SLONGAN

Strangers' Battle: Adversities and Coping Mechanisms of Library Paraprofessionals Managing School Libraries

Jennifer M. Reyes, Ida G. Tudy — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 +0800

This phenomenological qualitative research focused on library paraprofessionals’ adversities and their coping mechanisms managing a school library. Nine (9) library paraprofessionals from the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental took part in this study through Key Informant Interviews (KII) . Results revealed that they wrestled with heavy workloads, lack of training and background in library management, poor implementation of RA 9246, and absence of training opportunities. In coping with these, they developed a strong support system and have kept a positive attitude towards their work. They also gained insights, presented into three (3) themes: making the library a priority, keeping a positive attitude and collaborating with library organizations. To fully attain effective and efficient school library services, the Department of Education (DepEd) called for the strict implementation of Republic Act 9246. Also, librarians are prompted to collaborate with professional organizations in advocating and standing for the strong implementation of the said law.

Influence of Information Skills and Media Literacy Instruction to Misinformation Evaluation Skills Among College Students

Eva Carla F. Gadia, Ida G. Tudy — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 +0800

Accurate information is vital to the lives of every student. Thus, being able to distinguish between correct and erroneous information is a necessity. Hence, this descriptive-correlation research aimed to determine whether information skills and media literacy instruction can significantly influence the misinformation evaluation skills. The researchers administered adapted and patterned survey questionnaires to one hundred forty-one (141) BLIS college students from Regions XI and XII. Results revealed that students-respondents have high proficiency in information skills, namely computer skills, information literacy skills, and browsing and navigation skills. They have also received outstanding media literacy instruction, and they are highly skillful in evaluating and identifying misinformation. Moreover, using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, findings revealed that both of the two independent variables, namely Information Skills and Media Literacy Instruction, can significantly influence the respondents' misinformation evaluation skills. These findings serve as the basis to further strengthen the students' information skills, and media literacy instruction as these variables positively affect college students' skills in evaluating misinformation.

No Signal: Social Media Marketing Challenges in Academic Libraries

Marjorie T. Jorillo, Maria Lorena M. Abangan — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 +0800

The growing underutilization of library resources and services has prompted colleges and universities to apply marketing strategies like social media to keep libraries relevant and responsive to their stakeholders' needs. This phenomenological study aimed to explore librarians' challenges and strategies in marketing academic libraries in the Davao region using social media. Data were gathered through key informant interviews with nine librarians who were purposively selected based on the study’s inclusion criteria. Results showed that social media marketing has become a trend among libraries and entails challenges. Five themes emerged: accessibility, no clear social media marketing plan, lack of user engagement, additional tasks, and issues and concerns in library social media. Librarians used common marketing strategies such as orientation and instruction and cited innovative strategies and best practices in promoting their library through social media. Lastly, librarians have gained insights in marketing academic libraries using social media, presented into four themes: enhanced library image, improved library services, gaining new skills, and developing a sense of responsibility. To further strengthen social media use in academic libraries, librarians are urged to formulate and intensify a social media marketing plan as a basis for future library social media marketing activities.

Philippine K to 12 Implementation: Difficulties and Coping Strategies of Public Elementary School Administrators

Ruby Jean A. Blasabas, Maria Vinice O. Sumaljag — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 +0800

K to 12 curriculum created novel challenges among educators, parents, students, school administrators, and stakeholders. Thus, this study described the difficulties and coping strategies of elementary school administrators in dealing with the K to 12 program implementation. This study employed the qualitative phenomenological research design, which included twelve (12) school administrators in Davao del Sur in selected public elementary schools. Key Informant Interview was utilized to gather necessary data to bring out the difficulties and coping strategies of elementary school administrators on the K to 12 implementation in the Philippines. Results revealed that participants experienced scarcity of learning materials, lack of training and orientations, low-quality materials, and additional workload. Despite the challenges, school administrators find ways to mitigate their current situation, such as employing innovative strategies, social support systems, and personal coping strategies. The results of this study would bridge to future research about the experiences of other school administrators, teachers, and students who had undergone the K to 12 curriculum.

Fears, Motivation, and Strategies of Guidance Counselors in Handling Clients with Suicidal Tendencies

Darwin F. Ignacio, Ida G. Tudy — Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 +0800

Across the globe, suicide is now a typical behavior among the youth in the contemporary period. This phenomenon challenges school guidance counselors on how they reach out to suicidal clients effectively. However, as they help suicidal clients overcome their unresolved issues, they are also vulnerable to the counseling sessions. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to explore the fears, motivations, and strategies of guidance counselors in handling clients with suicidal tendencies. Using purposive sampling, nine (9) key informants willingly participated in the semi-structured interviews. Results revealed three themes as regards their fears. They were (1) apprehensive about suicidal clients' wellbeing, (2) occupational vulnerability, and the (3) adverse effects of counseling suicidal clients. Furthermore, there were two emerging themes as regards their motivations. These were (1) professional calls to help and (2) counseling as an instrument for change. Lastly, two themes were extracted for their strategies, namely, (1) reliance on counseling tools and techniques and (2) provision of a support system.