Philippine E-Journals

Into the Scholar’s Lens: Students’ Perspective in the Implementation of the Midweek Class Scheme of the Philippine Science High School Cordillera Administrative Region Campus

Leo Peter Dacumos | Joana Paulene Simangan | Ariel Barrias | Ric Joseph Murillo

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Armed with a new framework that strategically pushes toward a “future-proof education”, Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus (PSHS-CARC) implemented a midweek class scheme that restructured the delivery of instruction and assessment on the campus. In this scheme, scholars were given an in-person, class-free day every Wednesday, which may be allotted for the completion of academic and non-academic requirements, the conduct of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, make-up classes, remedial sessions, and consultation with teachers. To evaluate the program on its effect on the students, the study employed a concurrent-embedded mixed-method design that included quantitative and qualitative approach. The quantitative part investigated the effectiveness level of the midweek class scheme in terms of the following domains: delivery of instruction and assessment, attainment of target capabilities, classroom management, and co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, the qualitative part investigated the perceived aspects of the program that are beneficial, can be removed, and need to start. Results showed high levels of effectiveness of the midweek class scheme across the four domains. Overall, the students advocated, with an average of 3.81 (very high agreement), the need to sustain the program for the next academic year, citing improvement in their time management, skill development, socialization, and exercise of freedom as benefits from the program. However, the students also identified various challenges in its implementation, particularly in student engagement, teacher commitment, scheduling, and learning environment issues. It is recommended that PSHS-CARC institutionalize the Midweek Class Scheme in succeeding school years. The school should also strengthen student monitoring, teacher coordination, scheduling, and support mechanisms for SYP students to further enhance instruction, assessment, capability development, and co-curricular engagement.