Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 21 no. 4 (2024)

Perceived Employability Skills Of Grade 12 Senior High School Students At Saint Mary’s University: An Assessment

Ivy Melanie Isip | Danielle Hadassah Aguada | Kyra Yule Shawn Dionio | Natalie Faye Miranda | Abigail Paringit | Pearl Desireen Ludan | Lady Valen Charon Dela Peña

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The emergence of the K-12 program significantly enhances students' education, broadening their knowledge, skills, and readiness for their chosen fields. However, today's job market demands not just academic excellence but also specific skills from senior high school graduates. This study aims to assess the perceived employability skills of grade 12 senior high school students of Saint Mary's University, pinpointing areas where they excel or lack. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design of both quantitative and qualitative methods, data were gathered from 224 grade 12 students from the ABM, STEM, HUMSS, AD, TVL-HE and TVL-ICT strands through the distribution of a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. It was revealed that the respondents generally perceived themselves as possessing a "moderate level" of employability skills, with ICT skills ranking highest and Planning skills the lowest. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in perceived skills based on track/strand, academic standing, and socioeconomic background, while sex held no significant differences. The results imply a need for curriculum enhancement to ensure a comprehensive readiness for employability among senior high school students. The development of teaching strategies as well as the implementation of workshops, seminars, and trainings to further enhance students' employability skills are needed, with a specific emphasis on improving students’ planning skills.



References:

  1. Abd Majid, M. Z., Hussin, M., Norman, M. H., & Kasavan, S. (2020). The employability skills among students of Public Higher  Education Institution in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2020-1601-04
  2. Agormedah, E. K., Britwum, F., Amoah, S., Acheampong, H. Y., Adjei, E., & Nyamekye, F. (2021). Assessment of time management  practices and Students’ Academic achievement: The Moderating Role of Gender. International Journal of Social Sciences &  Educational Studies, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.
  3. Alegre, F. E. M., Herman, M. B. C., Palomo, D. F. A. O., & Roque, R. J. D. (2020). Tracking the ABM Alumni’s Chosen College  Program. Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts, 4(1).  https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/2724
  4. Amalina, I. K., & Vidákovich, T. (2023). Cognitive and socioeconomic factors that influence the mathematical problem-solving skills  of students. Heliyon, 9(9), e19539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19539
  5. Ashman, L. (2023, July 23). Why problem-solving skills are so important for your career. Jobteaser.  https://www.jobteaser.com/en/advices/why-problem-solving-skills-are-so-important-for-your-career.
  6. Asia Society (2019). International Summit on the Teaching Profession. https://asiasociety.org/global-cities-education network/international-summit-teaching-profession
  7. Ayers, A., & Glauber, A. (2022, November 17). Teaching Time Management Skills. Edutopia.  https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-time-management-skills/
  8. Auld, S. (2019). Time Management Skills That Improve Student Learning. ACC Blog; Australian Christian College.  https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/time-management-skills-student-learning/
  9. Back, A., Tulsky, J. A., & Arnold, R. M. (2020). Communication Skills in the Age of COVID-19. Annals of Internal Medicine.  https://doi.org/10.7326/M20-1376
  10. Bala, R. (2021). Perception towards Employability Skills: Comparative Analysis of Students and Faculty Viewpoint. SSRN Electronic  Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3832708
  11. Bharathi, A. V. (2016, December). Communication Skills–Core of Employability Skills: Issues and Concerns. ResearchGate.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313654332_Communication_Skills-Core_of_Employability_Skills_Issues_Concerns
  12. Biesta, G. (2015). What is Education For? On Good Education, Teacher Judgement, and Educational Professionalism on JSTOR.  www.jstor.org. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26609254
  13. Blue, J. (2023, February 22). Employability Skills: Communication | Cambridge. World of Better Learning | Cambridge University  Press. https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2023/02/22/strongemployability-skills-communication-strong/
  14. Boyles, M. (2022, January 25). The Importance of Creativity in Business | HBS Online. Business Insights; Harvard Business School  Online. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/importance-of-creativity-in-business
  15. Acosta, C., & Acosta, S. (2016). Teachers’ Perceptions on Senior High School Readiness of Higher Education Institutions in the  Philippines. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 4(10), 2435–2450. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2016.041024
  16. Canonizado, I. C. (2021, October 3). Input-Process-Output Model. HubPages. https://discover.hubpages.com/education/IPO-Model of-Research
  17. Chan, C. K. Y., Fong, E. T. Y., Luk, L. Y. Y., & Ho, R. (2017). A review of literature on challenges in the development and  implementation of generic competencies in higher education curriculum. International Journal of Educational Development, 57, 1–10.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2017.08.010
  18. Cielo, J. S., & Niez, R. A. (2023). Personality Traits And Employability Skills Of Grade 12 Student Interns: Basis For Enhanced School  Immersion Program. 2(8), 616–634. https://doi.org/10.58811/opsearch.v2i8.69
  19. Cogal, M. N., Diestro, C. D., Nacorda, S. H., Olila, J. N., & Paras, M. C. (2019). Effective Implementation of the Senior High School  Curriculum: A Descriptive Analysis. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 8(12).  https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTV8IS120084
  20. Cyril, V. (2015). Time management and academic achievement of higher secondary students.  https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1097402.pdf
  21. D.r, M. (2021). THE IMPACT OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE ON EMPLOYABILITY – A STUDY. PalArch’s Journal of  Archaeology of Egypt / Egyptology, 18(10), 508–517. https://archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/9797
  22. Das, P., & Bera, S. (2021, February). Impact of Time Management on Students’ Academic Achievement at Secondary Level.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349063177_Impact_of_Time_Management_on_Students'_Academic_Achievement_at_Sec ondary_Level
  23. Davis, A. (2016). Preparation for a global economy: 21st century career-readiness and academic-citizenship skills for African American workforce entrants (10160166Ed.D.), University of Southern California, Ann Arbor. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses  Global database. https://www.proquest.com/openview/6ccd2c186e8d7a5329681929fe71ee06/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750
  24. De Guzman, R., & Guy, I. (2013). Teacher’s Time Management and Student’s Academic Achievement in LPU College of Nursing:  Basis for an Enhanced Classroom Management. E -International Scientific Research Journal, 3, 2094–1749.  https://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/EISRJ
  25. Teacher%E2%80%99s_Time_Management_and_Student%E2%80%99s_Academic_Achievement_in_LPU_College_of_Nursing.pdf
  26. De Prada, E., Mareque, M., & Pino-Juste, M. (2022). Teamwork skills in higher education: is university training contributing to their  mastery? Psicologia: Reflexão E Crítica, 35(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-022-00207-1
  27. Depaoli, J., Atwell, M., & Bridgeland, J. (2017). A National Principal Survey on How Social and Emotional Learning Can Prepare  Children and Transform Schools Civic Enterprises with Hart Research Associates A Report for CASEL. http://www.casel.org/wp content/uploads/2017/11/ReadyToLead_FINAL.pdf
  28. Devi, B. (2022, November 23). Application of Cross-National Comparative Research Design in Medical and Nursing Education.  Thieme Group. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0042-1757734.pdf
  29. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2016). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ social  and Emotional Learning: A Meta‐Analysis of School‐Based Universal Interventions. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467- 8624.2010.01564.x
  30. Education Scotland. (2019). Numeracy across learning: Principles and practice. https://education.gov.scot/Documents/numeracy across-learning-pp.pdf
  31. EuroSchool. (2023, July 1). Strategic Planning Skills to Teach to Your Children. EuroSchool.  https://www.euroschoolindia.com/blogs/planning-skills-to-teach-your-children/
  32. Fernald, A., Marchman, V. A., & Weisleder, A. (2013). SES differences in language processing skill and vocabulary are evident at 18  months. Developmental Science, 16(2), 234–248. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.1201
  33. Finch, T., & Philadel, B. (2019). The IMPACT Program: Increasing Employability Skills of High School Students Through Adventure  Based Learning. https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1501&context=psychology_dissertations
  34. Flavin, B. (2018, July 3). The Importance of Teamwork Skills in Work and School | Rasmussen College. Rasmussen.edu.  https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/importance-of-teamwork-skills-in-work-and-school/
  35. Forgasz, H., & Hall, J. (2019). Learning about Numeracy: The Impact of a Compulsory Unit on Pre-service Teachers’ Understandings  and Beliefs. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 44(2), 15–33. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v44n2.2
  36. Foundations in Learning: Literacy & Numeracy. (2018, April 25). Surrey Schools Learning by Design.  https://surreylearningbydesign.ca/district-planning/our-learning-story/learning-foundations/
  37. Gadia, E. (2021, July). Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Respondents according to Monthly Family Income. Research Gate.  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Frequency-and-Percentage-Distribution-of-Respondents-according-to-Monthly-Family Income_tbl1_353599969
  38. Gee, L. (2017). Exploring an Organization Skills Intervention for Improving Executive Functioning Skills within a Gifted Population:  An Action Research Study. Theses and Dissertations. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/4081
  39. Ghavifekr, S., & Rosdy, W. A. W. (2015). Teaching and Learning with Technology: Effectiveness of ICT Integration in Schools.  International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 1(2), 175–191. https://doi.org/10.21890/ijres.23596
  40. Idkhan, A. M., Syam, H., Sunardi, S., & Hasim, A. H. (2021). The Employability Skills of Engineering Students’: Assessment at the  University. International Journal of Instruction, 14(4), 119–134. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.1448a
  41. Ince, E. (2018). An Overview of Problem Solving Studies in Physics Education. Journal of Education and Learning, 7(4), 191.  https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v7n4p191
  42. Indeed. (2023, April 23). Planning skills: definition and examples https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/cvs-cover-letters/planningskills#:~:text=Planning%20skills%20are%20abilities%20that,on%20your%20workload%20and%20deadlines..
  43. Infante-Moro, A., Infante-Moro, J.-C., & Gallardo-Pérez, J. (2019). The Importance of ICTs for Students as a Competence for their  Future Professional Performance: the Case of the Faculty of Business Studies and Tourism of the University of Huelva. Journal of New  Approaches in Educational Research, 8(2), 201–213. https://doi.org/10.7821/naer.2019.7.434
  44. Intervention Central. (2023). How To: Improve Student Self-Management Through Work-Planning Skills: Plan, Work, Evaluate,  Adjust. Interventioncentral.org. https://www.interventioncentral.org/self_management_student_work_plan
  45. Jaafar, S. N., Zakaria, N., & Rasheid, N. A. (2018). Career Choice and Employability Skills for Vocational College Students . https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1049/1/012050/pdf
  46. Jones, S., & Kahn, J. (2017). The Evidence Base for How Learning Happens A Consensus on Social, Emotional, and Academic  Development. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1164389.pdf
  47. Kangan institute. (2021, October 27). The Importance of Literacy and Numeracy Skills. Www.kangan.edu.au.  https://www.kangan.edu.au/study-with-us/our-blog/the-importance-of-literacy-and-numeracy-skills
  48. Kaplan, Z. (2022, August 17). What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definition and Examples. Forage.  https://www.theforage.com/blog/skills/problem-solving-skills
  49. Karasheva, Z., Amirova, A., Ageyeva, L., Jazdykbayeva, M., & Uaidullakyzy, E. (2021). Preparation of future specialists for the  formation of educational communication skills for elementary school children. World Journal on Educational Technology: Current  Issues, 13(3), 467–484. https://doi.org/10.18844/wjet.v13i3.5954
  50. Kaushal, N., Magnuson, K., & Waldfogel, J. (2011, September 1). How is family income related to investments in children’s learning?  (G. J. Duncan & R. Murnane, Eds.). Eprints.lse.ac.uk; Russell Sage Foundation. https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/43855
  51. Khusaini, K., Mardisentosa, B., Bastian, A. F., Taufik, R., & Widiawati, W. (2022b). The impact of financial education and  socioeconomic status on the undergraduate students’ financial literacy. Media Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 27(1), 55.  https://doi.org/10.24856/mem.v27i01.2385
  52. Lavoie, M. (2020, October 2). Planning Skills Help Students Succeed. GradePower Learning.  https://gradepowerlearning.com/planning-skills-help-students-succeed/
  53. Layug, G., Velario, J., & Capones, J. (2021). Teachers’ interventions in improving numeracy skills of grade 7 students in baguio city national high school. https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/22-4022.pdf
  54. Likhitkar, P., & Verma, P. (2019). HR Value Proposition Using Predictive Analytics: An Overview. Advances in Intelligent Systems  and Computing, 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9330-3_15
  55. Duszyński, M. (2019, February 20). Teamwork Skills: Definition, Examples, Best for Your Resume [+Tips]. Zety; Zety.  https://zety.com/blog/teamwork-skills
  56. Mahmud, M. M. (2014). Communication Aptitude and Academic Success. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 134, 125–133.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.230
  57. Marasi, S. (2019, September 16). Team-building: Developing Teamwork Skills in College Students Using Experiential Activities in a  Classroom Setting. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335853100_Team building_Developing_Teamwork_Skills_in_College_Students_Using_Experiential_Activities_in_a_Classroom_Setting
  58. Mushi, R. (2018). Assessment of the Needs of ICT Skills on Employability in SMEs: A VFT Approach. International Journal of Digital  Information and Wireless Communications, 8(1), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.17781/p002399
  59. Nakano, T. de C., & Wechsler, S. M. (2018). Creativity and innovation: Skills for the 21st Century. Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas),  35(3), 237–246. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-02752018000300002
  60. Navdeep. (2020, June 3). Planning and organising. Www.beetroot.com. https://www.beetroot.com/graduate-jobs/careers advice/planning-and-organising/
  61. Ofsted. (2017). Bold beginnings: The Reception curriculum in a sample of good and outstanding primary schools.  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/663560/28933_Ofsted_- _Early_Years_Curriculum_Report_-_Accessible.pdf
  62. Peng, J., & Deng, C. (2022). Research on the relationship between college students’ employability and IT skills training based on  mixed research methods. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1054134/full#B7
  63. Preston, E. (2022, December 27). Time management for students in 5 ease steps. Connections Academy.  https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/time-management-for-students-in-5-easy-steps/
  64. Quennie, A., Palafox, Lorenzo, T., & Palafox, L. (2018). Perceptions of the Senior High School Students on their Employability Skills.  https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-proceedings/2018/lli-19.pd
  65. Rabie, M. (2023, July 10). Ten Reasons Why We Should Incorporate Creativity and Innovation in Our Educational Systems. LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ten-reasons-why-we-should-incorporate-creativity-innovation-rabi
  66. Raosoft. (2004). Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, Inc. Raosoft.com. http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html
  67. Roxas, M. J. (2022). Senior high school students’ self-assessment of employability skills proficiency: An exploratory study.  International Journal of Research Studies in Education.  https://www.academia.edu/75719510/Senior_high_school_students_self_assessment_of_employability_skills_proficiency_An_explo ratory_stud
  68. Santos, C. G. (2021). Addressing Communication Requirements In The Technicalvocational-Livelihood Track: Authentic Assessment  Tool As Guide To Communication Instruction. Department of Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED620423.pdf
  69. Scott, F. J., Connell, P., Thomson, L. A., & Willison, D. (2017). Empowering students by enhancing their employability skills. Journal  of Further and Higher Education, 43(5), 692–707. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877x.2017.139498
  70. Senior High School Department – SMU Official Site. (n.d.). https://smu.edu.ph/academics/senior-high-dep
  71. Simplilearn. (2021, February 24). What Is Problem Solving? Steps, Techniques, and Best Practices Explained. Simplilearn.com.  https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-problem-solving-article
  72. Singh, A. (2023, January 17). How To Improve Effective Communication Skills In Students. The Asian School.  https://www.theasianschool.net/blog/how-to-improve-effective-communication-skills-in-students/
  73. Sirin, S. R. (2015). Socioeconomic status and academic achievement: A meta-analytic review of research. Review of educational  research, 75(3), 417-453. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543075003417
  74. Stottler, W. (2022). What is problem solving and why is it important. Kepner Tregoe. https://kepner-tregoe.com/blogs/what-is-problem solving-and-why-is-it-important/
  75. Suratno, Wahono, B., Chang, C.-Y., Retnowati, A., & Yushardi. (2020). Exploring a Direct Relationship between Students’ Problem Solving Abilities and Academic Achievement: A STEM Education at a Coffee Plantation Area. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 17(2), 211–224. https://www.tused.org/index.php/tused/article/view/972
  76. Taddei, L. (2013, August 23). Encouraging Creativity and Innovation in Yourself and Your Students. Faculty Focus | Higher Ed  Teaching & Learning. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-development/encouraging-creativity-and-innovation-in-yourself and-your-students/
  77. Toro, W. X. (2019). 21st CENTURY LEARNING SKILLS IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY. St. John’s Scholar.  https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/74
  78. Tsai, H.-C., & Liu, S.-H. (2015). Relationships between time-management skills, Facebook interpersonal skills and academic  achievement among junior high school students. Social Psychology of Education, 18(3), 503–516. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-015- 9297-7
  79. Wagner T., Dinthersmith T. (2015). Most likely to succeed: preparing our kids for the innovation era.  Olin. https://www.academia.edu/86544064/Most_likely_to_succeed_preparing_our_kids_for_the_innovation_era
  80. Weber, A. M., & Greiff, S. (2023). ICT Skills in the Deployment of 21st Century Skills: A (Cognitive) Developmental Perspective  through Early Childhood. Applied Sciences, 13(7), 4615. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074615
  81. World Bank (2019). Assessing Basic Education Service delivery in the Philippines: Public Education Expenditure Tracking and  Quantitative Service Delivery study. In World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/assessing-basiceducation-service-delivery-in-the-philippines-public-education-expenditure-tracking-and-quantitative-service-delivery-study
  82. Xiao, Y., & Hu, J. (2019). The Moderation Examination of ICT Use on the Association Between Chinese Mainland Students’  Socioeconomic Status and Reading Achievement. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., 14, 107-120.  https://doi.org/10.3991/IJET.V14I15.10494.
  83. Yildirim, T., & Kurbanoglu, S. (2022). Employability Skills of Senior Students. OALib, 09(08), 1–18.  https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1108748
  84. Youssef, A. B., Dahmani, M., & Ragni, L. (2022). ICT Use, Digital Skills and Students’ Academic Performance: Exploring the Digital  Divide. Information, 13(3), 129. https://doi.org/10.3390/info13030129.
  85. Yusuf, F., & Adeoye, E. (2012). Developing Critical Thinking and Communication Skills in Students: Implications for Practice in  Education. African Research Review, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v6i1.26

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic