Non-Social Studies major Teachers: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms in teaching Araling Panlipunan

Abstract

This phenomenological qualitative study examined the challenges and coping mechanism of 10 newly-hired Non-Social Studies major teachers in public junior high schools in Bulacan. Purposive sampling method with criteria was used in selecting the participants and the data undergone narrative analysis. This paper discusses the challenges faced by non-Social Studies major teachers in teaching Araling Panlipunan subjects and the strategies they employ to overcome them. The study reveals that security of tenure, encouraging flexibility, construction of lesson plans, knowledge on the subject matter, assessment design, intervention plan, and teaching methods are crucial factors in ensuring effective teaching of Araling Panlipunan subjects. The study proposes a program called Capacitating the Competence of Non-Social Studies Major Teachers to bridge the expertise gap between Social Studies major teachers and non-Social Studies major teachers and equip the latter with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality education to students. The program's design and content were informed by the challenges faced by non-Social Studies major teachers highlighted in Chapter 3 and suggestions provided by participants in Chapter 7 for seminars, programs, and workshops. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the significance of education in shaping the minds of the youth and the noble vocation of teaching.

KEYWORDS – Non-Social Studies major teachers, challenges, coping mechanisms, programs