Authors :
Jay A. Villasor
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2h3ek7v7
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may2346
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study explores the experiences, challenges, and insights of teachers in applying skill-building activities amidst
increasing academic demands in elementary education. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured
interviews and focus group discussions with elementary teachers. Data were collected from five individual interviews and a
focus group comprising five participants. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify patterns and themes related to teachers’
experiences, coping strategies, and insights. Findings revealed that skill-building activities positively impacted learner
engagement and confidence, with students exhibiting improved critical thinking and adaptability. However, challenges
included insufficient materials, time limitations, and resistance from stakeholders. Teachers employed strategies such as
resource improvisation, collaboration with colleagues, and differentiated instruction to address these challenges. Insights
highlighted the importance of aligning activities with real-world applications, fostering collaboration, and providing
continuous support to learners.
The study emphasized the transformative potential of skill-building activities in enhancing learner capacity to meet
academic demands. Teachers' experiences indicate the need for institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and
professional development to optimize the implementation of such activities.
Keywords :
Skill-Building, Elementary Education, Academic Demands, Critical Thinking, Learner Engagement, Teacher Strategies.
References :
- Barre, B. (2021). The Workload Dilemma - Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Center for the Advancement of Teaching. https://cat.wfu.edu/2021/01/the-workload-dilemma/
- Campanella, S. (2023). skill-based learning. HR Software. https://www.techtarget.com/searchhrsoftware/definition/skill-based-learning
- Campbell, J. L. (2011). The US financial crisis: lessons for theories of institutional complementarity. Socio-economic Review, 9(2), 211–234. https://doi.org/10.1093/ser/mwq034
- Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2007). Research Methods in Education (6th ed.). London and New York, NY: Routledge Falmer.
- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
- Davidson, A.L. (1996). Making and molding identity in schools: Student narratives on race, gender, and academic engagement.," Networks: An Online Journal for T eacher Research : Vol. 1: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2470-6353.1253
- DepEd Tambayan (2023, March 19). How Heavy Workload Affects Student Learning Outcomes • DepEd Tambayan. DepEd Tambayan. https://depedtambayan.net/heavy-workload-affects-student-learning-outcomes/
- Drishti IAS. (2023). The importance of skill development for students. https://www.drishtiias.com/blog/the-importance-of-skill-development-for-students
- Gardner, R. (2023, September 13). Skill Building in the Workplace: An HR’s Guide. AIHR. https://www.aihr.com/blog/skill-building/#:~:text=advanced%2C%20and%20expert.,What%20is%20skill%20building%3F,help%20employees%20improve%20specific%20skills.
- Gasson, S. (2004). Quality and trustworthiness in qualitative research in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 250–260. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.52.2.250
- Gonzaga, M. & Oblianda, L. (2022). Mediating Effect of Academic Self-efficacy on the relationship between Academic Stress and Academic Burnout of Online Class Students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Davao Region. 10.13140/RG.2.2.12099.27682.
- Guba, E., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1988). Do inquiry paradigms imply inquiry methodologies? In D.M. Fetterman (Ed.), Qualitative approaches to evaluation in education (pp. 89–115).New York: Praeger.
- Hesse-Biber, S., & Nagy Leavy, P. (2011). The Practice of Qualitative Research (2nd ed.). New York: Sage
- Hill, S. (2024, March 27). Does homework cause stress? Exploring the impact on students’ mental health - Healium. Healium. https://www.tryhealium.com/2023/08/24/does-homework-cause-stress/
- Johnson-George, C., & Swap, W. C. (1982). Measurement of Specific Interpersonal Trust: Construction and Validation of a Scale to Assess Trust in a Specific Other. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43, 1306-1317. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.43.6.1306
- Jones, M. (2011). The Social Epistemology of Experimental Economics, Ana Cordeiro dos Santos. Routledge2010. xi + 210 pages. Economics and Philosophy, 27(1), 64–69. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266267110000490
- Lichtman, Marilyn. (2013). Qualitative Research in Education.
- Lincoln, Y.S. and Guba, E.G (2000) Paradigmatic Controversies, Contradictions, and Emerging Confluences. In: Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S., Eds., Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd Edition, Sage Publications Ltd., Thousand Oaks, 163-188.
- Lincoln, Y. S., Lynham, S. A., & Guba, E. G. (2011). Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluences, revisited In N. Denzin and Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage handbook of qualitative research (pp. 97–128). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Mortensen, Ditte Hvas. (2020). How to Do a Thematic Analysis of User Interviews.
- Pacific Teen Treatment. (2021, November 23). What are the effects of academic pressure? https://pacificteentreatment.com/mental-health/what-are-the-effects-of-academic-pressure/#:~:text=Research%20has%20found%20that%20excessive,can%20adversely%20affect%20academic%20results.
- Panarina, S. (2018). Invariable structure of research competence of adult learners in skill building programs. In Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series (pp. 473–487). https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-3485-3.ch024
- Parse, R., Coyne, A., & Smith, M (1985). Nursing Research: Qualitative Methods
- Priyanka. (2024). The Importance of Skill Development in School Education 2024. Why Skill Development is Key to Effective School Education in 2024. https://k8school.com/importance-of-skill-development-in-school-education/
- Riessman, C. K., & Quinney, L. (2005). Narrative in social work. Qualitative Social Work, 4(4), 391–412. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325005058643
- Roder, N. (2018, May 18). Are academic demands and overscheduling stressing kids out? - Today’s Parent. Today’s Parent. https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/are-academic-demands-and-overscheduling-stressing-kids-out/
- Root, P. (2023). Best 10 skill development activities for students. Nalanda International School. https://nalandaschool.org/best-10-skill-development-activities-for-students/
- Sara. (2021, May 11). 11 Common causes of school stress for students | Oxford Learning. Oxford Learning. https://www.oxfordlearning.com/causes-of-school-stress/
- Silverman (2000). Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
- Student Wellbeing (2023). What is resilience? | ReachOut Schools. https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/what-is-resilience
- Trochim, W. (2000) The Research Method Knowledge Base. 2nd Edition, Atomic Dog Publishing, Cincinnati.
- Williams, P. (2024). Instructure. Skills-Based Learning: benefits and strategies. https://www.instructure.com/resources/blog/skills-based-learning-benefits-and-strategies
- Willis, J. (2007). Foundations of Qualitative Research: Interpretive and Critical Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452230108
This study explores the experiences, challenges, and insights of teachers in applying skill-building activities amidst
increasing academic demands in elementary education. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured
interviews and focus group discussions with elementary teachers. Data were collected from five individual interviews and a
focus group comprising five participants. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify patterns and themes related to teachers’
experiences, coping strategies, and insights. Findings revealed that skill-building activities positively impacted learner
engagement and confidence, with students exhibiting improved critical thinking and adaptability. However, challenges
included insufficient materials, time limitations, and resistance from stakeholders. Teachers employed strategies such as
resource improvisation, collaboration with colleagues, and differentiated instruction to address these challenges. Insights
highlighted the importance of aligning activities with real-world applications, fostering collaboration, and providing
continuous support to learners.
The study emphasized the transformative potential of skill-building activities in enhancing learner capacity to meet
academic demands. Teachers' experiences indicate the need for institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and
professional development to optimize the implementation of such activities.
Keywords :
Skill-Building, Elementary Education, Academic Demands, Critical Thinking, Learner Engagement, Teacher Strategies.