Course Preference 3ad10

“FACTORS AFFECTING THE COLLEGE COURSE PREFERRENCE OF THE FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS OF ROOSEVELT COLLEGE SAN MATEO FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2014-2015”

Submitted by: Fernando, Zyra Mae

Lanto, Tricia

Alcantara, Clarisse

Villarta, Chloe

De Ocampo, Richelle

Fumera, Gabriel

Garillo, Glenabbey

Serafica, Jerome

Iglesias, Loriel

Chapter I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Every year, graduating high school students are faced with the problem of having to decide on future career paths. The decision whether or not to continue with post secondary education and the choice of an institution to attend are two critical decisions that students make at this time in their lives (Johnson & Chapman, 1979). Before, we are free to do what job we want to do for living since life is simple. As the world changes, life becomes together that in order to be successful in life, we must consider what profit we gain from a certain job. Due to the number of courses today, a student graduating from high school may find himself in a difficult situation. Choosing a course is a very important aspect. There are also a lot of factors that may affect a graduating high school student in choosing a course. These factors may include job opportunity,

preferred

course

of

the

parents,

peer’s

influence and personal choice of course. The seniors are loaded with a pile of school works, their theses, and some house chores but some still find time

to spend it with their friends or just dillydally despite their busy schedule while some make use of these days to study their next lessons. These things made them forget that soon, they will be leaving this school and they need to pick a course to find a university or college. They even missed to search for courses and universities they might want to apply to but instead they arrive for a course they do not even like. Aiming for dreams is easy but fulfilling them is not. Students must take everything into consideration. Background of the Study Choosing your course is already the first step on your journey

to

a

good

career.

Before

being

itted

to

a

university, your course preference will always be asked. The researchers believe one factor affecting the course preference of the graduating students is the job opportunity or economic demand. Students should consider economic demand in choosing a career. Due to the number of courses today, students should know if the course they want is needed by the economy. This can be considered to raise the awareness in

some

situations

like

in

lacking

of

workers

in

a

particular profession or course. If you consider this factor

students will have a higher percentage of having a great job with a great salary. The preferred course of the parents also affects the child in choosing the course. Some parents want the best for their

child

so

they

are

the

one

who

choose

the

course

instead of their child. Some of the reasons are like getting a job in future with high salary and affordable course. The other factor is the peer’s influence. Part of growing up is having circle of friends. In college, students do not want to be separated with their friends up to their college life, so those who are with their friends decide their course to be the same. The last factor affecting the course preference is the personal school

choice

students

as

course.

follow

Most

their

of

ion

the and

graduating pick

a

high

course

relating to it. Their reason is for their future job which they could surely enjoy. The researchers believe that students who graduated from college with the course suited for them would even have a higher percentage of having a job. Therefore, this study intends course

to

determine

preference

the

among

factors senior

affecting

high

school

the

college

students

of

Roosevelt College San Mateo for the school year 2014-2015. These

factors

choosing

a

serve

college

as

the

course

preference which

of

includes

students the

in

economic

demand, preferred course of the parents, peer’s influence and the personal choice of course. The researchers also aim to know how to diminish these incidents. By conducting this research, the researchers would be able to propose solutions that would help the students today. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework Fourth Year Students

FACTORS    

Peer’s Influence Parent’s Decision Job Opportunity Self Decision

Preferred Course

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study Based on the conceptual framework above, the factors affecting the college course preference of the fourth year students are personal choice of course, preferred course of

the parents, peer’s influence, and job opportunity. These factors can lead in deciding and choosing a college course. Statement of the Problem This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the college course preference of the fourth year high school students of Roosevelt College San Mateo of academic school year

2014-2015.

Specifically,

it

sought

to

answer

the

following:

1. What are the factors that affect the choice of course 1.1. Personal Choice; 1.2. Parent’s Decision; 1.3. Peer’s influence; 1.4 Job Opportunity? 2. What is the most preferred course of the Fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo? 3. There is no factor that affect the course preference of the Fourth year students. Assumption

Selecting a college course to study is a multistage decision process affected by a variety of factors involving selfdecision, job opportunity, parent’s influence and peer groups. This study assume to find which factor among these four will greatly affect the college course preference of the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for the school year 2014-2015. Hypothesis 1. Job opportunity of the students influence higher choice of course in college. Hypothesis 2. Influence from parents will slightly affect the college course of the students. Hypothesis 3. Peer’s influence does not directly affect the choice of course of the students.

Significance of the Study Education is the totality of learning acquired by individual another,

which while

is

inherited

career

serve

form as

its

one

generation

application.

to The

collaboration of these two fields play a key in improving individual’s competence and professionalism and serve as their personal achievement. Therefore this study is deemed significant to the following: Students. In this of the study, students are placed to be more benefited and advantageous. They are the center of the research because ultimately they develop the awareness of themselves, strength and weaknesses for their career development by continually summarizing and reflecting upon what they are learning from home, school and community. By conducting this research, the students will be able to decide what course to take according to the factors that affects them. Parents. In this modern society, parents or guardians play a big role in the life of their child especially if the child is graduating. A parent will guide their child until that child can stand and compete with other individuals in the business. All parents only wish what is best for their child. In this study, parents will look forward in giving their child an assurance to acquire quality education that would enable them to obtain better job, better income and brighter future.

Teachers. Teachers make a wide contribution in the knowledge and in molding every graduating student. If a student

is

teachers

able

would

to be

finish one

of

studies the

and

proudest

get

a

people

good

job,

for

that

student. All of the knowledge and advices that teachers taught

the

students

were

worth

it.

In

this

study,

the

teachers will be given information about the preferences of the students such that they can focus in the skills needed by the students if ever the latter would pursue the career they have chosen. School istration. The result of this study will help the school istration in putting up an effective, integrated career information and guidance system that plays a very helpful role in guiding students towards making the best possible career decisions.

Scope and Delimitation The study was delimited to the 143 recent fourth year high school students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for the school year 2014-2015. The questionnaire was distributed on September and October 2014.

Participants were asked to reflect and recall situations and decisions that occurred in the past. Students who were absent from school on the day the survey was istered, were not able to take the survey. This study focused on their career preference of the fourth year high school students of Roosevelt College San Mateo.

It

looked

into

their

socio-demographic

characteristics in of sex, age, parents’ educational attainment, parents’ occupation, size of income and sibling position. Definition of The following words are operationally defined to enhance the understanding of the readers of this paper. Career. A field for pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement specially in public, professional, or business life. In this study career is the application of education whereby it is the totality of acquired knowledge. Course. A specific study that a student will be pursuing in the future for his or her desired profession. Factors. The things a student should consider or not in choosing a course for college.

Interest. To induce or persuade, the feeling of being motivated and to engage oneself in the desired course. Job opportunity. It refers to the majority of present occupation which many companies are in need for a particular job. Preference. It is the other term for recommend, the power or opportunity of choosing. In the study, the term career preference refers to the basis of student in choosing the course whether it comes from self decision, parent’s influence, peer’s influence or job opportunity.

Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a review of related studies and literature

regarding

the

factors

affecting

the

course

preference of graduating high school students. Related Literature The

purpose

of

this

review

of

literature

is

to

establish the facts which are already known from previous researches. The literatures that will be discussed will add up to the knowledge of the researchers for the research study. Foreign Literature O’Hare

(2012)

concluded

that

studying

for

a

new

qualification can often be one of the most effective ways of boosting your career prospects, whether by enhancing or by equipping you with professional qualifications that will enable you to move into a new line of work. Some factors should be considered before g up to a course, ensuring that you find the right one, theories and concepts, whereas vocational courses teach the hands on skills relating to a specific

profession

such

as

nursing.

One

of

the

things

student should consider is whether to choose an academic or a vocational course. And often the best way to get a feel

for a course and the benefits it is likely to have is to organize chats with former students. This literature is related to our research study because it discusses some hints that a student should understand and know. This article helps students in deciding what course to take, if the students will focus on vocational course or academic

course.

vocational

courses

It

discusses

which

is

the

focused

difference on

between

enhancing

skills

while in educational courses focus is on bachelor, masters degrees, theories and concepts. Smith (2010) suggested that some factors students can consider in decision making. First factor is knowing you natural talents. In this case we should choose a course that fits your talents, a course that you can work on easily. Next is work style, this means that you should examine yourself

about

how

you

work

or

study.

He

said

that

in

choosing a career does not necessarily mean you have to reevaluate down the line based on your long-term objectives. Smith’s article is somehow related to this research study

because

it

shows

how

students

should

examine

themselves. Students should more likely to prioritize their self decision than others. He showed that students should

pick a course that they are good with or a course that they can put their heart on. Self chosen course should prevail. Ogowewo (2010), explained that the choice of career was gender biased and the factors that influenced the students’ choice of career were: interest, life ambition, challenging nature

of

the

career,

prestige

attached

to

profession,

intellectual ability, high salary potential, and prospects of job opportunity. He also said that school counselors should employ their expertise to determine the aptitude and interest of students in the career choice. This article embodies that there are a lot of factors a student can consider in choosing a course. It explains that students

should

deeply

examine

themselves

about

their

interest, their ability and skills. And also the should have a study on about the state of the economy. What courses are in need, and if their course preferred has a great help in future career path. Davidson (2009, said that choosing a career is one of the most influential decisions in life you make in your life. Unlike a job that is used to solely pay bills, a career is a pursuit that normally requires a lot of time and emotional investment on top of the need to provide for yourself and a possible family. Choosing a career can be

difficult and a number of different factors play into the decision of what career to pursue. The message of this article is related to our study because it explains the decision in choosing a career path. A

student

should

not

take

decision

making

easily.

They

should give time in deciding what course to take. Career is what a student will have after graduating college. This is about the profession a student can have in the near future. Green (2010), reviewed that many factors influence your choice of career, ranging from personality and individual preferences

to

practical

concerns

such

as

salary,

job

outlook for the field, career stability and opportunities for advancement. Other people choose their careers based on a

desire

to

help

others,

solve

a

specific

problem,

or

continue a family legacy in a specific industry. The literature of Green is somehow related to our study because

it

discusses

that

education,

family

needs,

job

market, values, goals, and talents are the things a student could accept in preferring their course. It enables students to

understand

consideration pursue.

that before

many coming

things up

to

can a

be

taken

specific

into

course

to

Slutsky (2010), discussed that choosing a career is a decision

that

activity

and

deciding

on

their

affects social

their

decision.

the

standard

life.

career,

Many but

Researching

of

people

certain careers,

life, have factors

the

daily

difficulty influence

interest,

family

business, family profession and education of parents, and high school, are the factors that mostly students take into consideration based on her study. Slutsky’s article is related to our study because it discusses that not only personal qualities a student possess are the only thing that needs to be considered but also the state of living of the family, and family background. This article wants students to understand that parents should also be part of the decision making. Melone (2014), claimed that choosing the right career path is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Whether you are choosing your first career or embarking on a second or third, finding something that you enjoy and excel at can do wonders to improve your whole life. While no job is ever perfect, there are some factors that you should consider to help ensure you get

into

the

right

career

for

you.

Interest,

career

opportunities, and education and training, these are the

factors that Melone said to be the main considerations of students in taking up a course. Melone said that students should find out their career to pursue soon. Students need to pursue a degree that will take into the months or years required to train. The author also said that students should put their ion and skills into a career, because students would likely to enjoy their college life and succeed in their future profession. Hanson (2011), coined that a career choice is a decision that affects the rest of a student’s life. Career choices are pivotal points in adolescents’ life. So no matter if they are headed for work or for college, there are factors that

affect

their

career

decisions.

Role

models,

peers,

grades, economics, location, and time orientation are some of the factors a student should consider. Based on what Hanson said, this article is related to the current study because career choice is connected to the college life of each student. After college, a student will pursue what he/she studied by having a career or profession. In career choice students will apply what they learned when they are still studying.

Brown

(2009),

emphasized

that

finding

the

perfect

college for students is a time consuming task that requires patience and research. As you search for the perfect school to fulfill your academic dreams, take time to meet with college

s

and

professors

at

each

of

your

prospective schools. Take the following factors into during your selection process.

The factors are cost, size,

location, housing, student life, issions, and programs. In this article it points out that students should not only think about what course they should take but also bear in mind in what school they should study. Determining what course to studied and in what school to study is connected to each other, that is why this article is related to each other. Schuldt (2011), cited that deciding where to apply can be a daunting task considering that the U.S. boasts about 3,000 colleges. The key to narrowing down your options is to pick an initial pool of 20 to 25 colleges that interest you and

to

focus

your

research

efforts

on

these

schools.

Selecting a large pool of colleges upfront gives you the flexibility to eliminate colleges that you decide do not suit you, still leaving you with a range of colleges to which

you

can

apply.

Try

not

to

be

too

rigid

in

your

preferences as they may change as you learn more about the colleges during the search process in choosing a college or university

students

enrollment,

campus

should

consider

setting,

geographic

academic

focus

location, and

the

environment. It is somehow related to our research study because the main topic of this article is about how to find a school that is suited to each student and for their desired course. Students should also study and research about their desired school because if a student have a good course but the school he or she is enrolled with is not expert in the course that they picked, their quality of their education is not that high. Petrilli (2014), shared that people who graduated from college earn significantly more than those who do not. It also indicates benefit

from

that college,

low-income becoming

students nearly

in

three

particular times

more

likely to make it into the middle class than their peers who earn some or no college credits. And it’s not just about money: College graduates are also healthier, more involved in their communities, and happier in their jobs. Petrilli’s article is related to our study because it shows the benefit of studying the course that the students

really love. And it also shows that students who graduated have the opportunity to earn more, in this case students should strive hard in studying so in the future their life will be successful and great. Jaschik (2013) hinted that maybe it is much more simple: undergraduates are significantly more likely to major in a field if they have an inspiring and caring faculty member in their introduction to the field. And they are equally likely to write off a field based on a single negative experience with a professor. In choice of major is due to faculty , although the influence can go either way. Faculty determine students' taste for academic fields by acting as gatekeepers,

either

by

welcoming

them

into

an

area

of

knowledge, encouraging and inspiring them to explore it, or by raising the costs of entry so high so as to effectively prohibit

continuing

negatively

influence

in

it.

student

Faculty taste

can

for

a

positively field

--

or some

compelling teachers can get students engaged in fields that they previously disliked, while other, more uncharismatic faculty

can

alienate

students

from

entire

bodies

of

knowledge, sometimes permanently. In this article it explains that some students consider their teachers or professors in their decision making. Their

teachers set as the role models for them, some students choose

the

same

course

that

their

teacher

took.

It

is

related to our study because it is about the teachers who became

a

major

factor

in

the

decision

pointed

out

that

making

of

the

students. Elicon

(2009),

choosing

a

college

major is probably one of the hardest decisions they will make in their life. It does not help that there are now a lot of college courses and college programs among which students have to choose. There are some major considerations in choosing a college course; interest, aptitude, values, money

matters,

time

and

practical

considerations,

commitment, times, choices and spiritual considerations. This column is related to the current study because it showed

that

students

well

being

is

considered

in

the

decision making, which is a factor for choosing the right course. Students should know that they should learn how to choose a right course that their parents can agree with especially

when

it

comes

to

financial

.

Students

should also consider the state of living of the family because students should not choose a course that the parents could not afford.

Hecrne

(2009),

affirmed

that

parents

are

deeply

involved and influential to their high-achieving children’s college choices. The report also found out open houses, dialogue with college friends, alumni and itted-student programs are extremely influential to students. Other people’s influence to students can be considered but

it

depends

on

the

student

if

they

should

take

the

opinion of their friends in choosing a course. It is related to our study because the researchers want the students to realize that not all the opinions of others should be taken into consideration. Students should know how to weigh things so that they can choose a right course for them. Holland (2012), hinted that individuals are attracted to

a

given

variables

career that

by

their

constitute

personalities their

and

numerous

backgrounds.

Career

counselors have traditionally focused on a career choice, values,

interests,

experiences

are

abilities,

viable

factors

skills that

are

and

work-life

discussed

and

clarified. This column is somehow related to our study because it talks about the abilities of each student, which is a major factor in choosing a course. Students should know their strengths and weaknesses so that they can evaluate what

course fits them. It is important that every students know what they want and what can they do, so that it will not be difficult for them choosing a course. Wolf (2014), stated that there are many factors to consider when evaluating prospective colleges. It is up to you and your family to determine which criteria is most relevant for you. Some criteria are “make or break”, one thing that colleges on your list must have in order for you to consider them; others would be desirable to have but they are not mandatory. This column is related to our study because it helps the students to realize that many factors can be considered but it is up to the student if they will consider it. The most important thing in decision making is to choose a course that the student really wants not because others want it for them. Reynolds college,

they

(2009), are

quoted

often

that

when

intimidated

by

students the

begin

rarified

atmosphere of intellectual life, so their colleges walk them through course enrollment and see to it that they enroll in a variety of courses designed to give them a good start on academic life. After the first semester, however, students begin to make more informed and independent course choices,

which

may

be

based

on

requirements,

practicalities,

and

personal bent. This script is related to our research study because it indicated that college life may be fun but it is not only about fun, it is also about studying if the course you took is really suited to you. Goffredson (2012), viewed that people become attracted to certain occupations. Self-concept is the key factor to career selection and people want jobs that are comfortable with their self-image. The key determinants of self concept are one’s social class, level of intelligence and social experiences. This script is related to our study because it laid out that

the

decision

of

the

student

should

really

be

considered. In choosing a course a student should examine himself about how far can he go, and what are his talents and skills that are appropriate for his desired course.

Local Literature Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Commissioner Jenifer

Jardin-

looking to

Manalili(2011),believed

that

students

be hired immediately upon graduation should

steer

away

from

courses

like

nursing,

criminology,

and

education. Instead , they would do well to go into fields like:

Optometry,

counseling,

nutrition

social

work,

and

dietetics,

guidance

medical

technology,

pharmacy,

library science, psychology and dentistry. Based on their findings, there was an oversupply of licensed professionals buying for jobs in the fields of nursing, education and criminology. This literature is related to this thesis because it helps us choose the right course for us. It also tells us the different courses that are needed nowadays. It states that nursing, education and criminology has an oversupply of licensed professionals. Commission on Higher Education (2009), observed that as many as 142,000 or 25% , of all graduates took up business istration and related courses.Medical related courses are the next most popular category, with about 110,000, or 20

percent.

technology

The (IT),

other

popular

education

or

courses teacher

are

information

training,

and

engineering.CHEd data over the past decade showed the same popular courses among college graduates.On the other hand, the least popular courses based on the number of graduates

include

agriculture-related

courses,

religion,

home

economics and general courses. It is somehow related to this thesis because it tells the top courses that are taken up by the graduates. It also gives us an idea on what are the least popular courses. With this, we can choose what course or jobs are really needed. Santos (2009),found that the students consider more carefully financial

economic

factors

difficulties.

opportunities

to

in

times

These

supplement

their

of

factors income,

distress

and

include

job

accommodation

costs and family home proximity. This literature is somehow related to this research because it focuses on one factor that can affect the choice of course which is to consider economic factors. This factor can help financial difficulties. Fermoso (2010), noted that whenever the economy is on downturn, as it has been worldwide in the past two years, people begin to realized that some jobs are more desirable than others because they are more suitable. Recent university graduates who picked their degrees based on projected income alone have found out that, at this

juncture, job security is an even more important criterion in course selection. This article wants to inform that many people choose the wrong course for them. It also tells that job security is one of the important criterions in choosing the right course for us. Limpahan (2014), emphasized that college is all about preparing for the real world, and choosing the right college course is the best preparation one can have. Why make a big thing of a college course? Well, most students go to school to secure a bright future for themselves and their families at the same time, a college course can predetermine the professional identity one may have for life. The article written by Limpahan is related to this thesis because it emphasizes how choosing a college course is important. This is the best preparation for our future. One can secure a bright future if they choose the right course for them. Verona (2009),claimed that picking a career is the most important

decision

the

average

student

makes.

It

should

involve a

self-critical analysis: Where does my talent lie,

what is the reality of earning a living by using it. Prepare

yourself for a career that

is based on the realities

of

your talent and the job market. Related

to

this

literature,

it

is

related

to

this

research because one of its factors in choosing the college course is self-critical analysis. She considered this in picking a career. Pascual

(2014),

considered

that

the

involvement

of

family, school s and guidance counselor to help students make good career choice in the future. Respect for family is one of the most influential factors that impact Filipino

student’s

realted

factors,

career

decision.

economic

factors

Aside which

from

family

includes

the

employability and availability of job in the future is also considered by students. This column is related to this research because it states the different factors to be considered in choosing a course.

According

to

him,

family

is

one

of

the

most

influential factors that affect Filipino student’s course decision. Del

Norte

(2013)

asserted

that

choosing

a

course

carefully is an important aspect which will give conclusion to

a

student’s

academic

endeavor.

The

researchers

have

decided to make a study about the factors that graduating high school students consider in choosing a college course. The researchers provides the information that will cover various factors such as: having better job opportunities, pursuing your ion, etc. This research will help students and parents alike in choosing a course. In accordance to this literature, it is related this research because it covers the importance of choosing the right course carefully. It also studies the factors that the students consider in choosing a college course. Hanna (2013)concluded that picking a college to attend is

only

half

of

the

decision,

though.

The

other

half involves choosing an actual course to pursue. Seniors trooping

to

various

their entrance exams.

university

campuses

for

taking

After all, that is a major step in

being able to attend the college of their choice. Hanna talks about the courses which is connected to the current study. According to her, another factor to consider is the university campus. Choosing the college course to attend is still the major step. Esmerna (2011), coined that going in

the

presence

of

books,

to college and being

homework,

and

traumatizing

teachers were the least of my worries. What haunted me most was the disturbing reality that whatever course I took would probably determine what the rest of my life would be like. Choosing a college course is not exactly easy. Some are torn between two loves and others.Your inner voice is not the only one deciding for you. Your parents’ voices are now in your head, offering subtle hints on what they want you to become. That is when the “train to my college future” starts to take a different route, from straight ahead to zigzagging all the way. This literature wants to express that every graduating student should decide carefully in what course they want to take because it will determine of what will they become for the rest of their lives. Cruz (2014), stated that the Academic Track, the Core Subjects

take

care

of

the

CRS

and

the

Strand

Subjects

prepare students for the particular college course that they plan to take. This is different from the other Tracks. In the other Tracks (Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, Arts & Design), the Strand subjects are really terminal subjects, in the sense that they are not preparations for future studies but are meant to give students the tools to immediately enter the workplace.

This literature pointed out that preparing for college is not easy. Students should know all the things they have to consider in order to have a successful college life and to be productive for the future. Crusis(2009), explored that choosing a college major for some is easy; some people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up.

For others, choosing a college major

is probably one of the hardest decisions they will make in their life. The most basic consideration in the choice of a college

major

or college

course is,

of

course,

what

you

want. The next things to consider are values and money matters. Money because it will dictate what course you can or cannot afford. This literature wants to imply that there are lots of things to consider when choosing a college course. There are also different people that may find choosing course as easy or difficult depending on their financial capability. De Guzman (2009), assumed that picking a college to attend

is

only

universities.

half

of

the

decision

when

going

to

The other half involves choosing an actual

course to pursue. One strategy is to find out what most college courses people are into these days.

The message of this literature is that every student should

decide

according

to

what

she

prioritizes

because

college is all about deciding. In order to move forward you should learn how to choose the right way. Like in this thesis, students should learn the factors affecting their course to be satisfied about their future career. Baldoz (2011), quoted that “The moratorium, I believe, is a decisive action on the part of the CHED to mitigate potential oversupply of graduates in certain disciplines, and in the process, to encourage incoming students to opt for courses that offer the best chances of employment after graduation,”

The

country

should

effort

towards

market

intelligence, responsive training and education programs, adequate investments on education and training, and better quality learning inputs and outputs that will pave the way towards better matching of the skills of Filipinos with requirements in the job market. Like the CHED secretary says, in order to have a good economy and productive workers, every individual should be careful at the very first stage of their career which is choosing the course that will tell of who are they for their lifetime. It is somehow related to our thesis because this

study aim to know the factors affecting the choice of course of students to help them choose the right course for them. DOLE

Secretary

Rosalinda

Dimapilis-Baldoz

(2011),pointed out that parents should take an active role in their children's career choice. "Career guides are very important to parents. Gone are the days when a parent's task is

merely

disciplinary.

Now,

parents

should

have

a

developmental role as they actively engage themselves in the career planning process of their children. They must be able to convey to their children the significance of choosing the right career," DOLE secretary said. This literature wants to imply that parents have a big role in deciding on what course their children should choose because

they

are

the

one

that

will

give

the

financial

. Not only the financial but also their opinion about a certain course because they are the one who are more knowledgeable in life. Suah (2014) expressed that the career extravaganza, a program which the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted provide

was

realized

graduating

high

with

a

school

vision

to

students

make

with

work

an

and

insight

about career paths in different industries, get information

about the labor market and opportunities, understand the world of work and reduce the number of job mismatch. It was also endeavored to reduce the number of job skills mismatch by giving the students and parents with adequate information that will guide them in choosing a course that could lead to either gainful employment or successful business venture. In some means, this is related to this study because this

article

tells

about

a

program

which

help

every

graduating students in choosing their career paths.in this, they will have an insight about what jobs will be in demand for the future that is related to one factor in this study which is the job opportunity. Gamil (2011), coined that students looking to be hired immediately upon graduation should steer away from courses like nursing, criminology and education, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Instead, they would do well to go into the following fields: Optometry,

nutrition

and

dietetics,

guidance

counseling,

social work, medical technology, pharmacy, library science, psychology and dentistry. Manzala said that to measure if the labor supply was in proportion to the job market demand in a particular profession, they took note of the number of

people

who

ed

the

board.

Manalili

explained

that

“oversupplying” occurs because the career choices of college students are “based on demands from the previous years.” The message of this literature is that every student should determine what course he wants to take accurately because it has a huge effect in economy and their income in the

future.

This

is

related

in

this

study

because

job

opportunity, one factor that affects the choice of course of the

students

greatly

affect

because

they

consider

the

assurance of work after graduating.

Bacani (CHED)

is

(2014), advising

The

Commission

incoming

college

on

Higher

students

Education to

go

for

"priority courses" for them to get financial assistance and to land in-demand jobs that could help spur economic growth. According to the new list, the priority courses are those in the fields of agriculture, engineering, science and math, information technology, teacher education, health sciences, arts

and

business

humanities,

social

istration,

communication.

Skills

and

and

behavioral

architecture, jobs

that

match

sciences,

maritime the

and

projected

employment requirements of key industries until 2020.

According to this literature, one should consider the job opportunity in choosing a college course which is one of the factors affecting the choice of course in our study. By prioritizing what job are in demand, this could help a lot to our economic growth.

Related Studies The purpose of this review of related studies is to provide an overview of previous research on knowledge about the factors affecting the course preference of graduating students. Foreign Studies Lee and Chatfield (2010), identified that the factors that

influence

the

appropriate

factors

for

which

most

students affected with. The results are also beneficial to colleges

in

the

development

of

appropriate

promotion

of

courses; to differentiate themselves in a meaningful way to potential students over the world. Relate to this

research study, the study of Lee and

Chatfield coined that identifying the factors that affect the choice of course would be beneficial because student

will find easier the appropriate course for them. Tan (2009) that the described the relative importance of

major

conducted

college her

in

course the

choice

factors.

Philippines

so

it

It can

was

also

help

many

Universities around the nation to determine what and how many slots for the college course should be taken by means of how in demand the courses are. This study is related to this thesis because it tells that one major factor of college course preference are the jobs that are in demand. They need to know how many slots are available depending on the students choice of course. Edwards

and

Quinter

(2011)

stated

that

the

main

objective of this study was to find the factors influencing career choice. According

to

Mr.

Edwards

and

Quinter,

the

main

objective of this research is to find the different factors that are affecting the course choice. If the students know the different factors that affects their course choice it will be a great help for them to know who should consider the most.

SJ Lee (2011) asserted that the significant factors

used to choose colleges among in-state, out-of-state and international students might not be the same. Tuition and financial aid are different for each of these groups. Job opportunities during and after graduation are not the same. Also,

the

different affect

reputation

recognition

internationally

job

opportunities

than for

of

a

college

domestically. students

in

might

This

be

could

their

own

countries. In accordance to this research, it is assumed that the significance of the various factors is not the same among these three groups of students. Garce

(2009)

found

out

that

by

increasing

career

development activities, which include setting career goals, students had a higher self esteem. Another outcome of a higher self-esteem, it can help us to choose more difficult goals. Students must be given an opportunity to identify and explore their desired careers. Ultimately, students will further

their

education

and

have

a

better

chance

of

succeeding in the "do or die" world in which we live. Garci wants to tell that if a student has higher selfesteem

they

can

aim

for

more

difficult

goals.

Students

should try and explore their preferred course for them to succeed and turn their dreams into reality.

Roach, McGaughey and Downey (2013) the study asserted that economic demand is more important to students than interest in the field. This study is related to this thesis because it tells that a student considers economic demand more important than interest in the field. The student will choose a course where they can get a job easily. Huanye (2013) said that a person who is forced to do a job that he or she does not enjoy will quickly lose interest in his or her work. The career that the student should choose must be fulfilling. It must allow the student to express their creativity and individuality. Huanye affirmed that if a person is forced to do a job he or she will not succeed. Students need to choose a course they

truly

love.

This

is

in

some

ways

related

to

this

research. Baines commonalities

(2009)

discovered

between

students

that from

there

different

are

many

continents

such as the importance of personal interests and parents. Whilst

there

are

also

differences

it

would

seem

that

applying cultural stereotypes to international students. This study is related to this thesis because it pointed

out that students have different personalities that they can consider

in

choosing

a

course.

Students

should

consider

their love towards an object to be able to succeed in their own careers. Otpeng (2012) found out that career choice is a complex decision

for

people

since

it

determines

the

kind

of

profession that they intend to pursue in life. For some people an interest is of such importance in their life that it is the main influence on their career choice. This study showed that students who pursue the things they love will succeed. It is hard to imagine spending time on something you do not like. Saadiasardar (2011) believed that many factors affect career

choices

of

college

students.

Identifying

these

factors would give parents, educators, and industry an idea as to where students place most of their trust in the career selection pattern. According

to

Saadiasardar’s

study,

it

shows

the

different factors that affect the course preference of a student. This study gives a lot of help to the students who or what to consider the most in choosing a course. Alphamama (2014) concluded that some students do not

seriously

consider

many

alternative

choices

in

career

selection. Sources of influence, such as parents or mentors, could be brought into a circle of counseling and discussion to help student form a comprehensive career plan or outline. Focusing on the Alphamama’s ideas, it is related to this research because it indicated that there are lots of factors of influence in career selection. Some students do not seriously consider these factors. Sanchez (2013) observed that having a solid application will lead you to the right path, enrolling into college with the help and knowledge from high school is a great resource, rather than depending on yourself to create a phenomenal college application. This study pointed out that students will never be truly great at what they do if they do not have any ion for their work. That is no way to live. Shumba and Naong (2012) believed that several studies show that new students all over the world are usually faced with a dilemma in making career choice decision in their lives.

Mothers

because

they

were

cited

provide

as



apprehension about careers.

partiscularly that

eases

influential children’s

According

to

this

study,

choosing

a

course

is

a

difficult decision to make. Parents are one of the factors that greatly affect the student in choosing their course. Kimura-Walsh,

Yamamura,

Griffin

and

Allen

(2009)

pointed to the importance of school resources for Latina students in college preparation, but also indicated that services available to these students differed based on their class

ranking

and

perceived

eligibility

for

selective

colleges. This study is related to this thesis because it tells that school resources are important in college preparation. They also see it as one of the factors in choosing course preference. Smith

(2009)

extolled

the

necessity

of

educating

parents of African American students on the ways in which to get to college and successfully complete a degree, in order to provide to students. The idea of Smith is related to the current study because it explains that parents should finish college and get a degree in order to provide for their children and give them a good education which leads to finding good course preference in the future.

Nunez, Hoover, Picket, Stuart-Carruthers and Vasquez (2013) have focused more on the transition and success of Chicano/Latino students in college and high lightened the strategies for ing success once students matriculate. This study is somehow related to this thesis because it tells that they focused more on the success of students in college, which means that if students found the right course for

them,

there’s

a

bigger

chance

that

they

will

get

successful. Perna and Thomas (2009) also examined the impact of tests on the levels of college enrollment for high school students. They focused on state-mandated high school tests and

found

schools

greater

with

lower

negative socio

consequences economic

for

status

students and

at

academic

achievement. This study is wants to tell that students at school with lower socio economic status and academic achievement has less chance in ing the test for college enrollment which can also lead to less chance in pursuing the course they prefer. Anderson (2009) each study cited provided some insight into the college choice process. The way in which students

choose college may be changing from traditional methods. For example, a recent article in USA Today indicated that more students are using facebook as a way of communicating with university officials and taking care of business. Related to this thesis, this study tells that one of the reasons why students choose a college is because of traditional method like social networking, where they can interact with people in the universities and the students there can promote the school.

Local Studies Mihyeon (2010), stated that the study suggested that parents, teachers and guidance counselors should recognize their own critical roles in shaping high achieving students career

development

and

provide

tailored

career

related

services to meet different needs of high achieving students. The study of mihyeon states that parents,teachers and guidance counselor should shape their students and be a role model.

They

are

responsible

to

provide

career

services

related to the student’s course to achieve higher standards of professions. Perez (2010), studied that the factors that serve as

preferences of students in choosing a career in college include childhood aspirations, family, peers, interest , values

and

in-demand

oppurtunity

to

jobs.

select

a

Career

desired

preferences course.

It

are

is

free

also

a

decision-making in a confusing situation which occurs during the senior year of high school level. According to this study, it points out the different factors

that

affect

the

course

of

the

students

like

childhood aspirations, family, peers, interest, values and in-demand job. This factors also help the decision-making of the students specially senior highschools. Mattison (2009), found that career uncertainty may be influenced more by outcome expectations rather than selfefficacy.

The

researcher

suggest

that

information

and

guidance received may be an influential factor in career uncertainty. The study of Mattison is all about career uncertainty which occurs among students. Guidance from other person may influence

or

affect

this

uncertainty.

It

can

help

them

decide and choose the right course for them. Bongat

(2011).

Decision-making

is

distinctly

a

human

activity. The process of decision making is one of the most

complex mechanisms of human thinking, as various factors and courses of action intervene in it, with different results. Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute. According to Bongat, high school is all about decision making. It is the most complex mechanism of lunar thinking that

makes

people

energized

and

productive

in

thinking

different results. Del Norte (2013)

believed that people who graduated

college found more job opportunities available to them than those who had a lower form of education. The researcher believes that students who graduate college with the course suited

for

them

will

even

have

a

higher

percentage

of

landing a job. Del Norte believed that graduated people get more job opportunities than those who did not finished their studies. They can easily find a job that is suited for them and related to their chosen course. Chan (2013) indicated that the decision of a career is firstly based on what educational qualification you have or is

looking

forward

to

having.

It

is

based

on

your

personality and the path or field you have inclination in that

will

decide

the

job

for

that

you

will

apply.

The

researcher considered that there will be certain factors that will really be very important and you will have to give them importance to select the career. Then again try to select the path which best fulfills every need yet makes you happy working on it. Chan stated that career decisionmaking is basedon the student’s skills. Students who choose career that is based on their personalities will enjoy their work and succeed in the future. Romero

(2013)

stated

that

each

student

has

unique

personality with special drives and abilities. These drives affect their motivation to exert energy to decide. Decisionmaking opens to the portal for student to assess his/her liabilities and assets and how he or she would want to use them. It is necessary to examine individual decisions in the context of a set of need, preferences an individual has and values they seek. Romero stated that students have their own different skills

and

personalities.

It

affects

the

students

in

choosing their college course. Charmaine (2014) expressed that career planning may be considered

as

one

of

the

most

important

paths

in

an

individual’s life, which leads to making informed career decisions or choices. Charmaine asserted that in most cases where individuals make wrong career choices or decisions, they end up being unemployable or may find themselves moving from one career to the next because they actually do not know themselves quite well where they end up seeking for career assistance. Mendras decisions

(2014) for

them

discussed to

make

that are

the

the

most

choice

difficult of

college

institutions to attend, and also what course program to take.

For

students

who

see

themselves

attending

in

a

university, the assessment process perhaps undertakes high priority especially nowadays that the higher education has transformed in many ways. Choosing a course carefully is an important aspect which will give conclusion to a student’s academic endeavor. Mendras discussed that a students should choose their course carefully and students should assess the school where they will attent. Alimorong, Tansiking, Lagasca, Lazo, Manansala, Madayag (2014) found out that when students make decisions for their career, job opportunities or high employability is important

because

it

impacts

satisfaction

and

the

level

personal

of

students’

growth

or

personal

development

opportunities. Jobs with great salaries and revenue for its products and services, the results showed that most students thought that high employability or job opportunities is a great

contributory

factor

why

they

chose

such

field

or

career. This study states that the job opportunity is a major factor that the fourth year students should rely in choosing their course. Gaston (2014) claimed that many students would classify the field of study as interesting and not too difficult at all but the course includes several intriguing subjects, even the practicum is highly anticipated by the graduating students

due

to

its

social

relevance.

The

researcher

considered it as a possible factor in choosing a course in college. Gaston

coined

that

the

field

of

study

is

a

very

interesting part for students. It is also a factor that affects the decision-making of the fourth year students. Atinaja (2013) said that many students find it difficult in choosing what course to take in college. For seniors or

graduating high school students, the pressure goes higher as the end of their term is coming because the time is running and decreasing for deciding what course they will take. Choosing a course is really a hard decision to make. Your future depends on it and the decision you will make would determine what life you will have in the future. Atnaja wants to imply students should be really careful in choosing a course because it is a hard decision to make. Student’s decision will greatly affect their profession in the future. Acupan, Amuan, Galang, Manalo, Pinpin, Remoquillo (2012) expressed that in choosing proper choice of course, students will be able to develop and improve our God given talents and apply our knowledge and intelligence to it, though it is a free of cost opportunity to select and pick a course, this is not an easy task for it requires a lot of analysis of the course and decision-making. This

study

is

related

to

the

current

study

because

students should rely and improve their God-given talents that they will use to pick the right course for them. Lacozta

(2014)

pointed

out

that

students

also

make

choices that determine their living expenses whether to live

on campus or at home. They make up whatever difference exist between their family’s resources and their total student budget through a combination of work, student loans, and commercial credit. According to Lacozta, there is a huge different between living in campus and living with parents at home. Whatever the student preferred to choose,there are different impacts in the student. Hernandez, Reyes, De Roca (2012) explained that Filipino students are becoming imaginative and creative in choosing a course because of multifarious crisis such as socioeconomic crisis, political crisis, and as well as financial crisis which is greatly affected by global economic crisis. The ideas of Hernandez, Reyes and De Roca asserted that Filipino students are very imaginative in choosing a course. Students have the abilities to make a difference and change the economy. Regina (2012) concluded that choosing a course is one of the

biggest

choice

you’ll

make

regarding

with

your

education. Career starts in when you enter your own field. Thus, choosing your course is already the first step on your journey

to

a

good

career

so

everything

must

take

into

consideration. According to Regina, the first step to a successful career is deciding the right course that fits a student. It has a big impact to the student’s chosen path in life. Muhammad (2013) observed that many students are giving interest in the course because of being recognized as one of the top courses to be taken in the Philippines. One of the factors in choosing the course is being chosen and going out of the country to train and learn more about the industry that you have chosen. The researcher cited that students need to be more attentive and interested in the course they will choose because it will help them to be prepared for their job in the future. Muhammad stated that most students in the Philippines according to what career the country can give them and also the demand work of the other country. Lorenzo

(2012)

believed

that

the

most

basic

consideration in the choice of a college major or college course is what you wantor your interest. You should choose the course that you wanted to get into and resonates within the very fiber of your being.

The study of Lorenzo emphasized that in picking the course that you want, you should choose the one that satisfies your interest and can develop your skills.

Chapter III RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY Methods of Research

The method that the researchers will be using is the descriptive method. It is designed to provide the research information about what is happening in the present. The study is about the “Factors Affecting the College Course Preference of the Fourth Year Students of Roosevelt College San Mateo”, the researchers aim to find out the factors that affects a student in decision making through the use of a questionnaire. This study is focused on the present that is why the researchers use the descriptive method. Locale of the Study The study was handled within the premises of Roosevelt College San Mateo. The researchers get information of the students from the Registrar’s Office in the four sections of the fourth year level. All the answers will be coming from the sections Jose Rizal, Mariano Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.

Respondents of the Study The respondents of the study were the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo for the School year 2014-2015. The fourth year students are 152, and there are 143 students who answered the questionnaire.

Data Gathering and Procedures Since the researchers are only conducting this research at

only

one

year

level,

the

Fourth

year

students,

the

researchers write a letter of approval addressed to the Directress – Mrs. Norita Lachenal. The researchers used one kind

of

questionnaire

decision,

economic

composed

demand,

of

parent’s

four

topics;

decision

and

self peers’

influence; in order for the researchers to know which factor affects

the

Fourth

year

students’

course

preference.

No

sampling will be used because all the fourth year students will be taken as the respondents in our study. Research Instrument The study used a questionnaire to survey fourth year students

for

collecting

data.

The

researchers

made

the

questionnaire based on the factors affecting in choosing college course. The questionnaire was divided into 4 topics. These

are

Parents'

Decision,

Personal

Choice,

Job

Oppurtunity and Peers' Influence. The survey questionnaires was

constructed

questions

for

consisting

each

of

the

of

twenty

factors

questions,

affecting

the

five course

preference of the fourth year students.The questionnaire was made to determine what factor they are most affected with.

Statistical Tools The

researchers

used

the

formula

to

measure

the

weighted mean of the factors affecting the course preference of the fourth year students. Sometimes the variable x has certain weight and this weight depends upon the importance of significance of the variable. The formula of the weighted mean is as follows:

xx̄ =

Σfn

n Where: f = frequency in each weight

xx

= weighted mean

X = assigned weight n = total number of frequency in each weight We find the most frequent answer for all the questions and interpret it as the overall factors of the choice of course of the fourth year students in Roosevelt College San Mateo School Year 2014-2015.

Chapter IV PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS This chapter focuses on the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data would determine the factors affecting

the college course preference of the Roosevelt College San Mateo School Year 2014-2015. The discussion that follow are presented according to the data asked for by the problems of the study.

Table 1.1 Parent’s Influence Percentage Breakdown FACTOR

I. Parent’s Influenc e

Strongly Agree (5)

Agree (4)

Not Sure (3)

Disagree (2)

Strongly Disagree (1)

13.03%

39.26%

23.42%

17.96%

6.34%

As shown above, 13.03% of the fourth year students are strongly agree in the statements given in the questionnaire. On the other hand, 39.26% which is the highest percentage of the fourth year students chose agree. Meanwhile, 23.42% of the fourth year students are not sure and 17.96% disagree that their parents influence them in choosing their career choice. While the remaining 6.34% strongly disagree that their parents influence them.

Table 1.2

Personal Choice Percentage Breakdown FACTOR

II. Personal Choice

Strongly Agree (5)

Agree (4)

Not Sure (3)

Disagree (2)

Strongly Disagree (1)

19.54%

44.19%

19.19%

12.32%

4.75%

Table 1.2 revealed that almost half (44.19%) and the biggest percentage of the fourth year students agreed that the personal choice is important as a factor choosing their course. While 4.75%, the lowest percentage strongly disagreed that personal choice should be considered in choosing career.

Table 1.3 Job Opportunity Percentage Breakdown FACTOR

Strongly Agree (5)

Agree (4)

Not Sure (3)

Disagree (2)

Strongly Disagree (1)

III. Job Opportunit y

17.61%

50.70%

27.11%

1.06%

3.52%

As clearly seen on table 1.3, half of the students, 50.70% agreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their course. On the other hand, 27.11% more than quarter of the fourth year students are not sure about job opportunity as a factor. And only 1.06% of the students strongly disagreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their course.

Table 1.4 Peer’s Influence Percentage Breakdown FACTOR

Strongly Agree (5)

Agree (4)

Not Sure (3)

Disagree (2)

Strongly Disagree (1)

IV. Peer’s Influenc e

5.46%

27.11%

26.06%

25.88%

15.49%

Table 1.4 shows that 27.11% of the fourth year students agreed, 26.06% are not sure, 25.88% disagreed, 15.49%

strongly disagreed, and only 5.46% strongly agreed that their choice of course are influenced by peers.

Table 2.1 1st Choice of Career

Choice of Career

Frequency

Percentage

Engineering

27

19.01

Business

22

15.49

ancy

13

9.15

Medicine

16

11.27

Communication

9

6.34

Science

21

14.79

Arts

12

8.45

I.T

13

9.15

Education

6

4.23

Mathematics

1

0.7

Tourism

2

1.41

Table 2.1 disclosed that Engineering has the highest percentage with 19.01% for the first choice of course followed by Business with 15.49%, Science with 14.79%,

Medicine with 11.27%, ancy and I.T with 9.15% then Arts with 8.45%, Communication 6.34%, Education with 4.23%, Tourism with 1.41% and Mathematics having the lowest percentage with 0.7%.

Table 2.2 2nd Choice of Career Choice of Career

Frequency

Percentage

Engineering

32

22.54

Business

17

11.97

ancy

7

4.93

Medicine

14

9.86

Communication

7

4.93

Science

13

9.15

Arts

15

4.23

I.T

13

10.56

Education

6

9.15

Mathematics

1

4.23

Tourism

12

0.7

Economics

1

8.45

Nutrition

1

0.7

Food Tech

1

0.7

Agriculture

1

0.7

Public istration

1

0.7

Table 2.2 shows that Engineering has the highest percentage with 22.54% for the second choice of course

followed by Business with 11.97%, Arts with 10.56%, I.T and Science with 9.15% then Medicine with 9.86%, Tourism with 8.45%, ancy and Communication both with 4.93% and then Education with 4.23%, lastly, Mathematics, Economics, Nutrition, Food technology, Agriculture and Public istration having the lowest percentage with 0.7%.

Table 3.1 Statements

X

Verbal Interpretation

I. Parent’s Influence 1. My course is related to my parent’s decision.

3.50

Agree

2. My course is according to what my parents can afford in college.

3.30

Not Sure

3. My course is based on what my parents said that suits me.

3.20

Not Sure

4.My chosen course is beneficial to my parents.

3.84

Agree

1. I have decided my course since I was in the elementary.

2.96

Not Sure

2. I am satisfied with my own choice of career.

4.14

Agree

3. I am not yet sure of my chosen course.

3.21

Not Sure

4. I think my choice provides opportunity to grow professionally

4.15

Agree

1. My choice is a highly paid profession.

3.82

Agree

2. My course is based according to the demand in the

3.83

Agree

II. Personal Choice

III. Job Opportunity

society

3. My choice is a course where I can easily land a job.

3.82

Agree

4. My choice can hone my skills.

4.04

Agree

1. I choose a course according to my friends’ preferred course.

2.11

Agree

2. My friends are positive about their choice of course.

3.60

Disagree

3. My friends chosen course is an appealing profession.

3.15

Not Sure

4. I do not want to be separated with my friends so I will choose the same course.

2.03

Disagree

IV. Peer’s Influence

Table 3.1 shows the summary of the answered questionnaires of the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo. This includes the mean and verbal interpretation for each of the questions. Based on the table shown above, the respondents, are not sure that their course is related to their parent’s decision, the respondents agreed that their course is according to what their parents

can afford in college, the respondents are also not sure if their career choice is based on what their parents said that suit them and agreed that their course is beneficial to their parents. Considering personal choice as a factor of choosing a course, respondents are not sure if they already decided their course since they were in elementary while they agreed that they are satisfied with their own choice of course, the fourth year students are not sure if they are decided to their chosen course and the respondents agreed that their career choice provides opportunity to grow professionally. Regarding about the factor job opportunity, the respondents agreed that their career choice is a highly paid profession is based according to the demand in the society; a course where respondents can easily land a job and can hone their skills. The fourth year students agreed that they chose a course according to what their friend’s preferred course. The respondents disagreed that their friends are positive about their choice of course; not sure if their friends’ chosen course is an appealing profession and disagreed that they do not want to be separated with their friends so that they will choose the same course.

Table 3.2 Factors

Weighted Mean

Verbal Interpretation

I. Parent’s Influence

3.35

Not Sure

II. Personal Choice

3.62

Agree

III. Job Opportunity

3.80

Agree

IV. Peer’s Influence

2.81

Not Sure

Table 3.2 clearly shows that the respondents are not sure that the factors Parent’s decision and peer’s influence are affecting them in choosing a course that suit them. On the other hand, the fourth year students agreed that the factors personal choice and job opportunity should be considered as a factor in their career preference.

CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter represents the summary of findings, the conclusion that had been formulated as well as recommendations offered. This study was made in order to find the factors affecting the college course preference of the fourth year students of Roosevelt College San Mateo. To determine the factors that affect the career choice of the fourth year students, the percentage system and mean were computed. These were used as basis for determining the tabulated data.

Summary of Findings

These findings revealed the following: 1. The percentage system was used to describe the percentage breakdown of the fourth year students according to each of the factor.

1.1 The fourth year students got the highest percentage which is at 39.62% and said to be agreeable.

And the lowest

is at 6.34% which is equivalent to strongly disagreeable. This means that the fourth year students agreed that parent’s influence can affect their choice of course. 1.2 Revealed that almost half (44.19%) the biggest percentage of the fourth year students agreed that the personal choice is important as a factor choosing their course. While 4.75%, the lowest percentage strongly disagreed that personal choice should be considered in choosing career. 1.3 As clearly seen on table 1.3, half of the students, 50.70% agreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their course. And only 1.06% of the students strongly disagreed that job opportunity is a factor in choosing their course. 1.4 It shows that 25.88% disagreed, and only 5.46% strongly agreed that their choices of course are influenced by peers. It means that fourth year students do not really consider the preferred course of their friends and classmates in picking their own choice of course.

2. The group also considered the preferred course of the students through the table showing their 1st choice and 2nd choice of course or program. 2.1 The course that got the highest percentage is the Engineering course which summed up to 19.01% and the courses related to Mathematics got the lowest percentage at 0.7% 2.2 The course that got the highest percentage is Engineering related courses which is at 22.54% and the course/s that got the lowest percentage are Tourism, Food Tech, Nutrition, Agriculture and Public istration which fall at 0.7%.

3. In order to identify what factor greatly influences the fourth year students, the researchers used the weighted mean. The factor which greatly influences the fourth year students is the job opportunity.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the findings of this study the following conclusion were drawn: 1. Factors such as Parent’s influence, Personal choice, Job opportunity and Peer’s influence can affect the fourth year students in deciding on their choice of course. Therefore the researchers conclude that fourth year students do not only look at their personal choice of course as their guide in deciding what course to take but also the decision from their parents, peers and the availability of the job are being also considered by the students. 2. The course that got the highest percentage is the Engineering related courses both in the 1st and 2nd choice percentage breakdown. It means that most of the fourth year students want to take an engineering course. 3. The factor that got the highest weighted mean is Job opportunity. Therefore the researchers conclude that this factor greatly affects the fourth years students in choosing their choice of course. Students tend to analyze if the course they want can improve and embody their skills and is highly paid profession. RECOMMENDATIONS

After thorough procedures and analysis of data, the following recommendations are hereby made to develop and improve the research problem: 1. The students should give more consideration to the job opportunity than the others. 2. The teacher should give the students more knowledge on choosing the right course. 3. The parents should also help, guide and encourage their children in choosing the appropriate courses for them. 4. The school should give more seminars to help the students to come up with a course that suit them. 5. The peer’s choice of career should not be affected by the preferred course of the students. 6. Teachers and parents must encourage the students to carefully think about what career they will choose. 7. A student should choose a course according to what they really want not because others want it for them. 8. Students should research about the courses that are in demand and in what school can they hone their skills.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A (COVER LETTER)

APPENDIX B (SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE)

Name:

Gender:

Section:

Age:

Preferred Course:

Preferred School:

1st choice: 2nd choice:

“Factors Affecting the College Course Preference of the Fourth Year Students of Roosevelt College San Mateo School Year 2014-2015”

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Put a check mark on the box below that corresponds to your answer, if you strongly agree, agree, not sure, disagree or strongly disagree to what the statement says. Please answer the following with complete honesty.

Strongly Agree (5)

I. Parent’s Influence 1. My course is related to my parent’s decision. 2. My course is according to what my parents can afford in college. 3. My course is based on what my parents said that suits me. 4. My chosen course is beneficial to my parents.

Agree (4)

Not Sure (3)

Disagree (2)

Strongly Disagree (1)

II. Personal Choice 1. I have decided my course since I was in the elementary. 2. I am satisfied with my own choice of career. 3. I am not yet sure of my chosen course. 4. I think my choice provides opportunity to grow professionally

III. Job Opportunity 1. My choice is a highly paid profession. 2. My course is based according to the demand in the society 3. My choice is a course where I can easily land a job. 4. My choice can hone my skills.

IV. Peer’s Influence 1. I choose a course according to my friends’ preferred course. 2. My friends are positive about their choice of course. 3. My friends chosen course is an appealing profession. 4. I do not want to be separated with my friends

so I will choose the same course.

APPENDIX C (TABLES AND COMPUTATIONS)