedure

The data gathering process will commence after

obtaining ethical clearance from the relevant institutional
review board and securing informed consent from
participants. Researchers will visit Dalid National High
School during scheduled class periods to administer the
questionnaires to eligible Grade 12 students. Trained
researchers will be present to provide instructions, clarify
any questions, and ensure the confidentiality of responses.
Completed questionnaires will be collected on-site or
through designated drop-off points.
Statistical Tools Used
The following statistical tools will be used in this study.
Frequency Count and Percentage Distribution. The
frequency count and percentage distribution will be used to
determine the number of respondents who answered on a
particular statement in determining the parental guidance and
learners career choice.
Mean. Mean will be used in determining the parental guidance
and learners career choice as perceived by the respondents
when group according to sex, parents educational attainment,
monthly household income and academic performance.
Statistical Tools Used

Mann-Whitney U test. T-test will be used to determine the

significant differences between parental guidance and learners
career choice when categorized according to their sex.
Kruskal Wallis test. Kruskal Wallis test will be used to determine
the significant differences between parental guidance and
learners career choice when categorized according to their
parent’s educational attainment and monthly family income and
academic performance.
Pearson’s r. The Pearson’s r will be used in order to determine
the significant relationship between the parental guidance and
learners career choice.