Science Education Students' Experiences in an Online Graduate School: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Date of Award

3-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Science Education

First Advisor

Dr. rer. nat. Crisanto M. LopezRhodora F. Nicdao, PhD

Comments

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the lockdown of higher education institutions, prompting them to utilize online digital platforms to ensure that graduate students can continue their studies. The focus of this study is to explore factors that affect science education students' motivations for their graduate school education, the challenges they have encountered, and suggestions for the online delivery of science education programs. The study used a qualitative exploratory design. Ten (10) science education students enrolled in graduate school were asked to answer a demographic profiling survey and were interviewed through focus group discussions (FGD). The qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis using Quirkos software. Results showed that several factors, such as personal and social factors, had influenced science education students' reasons for pursuing graduate school. The personal factors included self-improvement, professional growth, and the opportunities presented by the pandemic. The science education students pursue in graduate school positively influences their salary, promotion, and social circle. Social factors, such as support from teachers, classmates, and family, have been identified as advantageous for science education graduate students seeking to continue their studies. In addition to the benefits of pursuing a graduate degree during the pandemic, participants mentioned difficulties with their classes, instructors, classmates, resources, and families. Among the coping mechanisms utilized by graduate students in science education were applying for scholarship grants, effective communication with those around them, and developing self-discipline and management skills. It is recommended that graduate-level science education programs for teachers be delivered online, as it facilitates the exploration of additional learning materials for laboratory experiments and increases student convenience. The study further suggests that online graduate schools modify their curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of their students, encourage open lines of communication between students and faculty, and offer weekend classes.

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