Authors :
Darwin B. Pasco; Manuel V. Estera
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yzh3fjhf
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mumrssdb
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1070
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 investigated the causes and performance of learners’ disengagement in the basic education Key Stages
1 and 2. Using a mixed-method research design, data were gathered from thirty (30) teachers from selected public
elementary schools in the Juban District through a researcher-made questionnaire and interviews. Findings revealed that
teacher–learner interaction, technology utilization, and assessment of learning outcomes are primary factors contributing
to disengagement. Reduced direct contact learning time (mean = 4.63) and unclear classroom routines (mean = 4.42) were
the most significant teacher-related issues, while technology-related concerns included too many distractions in learning
materials (mean = 4.57) and unclear task instructions (mean = 4.56). Assessment practices also influenced disengagement,
with complex instructions (mean = 4.21) and unfamiliar formats (mean = 4.02) identified as major contributors. Qualitative
data highlighted patterns such as selective attention, limited acknowledgment of learners’ ideas, and vague instructions
reducing active engagement. To mitigate disengagement, the study proposed innovative activities focusing on interactive
teacher–learner strategies, immersive technology integration, and meaningful assessment practices. Conclusions
emphasized that addressing these factors through collaborative discussions, structured routines, engaging digital tools, and
formative assessments can foster active participation and improve academic performance. Recommendations include
implementing interactive teaching methods, designing distraction-free digital resources, and simplifying assessments with
timely feedback to sustain learner engagement in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Keywords :
Learners’ Disengagement, Technology Utilization, Selective Attention, Technology Integration, Key Stages 1 and 2
References :
- Adediran, A. A. (2015). Effective teaching strategies for secondary school education. Journal of Educational Practice, 5(7), 112-119.
- Akcaoglu, M. (2016). Learning strategies and self-efficacy among teacher candidates in Turkey. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(2), 1-9.
- Aktan, O. (2020). The role of education systems in developing knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values. International Journal of Educational Development, 70, 102-110.\
- Al-Alwan, A. F. (2018). Peer learning and help seeking among undergraduate students at Al- Hussein Bin Talal University in Jordan. Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies, 2(1), 45-56.
- Amerstorfer, C. M. (2021). Student Perceptions of Academic Engagement and Student-Teacher Relationships in Problem-Based Learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 713057.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713057
- Appleton, J. J., Christenson, S. L., & Furlong, M. J. (2018). Student engagement with school: Critical conceptual and methodological issues of the construct. Psychology in the Schools, 45(5),369386. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.20303
- Archambault, I., Janosz, M., Morizot, J., & Pagani, L. S. (2009). Adolescent behavioral, affective, and cognitive engagement in school: Relationship to dropout. Journal of School Health, 79(9), 408-415.
- Bae, S., & Kokka, K. (2016). Student Engagement in Assessments: What Students and Teachers Find Engaging. Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education. Retrieved from https://edpolicy.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publications/student-engagement-assessments-final.pdf
- Bergdahl, N., & Bond, M. (2021). Negotiating K-12 (Dis-)engagement in blended learning.
- Bergdahl, N., Nouri, J. & Fors, U. Disengagement, engagement and digital skills in technology-enhanced learning. Educ Inf Technol 25, 957–983 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639- 019-09998-w
- Bergdahl, N., Nouri, J., & Fors, U. (2020). Disengagement, engagement and digital skills in technology-enhanced learning. Education and Information Technologies, 25(1), 957- 983.
- Bergdahl, N., Nouri, J., Fors, U., & Knutsson, O. (2020). Engagement, disengagement and performance when learning with technologies in upper secondary school. Computers & Education, 149, Article 103783.
- Biwer, F., Egbrink, M. G. A. o., Aalten, P., & de Bruin, A. B. H. (2020). Fostering effective learning strategies in higher education—A mixed-methods study. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 9(2), 186-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2020.03.004
- Bond, M., Buntins, K., Bedenlier, S., & Kerres, M. (2020). Mapping research in student engagement and educational technology in higher education: A systematic evidence map. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0176-8
- BusinessMirror. (2023, September 22). World Bank report reveals alarming 91% learning poverty rate among Filipino 10-year-olds. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/09/22/91-learning-poverty-thricegovt-estimates
- Cabrera, L. 2020. “Efectos del coronavirus en el sistema de enseñanza: Aumenta la desigualdad de oportunidades educativas en España.” Revista de Sociología de la Educación 13 (2): 114–139. doi:10.7203/RASE.13.2.17125.
- Cada, P. (n.d.). The impact of effective teaching strategies on the students' academic performance and learning outcome: A literature review. Education.
- Cardino, J. M. Jr., & Ortega-Dela Cruz, R. A. (2020). Understanding of learning styles and teaching strategies towards improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. LUMAT: International Journal on Math, Science and Technology Education, 8(1), 19-43.
- Cents-Boonstra, M., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., Denessen, E., Aelterman, N., & Haerens, L. (2021). Fostering student engagement with motivating teaching: an observation study of teacher and student behaviours. Research Papers in Education, 36(6), 754–779. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2020.1767184
- Cervantes, F. (2018). Solons call on gov’t to curb rising dropout rate. Philippine news agency. Retrieved from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037398
- Chipchase, L., Davidson, M., Blackstock, F., Bye, R., Clothier, P., Klupp, N., Nickson, W., Turner, D., & Williams, M. (2017). Conceptualising and Measuring Student Disengagement in Higher Education: A Synthesis of the Literature. International Journal of Higher Education. Vol. 6, No. 2; 2017
- Chipchase, L., Davidson, M., Blackstock, F., Bye, R., Clothier, P., Klupp, N., Nickson, W., Turner, D., & Williams, M. (2017). Conceptualising and measuring student disengagement in higher education: A synthesis of the literature. International Journal of Higher Education, 6(2), 31-44.
- Dalrymple, R., Kemp, C., and Smith, P. (2014). Characterising work-based learning as a triadic learning Endeavour. J. Further High. Educ. 38, 75–89. doi: 10.1080/0309877X.2012.699516
- Dawes, L. (2015). Creating a speaking and listening classroom. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203844793
- DepEd (Department of Education). (2023). General Shaping Paper: Shape of the MATATAG Curriculum (Assessment, Curriculum and Technology Research Centre). https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GENERAL-SHAPING-PAPER-2023.pdf
- DepEd. (2024). Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Matatag Curriculum.
- Dewey, J. (2015). Curriculum changes to meet social needs. Journal of Educational Change, 11(2), 123-135.
- Eccles, J. S., & Wang, M. T. (2015). Part I commentary: So what is student engagement anyway? In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 133-145). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2018-7_6
- Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639- 021-10714-w
- Evans, C., & Zhu, X. (2023). The development and validation of the assessment engagement scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1136878. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136878
- Finn, J. D., & Zimmer, K. S. (202s2). Student engagement: What is it? Why does it matter? In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 97-131). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2018-7_5
- Fredricks, J. A., & McColskey, W. (2015). The measurement of student engagement: A comparative analysis of various methods and student self-report instruments. In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 763-782). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2018-7_37
- Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence. Review of Educational Research Spring, 74(1), 59–109. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001059
- Golez, P. (2018). K-12 blamed for ‘high dropout rate’ in schools. Panay news. Retrieved from: https://www.panaynews.net/k-12-blamed-forhigh-dropout-rate-in-schools/
- González-Rodríguez, D., M. J. Vieira, and J. Vidal. 2019. “Factors that Influence Early School Leaving: A Comprehensive Model.” Educational Research 61 (2): 214–230. doi:10.1080/ 00131881.2019.1596034.
- Goos, M., Van Damme, J., Onghena, P., Petry, K., & De Bilde, J. (2013). First-grade retention in the primary school: A longitudinal study on psychosocial outcomes. Educational Psychology, 33(3), 349-366.
- Hamid, S., & Singaram, V. S. (2016). Learning strategies and academic performance of medical students. Medical Education, 50(5), 567-573.
- Hanin, N. A., Zainal, Z., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2013). Teaching philosophies and student learning outcomes. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(2), 45-53.
- Hassan, M. A. Q. B. O. O. L. (2023). The teaching philosophy of a teacher and its impact on the teaching-learning process: An overview. Education.
- Hofkens, T.L., Pianta, R.C. (2022). Teacher–Student Relationships, Engagement in School, and Student Outcomes. In: Reschly, A.L., Christenson, S.L. (eds) Handbook of Research on Student Engagement. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07853-8_20
- Hwang, S. H. J., & Cappella, E. (2018). Rethinking early elementary grade retention: Examining long-term academic and psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 11(4), 559-587.
- IPA Philippines. (2020). Informing DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan during the COVID‑19 pandemic (Teacher surveys and interviews). https://poverty-action.org/informing-department-educations-basic-education-learning-continuity-plan-during-covid-19-pandemic
- Khan, M. J., & Rasheed, S. (2019). Moderating role of learning strategies between meta-cognitive awareness and study habits among university students. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 34(1), 215-231. https://doi.org/10.33824/PJPR.2019.34.1.12
- Kim, H., & Song, J. (2023). Exploring the potential of teacher-learner interactions through feedback in online formative assessment: Demonstration cases of pre-service physics teachers. Research in Science Education, 53, 1145–1161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10127-4
- Klem, A. M., & Connell, J. P. (2004). Relationships matter: Linking teacher support to student engagement and achievement. Journal of School Health, 74(7), 262-273. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2004.tb08283.x
- Lamb, S., & Dulfer, N. (2018). Predicting disengagement and its effects: What evidence is there on the extent to which disengagement can be predicted at younger ages? Centre for Post-compulsory Education and Lifelong Learning, The University of Melbourne. Retrieved from https://library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/2799/1/Disengagement%20Topic %203.pdf
- Lone, R. A. (2021). Self-confidence among students and its impact on their academic performance: A systematic review. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 9(5), 916-923.
- Manila Bulletin. (2023, December 5). PISA 2022: No significant improvements seen in PH students’ performance. https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/5/pisa-2022-no-significant- improvements-seen-in-ph-students-performance
- Marks, H. M. (2000). Student engagement in instructional activity: Patterns in the elementary, middle, and high school years. American Educational Research Journal, 37(1), 153-184. https://doi.org/10.2307/1163475
- Marôco, J., Marôco, A. L., Campos, J. A. D. B., and Fredricks, J. A.. (2016). University student’s engagement: development of the university student engagement inventory (USEI). Psicologia Reflexãoe Crítica 29,:21. doi: 10.1186/s41155-016-0042-8
- Matthew, A. (2023) A Plan to Prevent Disengagement: What educators can do to overcome three common causes of student disengagement with learning? Retrieved at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/plan-prevent-disengagement
- Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press
- Mbakwem, J. N. (2015). The effectiveness of various teaching methods in secondary schools. Journal of Educational Research, 45(4), 321-330.
- Mezieobi, K. A., & Mezieobi, D. I. (2018). Inculcating creative and reflective skills in secondary education. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 16(2), 89-101.
- Mohamad Jafre, Z. A., Rezaee, A. A., Abdullah, H. N., & Singh, K. K. B. (2011). Learning styles and overall academic achievement in a specific educational system. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(10), 143-152.
- Montero-Sieburth, M., & Turcatti, D. (2022). Preventing disengagement leading to early school leaving: pro-active practices for schools, teachers and families. Intercultural Education, 33(2), 139–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/14675986.2021.2018404
- National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. (2024). Engaging schools: Fostering high school students' motivation to learn. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10421
- National Research Council. (2015). Self-confidence and performance. In Learning, Remembering, Believing: Enhancing Human Performance (pp. 173-174). The National Academies Press.
- Newmann, F. M., Wehlage, G. G., & Lamborn, S. D. (2015). The significance and sources of student engagement. In F. M. Newmann (Ed.), Student Engagement and Achievement in American Secondary Schools (pp. 11-39). Teachers College Press.
- OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Country Notes: Philippines.https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2022-results-volume-i-and-ii country-notes_ed6fbcc5-en/philippines_a0882a2d-en.html
- Olivier E, Archambault I, De Clercq M, Galand B. Student Self-Efficacy, Classroom Engagement, and Academic Achievement: Comparing Three Theoretical Frameworks. J Youth Adolesc. 2019 Feb;48(2):326-340. doi: 10.1007/s10964-018-0952-0. Epub 2018 Nov 12. PMID: 30421327.
- Ou, S.-R., & Reynolds, A. J. (2015). Childhood predictors of young adult male crime. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(8), 10971107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2010.02.009
- Oxford Bibliographies. (n.d.). Learning strategies. Education.
- Paolini, A. (2015). Enhancing teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
- Pérez-Salas, C. P., Parra, V., Sáez-Delgado, F., & Olivares, H. (2021). Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships and Special Educational Needs on Student Engagement and Disengagement: A Correlational study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708157
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (2017, June 13). One in Every Ten Filipinos Aged 6 to 24 Years is an Out of School Child and Youth (2016 APIS). https://psa.gov.ph/income-expenditure/apis/node/119882
- Philstar.com. (2023, September 22). Learning poverty in the Philippines linked to poor teaching quality—World Bank study.https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/22/2298233/learning-povertyphilippines-linked-poor-teaching-quality-world-bank-study
- Pianta, R. C., Hamre, B. K., & Allen, J. P. (2012). Teacher-Student Relationships and Engagement: Conceptualizing, measuring, and improving the capacity of classroom interactions. In Springer eBooks (pp. 365–386). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2018-7_17
- PSHE Association. (2016). Key principles of effective prevention education. Evidence review, p. 3.
- Radovan, M. (2015). The role of peer learning and help seeking in academic performance. Educational Psychology, 31(3), 293-308.
- Reeve, J., Cheon, S. H., & Jang, H.-R. (2019). A teacher-focused intervention to enhance students’ classroom engagement. Handbook of Student Engagement Interventions, 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813413-9.00007-3
- Republic Act No. 10533 - AN ACT ENHANCING THE PHILIPPINE BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM BY STRENGTHENING ITS CURRICULUM AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR BASIC EDUCATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
- Reschly, A. L., & Christenson, S. L. (2006). Prediction of dropout among students with mild disabilities: A case for the inclusion of student engagement variables. Remedial and Special Education, 27(5), 276-292. https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325060270050301
- Rickinson, M., Kunstler, B., & Salisbury, M. (2018). Insights for Early Action Research Project Literature Review. Department of Education and Training (VIC). Retrieved from https://www.bastow.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/IfEA%20Literature%20Review%20Final-17Sept2018.pdf
- Rosário, P., et al. (2017). Student engagement and academic achievement: A metanalysis. Educational Psychology, 37(6), 702-724.
- RTI/USAID. (2019). 2019 National Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA): English and Filipino, Grade 3 Findings Report. https://shared.rti.org/content/2019-national-early-grade-reading-assessment-egra-english-and-filipino-grade-3-findings
- Rumberger, R. W., & Lim, S. A. (2008). Why students drop out of school: A review of 25 years of research. California Dropout Research Project Report No. 15. https://cdrpsb.org/researchreport15.pdf
- Shell, D. L., Hurt, C. S., & White, H. (2023). Principal characteristics' effect on teacher retention: A systematic review. Educational Research and Reviews, 18(6), 104-113.
- Siddig, B. E., & AlKhoudary, Y. A. (2018). Investigating classroom interaction: Teacher and learner participation. English Language Teaching, 11(12), 86-97.
- Skinner, E. A., & Pitzer, J. R. (2015). Developmental dynamics of student engagement, coping, and everyday resilience. In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 21-44). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2018-7_2
- Subramaniam, N. D. C., Handayani, L., Sahabudin, N. A., Ali, Z., Hamzah, N., Rahman, N. S. A., & Kasim, S. (2019). Learning styles and teaching styles determine students’ academic performances. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(3), 610-615.
- Tafelski, J. J., Hejnal, T., Maring, C., McDowell, G., & Rencher, C. (2017). The cost of disengagement: Examining the real story of absenteeism in two Michigan counties. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 77, No-Specified.
- Tarabini, A., M. Curran, A. Montes, and L. Parcerisa (2019). “Can Educational Engagement Prevent Early School Leaving? Unpacking the School’s Effect on Educational Success.” Educational Studies 45 (2): 226–241. doi:10.1080/03055698.2018.1446327.
- The Journal of Effective Teaching, 15(1), 20–33. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1060429.pdf
- Ulstad, S. O., Halvari, H., Sørebø, Ø., & Deci, E. L. (2016). Motivation, learning strategies, and performance in higher education: A self-determination theory approach. Educational Psychology, 36(3), 347-361.
- UNESCO (2015). Education for all 2015 national review: Philippines.
- UNICEF & ACTRC. (2021). Philippines Early Childhood Education Kindergarten to Grade 4 Longitudinal Research (Summary Report). https://www.unicef.org/philippines/media/3586/file/UNIPH-2022-longitudinalresearch.pdf
- Urrete, J. (2023). The impact of educational philosophies on teaching practices: A study on the reflection of different philosophies in the classroom. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.
- Wang, M.-T., & Eccles, J. S. (2013). School context, achievement motivation, and academic engagement: A longitudinal study of school engagement using a multidimensional perspective. Learning and Instruction, 28, 12-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2013.04.002
- Welsh Government. (2010). A qualitative research study to explore young people's disengagement from learning. Retrieved from https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2019-09/100716-study-explore-young-peoples-disengagement-learning-en.pdf
- Willms, J. D. (2020). Student engagement at school: A sense of belonging and participation. Results from PISA 2020. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). https://doi.org/10.1787/19963777
- World Bank. (2022). The State of Global Learning Poverty: 2022 Update. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/publication/state-of-global-learning-poverty
- Wu, W., West, S. G., & Hughes, J. N. (2010). Effect of grade retention in first grade on psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(1), 135-152.
- Zimmerman, B. J., & Kitsantas, A. (2005). Homework practices and academic achievement: The mediating role of self-efficacy and perceived responsibility beliefs. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 30(4), 397-417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2005.05.003
- Zyngier, D. (2025). Student disengagement from primary schooling: a review of research and practice. Scu-au. https://www.academia.edu/992419/Student_disengagement_from_primary_schooling_a_review_of_research_and_practice
This study investigated the causes and performance of learners’ disengagement in the basic education Key Stages
1 and 2. Using a mixed-method research design, data were gathered from thirty (30) teachers from selected public
elementary schools in the Juban District through a researcher-made questionnaire and interviews. Findings revealed that
teacher–learner interaction, technology utilization, and assessment of learning outcomes are primary factors contributing
to disengagement. Reduced direct contact learning time (mean = 4.63) and unclear classroom routines (mean = 4.42) were
the most significant teacher-related issues, while technology-related concerns included too many distractions in learning
materials (mean = 4.57) and unclear task instructions (mean = 4.56). Assessment practices also influenced disengagement,
with complex instructions (mean = 4.21) and unfamiliar formats (mean = 4.02) identified as major contributors. Qualitative
data highlighted patterns such as selective attention, limited acknowledgment of learners’ ideas, and vague instructions
reducing active engagement. To mitigate disengagement, the study proposed innovative activities focusing on interactive
teacher–learner strategies, immersive technology integration, and meaningful assessment practices. Conclusions
emphasized that addressing these factors through collaborative discussions, structured routines, engaging digital tools, and
formative assessments can foster active participation and improve academic performance. Recommendations include
implementing interactive teaching methods, designing distraction-free digital resources, and simplifying assessments with
timely feedback to sustain learner engagement in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Keywords :
Learners’ Disengagement, Technology Utilization, Selective Attention, Technology Integration, Key Stages 1 and 2