perception on college education of the undergraduate students of the polytechnic university of the...

Perception on College Education of the undergraduate students of the

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Research proposal submitted

In partial fulfillment of the requirements

For the course of Public Opinion Research

by

Joshua Rey Joson

2013-05363-MN-0

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Research

First Semester, AY 2015-2016

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1. The Problem and its Background 3

Introduction 3

Background of the study 4

Theoretical framework 5

Conceptual framework 5

Statement of the problem 6

Objectives of the study 6

Assumptions 7

Significance of the study 7

Limitations 8

Operational definitions 8

Chapter 2. Review of Relevant Literatures 9

Chapter 3. Design and Procedure 15

Research design

Research Method Used

Sample and Sampling Technique

Instrumentation

Chapter 4. Presentation, Interpretations, and Analysis of Data

Chapter 5. Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

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Chapter One

The Problem and Its Background

This chapter is an overview of a research study on Undergraduates perception about the

college education. This chapter is composed of the introduction, background of the study,

theoretical and conceptual framework, statement of the problem, objectives of the study,

hypotheses, significance and limitations of the study, and the operational definitions.

Introduction

Recent research indicates that higher education is extremely valuable. For, individuals

whom attended a university and obtained at least a four-year bachelor’s degree make more

money on average than people who have never obtained a university degree according to the

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a study conducted by the United States Bureau of

Labor conducted in 2009, it was concluded that someone with a four-year bachelor’s degree

makes on average $20,748 more per year than someone without the degree (Shamokim).

It is a fact that most students nowadays are lazy. At this point many students are having

a thought on their mind saying is education important? Is college education important when you

can work as long as you’re an adult? That kind of question is an example of what the students

are thinking.

Education in the Philippines according to the department of education has four different

classifications namely: “primary” which is what we call elementary that is composed of six year

academic education from grade 1 to 6. “Secondary” or what we call the high school consisting

four levels of academic learning in which the department of education (DepEd) requires a

necessary set of curriculum for all schools that have secondary level, private or public.

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Vocational, this type of education is offered by the government and private organization.

Program duration in a vocational level varies from a certain week up to 3 years. And the last

classification is the “tertiary” or what we call college. This higher education is administrated by

the Commission on Higher Education or CHED. It has a 4 to 5 years educational program that

offers a degree on arts and science.

According to Fermin Salvador on his article “pribilehiyo at kolehiyo” written on

September 24, 2010, education is what most Filipino call the key to become successful. For the

poor people, education is what they expect to be the main answer for them to raise from what

they are now.

The purpose of the study is to determine the perception of the undergraduate students

from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines towards college education. The study also

aimed to know what main factor affects their perception toward the study.

Background of the Study

Education as we know is an important factor to succeed in life. People say that educated

persons are intelligent and knowledgeable. Education defined by Judith Yero (2001-2002) as to

develop and sharpens the knowledge, character and skill.

Eric Hoffer stated “that the central task of education is to implant a will and facility for

learning; it should produce not learned but learning people. The truly human society is a

learning society, where grandparents, parents, and children are students together.”

This study being conducted wants to ascertain the objectives that follows; to know th

demographic profile of the undergraduate students of the Polytechnic University of the

Philippines (PUP) in terms of age and sex, to determine the importance of college education as

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perceive by the undergraduate students of PUP, to find out the factor affecting the perception of

PUP undergraduate students on college education.

It is focus on knowing what perception does students have towards college education.

By this research, the universities and future researchers can use this as a reference and an

addition to the existing body of knowledge.

Theoretical Framework

For the study to have a support, the researcher uses the self-perception theory as the

theoretical basis of the study. The self-perception theory does not come up with a model but the

researcher will discuss carefully for the reader to understand.

People’s perception depends on their self-feelings and attitudes. Self-Perception theory

gives another explanation for the cognitive dissonance theory. For example is the experiment

done by Festinger and Carlsmith where they paid people $1 or $20 to lie. In cognitive

dissonance, they say that the people who were given $1felt bad about lying because they

couldn’t validate the act. While self-perception has a different view as an observer concluding

that the ones who are paid $1 could really be enjoying it while those who were paid $20 are only

doing it for money.

Conceptual Framework

The researcher uses the self-perception theory because it is the theory which is suited

for this study.

Self-perception theory as discussed earlier depends on the person’s perception. This

study about college of education aims to know the perception of the undergraduate students in

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the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. And with this theory, the researcher will be able to

know whether college education is important or not based on their perception.

Statement of the Problem

People especially students doesn’t value the kind of education they are receiving. Most

students would just likely cut class to wander wherever they want not thinking about what could

go wrong. The researcher, therefore, came up formulating this study so that he will be able to

know if education is important.

Having the idea, the researcher came up to a question which is, “How do undergraduate

students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila perceive college education?”

Objectives of the Study

The following are the objectives set by the researcher to gain necessary information for

the data gathering process. The researcher is rest assured that the following objectives are

needed for the study.

1. To know the demographic profile of the undergraduate students of the Polytechnic

University of the Philippines as the respondents.

a. Age

b. Sex

2. To determine the importance of college education as perceive by the undergraduate

students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila.

3. To find out the factor affecting the perception on the importance of college education for

the undergraduate students of PUP.

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Assumptions

The following are set of assumptions that are related and may be found in the study

being conducted.

1. (a.) Most of the respondents’ age ranges between 16-20 years of age.

(b.) Most of the respondents of the study are females.

(c.) Most of the respondents will be coming from the College of Engineering and College

of Business of Administration.

2. The most viral factor that will affect the perception will be the parents.

3. Every student from 1st to 4th year level is aware about college education in term of quality

education.

4. Every student has its own perception about the education given in college.

Significance of the Study

To the Students: It may help them with their perception development towards the college

environment.

To the Academe: This study will help contribute to the existing body of knowledge about

education, particularly college education.

To the Future Researchers: Future researchers may use this as a reference on their future

studies related in the field of education.

To the University: This study may use as a basis of a university to know what can they do to

improve the quality of education they are giving. It may also help them to use this as a basis on

their new curriculum programs in the coming years.

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Limitations of the Study

The scope of this research study focused on the perception of the undergraduate

students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) about college education to know

whether it is important or not. The respondents of this study are focused on undergraduate

students of PUP for it is the most convenient way of data gathering as for the researcher.

Operational Definition

Education – the process of obtaining both knowledge and skills.

Student’s Perception – the way an individual student understand a thing or someone

Awareness – becoming wary of a thing.

Factors – these are aspects that affect the perception of the respondents towards education.

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Chapter Two

Review of Relevant Literature

History of Education in the Philippines

In history, traditional approaches that are most popular in the field of teaching are

Cognitive development approach (Kohlberg, 1984), Character Education (Lickona, 1991), and

Values clarification (Raths, et. Al., 1966).

In the Pre-Colonial times, the Philippines have no official laws, religion, and politics.

Filipinos vale skills such as surviving skills (hunting, fishing, and farming) in order for them to

maintain their communication with the other neighbour countries.

The first education in the Philippines was brought to us by the Spaniards during the

Spanish colonial era in 1521-1898. The Spanish in their almost 4 centuries of colonialism made

the Filipinos to be submissive with the use of catholic religion and salvation. But at the half of

their colonial period, Filipinos started thinking and questioning the system. Then a revolution

started which leads to changes such as Filipinos can now study to be educated. But even with

what happened, the education obtained was still selective to those only who are in the middle

class. The majority of uneducated people plus the few illustrados or the middle class wanted

freedom so they revolted against the Spaniards until 1898.

After the Spanish era and when the Spaniards left the Philippine shores, the Americans

were the one who taught the Filipinos how to read and write using the English language. But hat

Filipinos don’t know is that they are unconsciously leading the Americans to become their

masters. Americans built new political systems, ideologies, and most important are the schools

around the islands in the Philippines as the most effective method of pacifying the minds of the

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Filipinos. Americans also taught us their national anthem, their heroes, American geography

and history, etc. the school they have built teaches moral education consisting good manners

and right conduct, the duties and rights of the citizen, and character education. Self-reliance,

patriotism, autonomy, loyalty, freedom to choose religion is some examples of Filipino values in

this era.

Our ancestors appreciated what the Americans did in making education available for

everyone even with their status in life. Americans later acknowledge the Philippine educational

system for being successful as seen in the increased of literacy rates. But as a conquered

nation, Filipinos also learned the way of life by the Americans which became the start of failure

in Philippine education.

During the American period, the Japanese came to colonize the country (1942-1945).

Buildings in public school were destroyed by the Japanese to build their own school for those

who want education. However, even if there’s a devastating effect on the minds of the Filipinos,

they were still in capable of fighting the Japanese with the help by the Americans.

After the war period, Americans re-presented education about character and moral for

the Filipino people to be able to reconstruct what has been damage due to the Japanese

colonization.

Educational Development Act of 1972 arose during the martial law period. It is for higher

contribution to the achievement of national goals such as progress in moral promotion of

culture, and economic advancement. But, even within the 14 years of dictatorship, the public

educational system still failed to be restored.

During the martial law period on the year 1986, a revolution called People Power Edsa

Revolution encouraged majority of the Filipino to be engaged on respect for human rights,

liberty, justice and peace. Concepts in education are change such as education being a human

right to being a privilege, public school are built for the majority of people, and values for moral

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recovery are taught. From then, the 1987 Philippine constitution gave free public education for

every Filipino.

Article XIV Sec. 3 in the 1987 Philippine constitution states “that all schools should

inculcate nationalism and patriotism, appreciation of the roles of national heroes in historical

development, respect for human rights, teaching the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen

ethnic and spiritual values, foster love of humanity, encourage creative and critical thinking,

development of personal discipline and moral character, promotion of vocational efficiency, and

broadening of scientific and technological knowledge.”

From then, the education systems in the Philippines are divided into three levels namely

the elementary level, secondary level, and the tertiary level.

The elementary level taught Values Education for the Filipino to have a strong

foundation in moral and spiritual well-being. It also teaches subjects such as English, Math,

Science, and HEKASI (heograpiya, kasaysayan, sibika). Moral development, action learning,

problem-solving are some of the teaching strategies used in the elementary level.

Although same subjects from the elementary level are being taught in the secondary

level, the approach or the teaching strategies are slightly different. Modular approach and direct

teaching are some example of teaching strategies in the secondary level.

Last is the tertiary level that offers a degree in arts and sciences. Similar teaching

strategies used in elementary and secondary level are also being used in the tertiary level yet it

includes various methods such as conceptual analysis, case studies, and observation.

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Issues on Education

As stated in the theory of Human Capital, the growth in the economic aspect of a

country is because of the quality of education they possessed. In short, to attain a well develop

country and have an increasing chances of economic development, there should be a greater

amount of people who is well educated.

According to Mejnardus (2003), in this era, we currently living in, it is frequently called

“knowledge society”. The acquisition of knowledge and information is way more valuable than

any of the jobs and capital. This is why internationally; the human capital investment became a

global competition.

In addition by Mejnardus (2003), “In the Philippines, I often hear harsh criticism against

the politics of globalization. At the same time, regarding the labor markets, I can hardly think of

another nation that is so much a part of a globalized economy than the Philippines with nearly

ten per cent of the overall population working beyond the shores of the native land” (The Crisis

of Public Education in the Philippines, 2003, para. 3).

The following is the crisis of public education;

Brain drain

Is a process where a country loses laborers that are mostly well-educated and talented

people, it is a process where these people go to other places or countries to earn good money

rather than serve their own country. As stated by Francis (n.d., para. 1), since these people

have a high level of skills, through migration they would contribute these skills to other countries’

economic development. And the country they used to live in would severely suffer for the people

remained that are “know-how” as the author call it.

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Aside to the aspects such as political debate, psychological and social the continuous

large number of emigration established incomparable brain drain with economic implications.

Of course, this has also a dimension in education. In the Philippine nation, as it balance

the budget for educational purposes of million numbers of people, who devote their part of

fruitful years in foreign lands. In the other hand, the poor or class DE’s system of education

tortuously well-heeled hosting of OFWs.

Social Divide in Education

The children who don’t have enough money are the ones who are severely suffering

from the “toxic” which is defined as the effects of schools who are divided socially. According to

the leader LATL (Leader of the Association of Teachers and Lectures, they said that there were

schools for the higher class, middle class and the working class.

According to Dr. Bousted "If you are a child in a poor family, that is how you will feel now

in 2012 – that you are on your own, alone with your parents or carers, with precious little help

available, even though it is desperately needed."

Additionally, she also mentioned that schools are just whipping boys for the issues in the

system if education. The Ofsted Inspectorate and legate were all running away from their

responsibilities. She mentioned that they were just seeking to white wash their dirty hands like

the roman government official Pontius Pilate.

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ANALYSIS

It shows how the education started in the Philippines and how the Filipinos learned.

Therefore those teachings from the past should also be taught today. Everyone should value

education. But nowadays education issues arises and this issues should be taken care of and

put an action to solve it.

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Chapter Three

Design and Procedure

This chapter is consists the research design that will be used in the study. This chapter

involves the research method used, technique used in sampling, instrumentation, statistical

formula used, and the data collection procedure.

Research Design

The study entitled: “The Perception of Undergraduate students on College Education”

will be using a quantitative approach and a descriptive research design.

Quantitative research is the approach used if the study aimed to generalize. According

to Introduction to Quantitative Research 2010, quantitative research is explaining a situation by

gathering data’s that can be analysed using statistics.

Furthermore, the researcher will be using a descriptive type of research to know what

exist and could help to discover new facts. Descriptive research has purposes such as, to

observe, describe and document.

Research Method Used

This study will be using survey method as the source of primary data. The questionnaire

of this research study is in closed-ended type of questionnaire that determines the information

of the demographics of the respondents, their level of awareness, their knowledge and their

perception.

Most of the survey researches, specifically in quantitative forms of studies is more likely

used in the fields of social sciences to identify the sample size of the respondents from the

population.

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Sample and Sampling Technique

The respondents that will participate in the study will be coming from the undergraduate

students in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Main Campus.

Knowing the population of 41, 315 students in the Polytechnic University of the

Philippines Main Campus, the researcher used the sloven’s formula with 0.05 margin of error to

determine how large will be the sample size.

The determined sample size used was 770. The formula are stated below

Formula 1:

Nѳ=Z2 p . qe ²

Formula 2:

N𝟋= Nѳ

1+Nѳ−1N

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Instrumentation

The researcher will use a survey to collect data’s that are necessary to the study. The

survey will be a close-ended questionnaire so that the students will only choose their answers in

the given set of questions. Only the respondents which are the students from the Polytechnic

University of the Philippines should answer this survey form.

The research is to find out the perception of the respondents towards college education

and to know if college education is important.

In developing the research question for this study, the researcher find a study that has a similar

issue written by Hongjiang Xu in Butler Univesity and will use the study to become a basis in the

following formulated questions.

The research questions are divided into three sets that contain several questions to be

answered by the respondents to know what their attitudes towards the issue are.

First set of questions will determine the demographic profile of the respondents.

Second set of question will know what factors affects the perception of the respondents

about college education.

Third set of questions aimed to know their perception on what is the purpose of a college

or a university. It is to know whether the students are aware or not about the purpose of a

college institution.

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CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

I. Demographic Profile of Undergraduate Students of Polytechnic University of the

Philippines Mabini Campus

Table 1

Age Profile of Undergraduate Students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

AGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

15-18 510 66.3%

19-21 239 31%

22-25 10 1.3%

NO ANSWER 0 0%

MISSING 11 1.4%

TOTAL 770 100%

The table shows that 66.3% (510) are respondents’ ages from 15 to 18 years old. 31%

(239) are respondents’ ages from 19 to 21. 1.3% (10) are respondents’ ages from 22 to 25.1.4%

(11) of the respondents age are missing.

The data states that most of the respondents’ age ranges from 15 to 18 years old and

the least number of respondents are ages ranging from 22 to 25 years old.

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Table 2

Sex Profile of College Students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

SEX FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

MALE 271 35.2%

FEMALE 488 63.4%

MISSING 11 1.4%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 2 shows that 35.2% (271) of the respondents are male. 63.4% (488) of the

respondents are female. And 1.4% (11) are missing

With the difference of 217 respondents, the data shows that there are more female

respondents than male.

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Table 3

Year Level Profile of College Students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

YEAR LEVEL FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1 252 32.7%

2 167 21.7%

3 158 20.5%

4 157 20.4%

5 25 3.2%

No Answer 1 .1%

MISSING 10 1.3%

TOTAL 770 1OO%

Table 3 shows the percentage and frequency of the year level of the respondents with

32.7% (252) first years, 21.7% (167) second years, 20.5% (158) third years, 20.4% (157) fourth

years, 3.2% (25) fifth years, .1% (1) no answer, and 1.3% (10) missing.

The data shows that majority of the respondents are coming from the first year level and

the second year level of students from PUP Mabini Campus.

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II. The importance of college education

Question: Would you please rate how important or not important to you is college education?

Table 4

PUP Mabini Campus undergraduate students perception whether college education is important or not important

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

IMPORTANT 756 98.2%

NOT IMPORTANT 4 .5%

MISSING 10 2.6%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 4 shows the frequency and percentage distribution on the question “would you

please rate how important or not important to you is college education”. As can be seen on table

5, 98.2% (756) of the respondents answered IMPORTANT and .5% (4) of the respondents

answered NOT IMPORTANT. 2.6% (10) of the respondents are missing.

Based on the data, seven hundred seventy undergraduate students from PUP Mabini

Campus or the majority answered that having college education for them is IMPORTANT

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Question: If you answered IMPORTANT in Q1, why do you think having college education is

important

Table 4.1

PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate students’ perception on why they think college education is important

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR SOMEONE TO HAVE A DEGREE IN ORDER TO COMPETE IN THE REAL

WORLD

245 31.8%

IT WILL TEACH YOU TECHNIQUES FOR YOU TO GAIN SKILLS THAT

ARE NECESSARY

128 16.6%

IT PROVIDES SOMEONE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES

IN LIFE

164 21.3%

COLLEGE EDUCATION WILL HELP YOU FIND A GOOD AND SATISFYING

JOB IN THE FUTURE

209 27.1%

DON’T KNOW 1 .1%

BASIC NEEDS FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

1 .1%

ROUTINE 2 .3%

IDEAL WAY TO ACHIEVE THINGS

1 .1%

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NOT APPLICABLE 3 .4%

MISSING 16 2.1%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 4.1 shows the different answers from the question “why do they think college

education is important. As shown in table 6, 31.8% (245) answered “it is important to have a

degree in order to compete in the real world”. 16.6% (128) answered “it will teach you

techniques for you to gain skills that are necessary”. 21.3% (164) answered “it provides

someone better opportunities in life”. 27.1% (209) answered “college education will help you find

a good and satisfying job in the future”. .1% (1) answered “don’t know”. .1% (1) answered “basic

needs for future opportunities”. .3% (2) answered “routine”. And .1% (1) answered “ideal way to

achieve things”.

The data concludes that most of the undergraduate students of PUP think that college

education is important for them to have a degree in order to compete in the real world.

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Question: If you answered NOT IMPORTANT in Q1, why do you think college education is not

important

Table 4.2

PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ perception on why college education is not important

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

BECAUSE SKILL IN LIFE CAN BE GAINED NOT

ONLY THROUGH COLLEGE EDUCATION

2 .3%

BECAUSE THERE ARE JOBS THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A COLLEGE

DEGREE

1 .1%

NOT APPLCABLE 754 97.9%

MISSING 13 1.7%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 4.2 presents the frequency and the percentage of the respondents’ perception on

why they think college education is not important. .3% (2) answered “because skill in life can be

gained not only through college education. .1% (1) answered “because there are jobs that does

not require a college degree. 97.9% (754) are not applicable. And 1.7% (13) is missing.

The data shows that minority of the sample, are thinking that college education is not

important for someone to have. Having the reason, “because skill in life can be gained not only

through college education”.

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Question: As a college student, what do you think is the purpose of a university?

Table 5PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ Perception about the Purpose of a

University

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

to help students learn 92 11.9%

to help students be prepared in their future

career593 77.0%

to help students gain experience

67 8.7%

Don’t Know 3 .4%

All of the above excepting 4

1 .1%

All of the above 1 .1%

1 and 3 1 .1%

Missing 12 1.6%

Total 770 100%

Table 5 indicates the perception of the undergraduate students of PUP about the

purpose of a university. 11.9% (92) answered “to help the students learn”. 77% (593) answered

“to help the students be prepared in the future. 8.7% (67) answered “to help students gain

experience. .4% (3) answered “ don’t know”. .1% answered “all of the above excepting 4”. .1%

(1) answered “all of the above”. .1% (1) answered “1 and 3”. 1.6% (12) are missing.

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The data infers that majority of the students containing 593 respondents answered to

help students be prepared in their future career in the question what do you think is the purpose

of a university.

Question: What does your family and relatives say about college education?

Table 6

What PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ Family and Relatives say about College Education?

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGEit is good for learning

58 7.5%

it will help you be prepared for your future career 635 82.5%

it will help you gain relevant experience 60 7.8%

don't know6 .8%

All of the above 1 .1%

Missing10 1.3%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 6 shows the frequency and the percentage of the respondents answer to the

question what does your family and relatives say about college education. 7.5% (58) answered

“it is good for learning. 82.5% (635) answered “it will help you be prepared in your future”. 7.8%

(60) answered “it will help you gain relevant experience. .8% (6) answered “don’t know”. .1%

(.1) answered the missing.

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The data indicates that what most undergraduate students hear about a university from

their family and relatives is that “it will help you be prepared in your future career” having the

frequency of 635 and the percentage is 82.5%

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Question: What main factor did you consider before taking a college education?

Table 7PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ Main Factor before Taking a College

Education

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

This is what my parents told me to do

83 10.8%

For me to be able to gain a degree in the future

410 53.2%

This is my own choice 251 32.6%

Don’t know 9 1.2%

The expenses 2 .3%

Others are going to college so I will go too

1 .1%

Part of growing up 1 .1%

Missing 13 1.7%

TOTAL 770 100%

Table 7 shows the percentage and the frequency of the answers according to the

question, “what main factor did you consider before taking a college education”. 10.8% (83)

answered “this is what my parents told me to do”. 53.2% (410) answered “for me to be able to

gain a degree in the future”. 32.6% (25) answered “this is my own choice”. 1.2% (9) answered

“don’t know”. .3% (2) answered “the expenses”. .1% (1) answered others are going to college so

I will go to”. .1% (1) answered “part of growing up”. And 1.7% (13) are missing.

This data shows that majority of the respondents go to college for them to have a degree

in the future.it also shows that many students go to college because of their own choice.

Joshua Rey S. Joson

P u b l i c O p i n i o n R e s e a r c h | 29

Question: do you think that a college degree is important or not important?

Table 8PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ Perception Whether Having a College

Degree is Important or Not Important

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Very Important 563 73.1%

Important 193 25.1%

Unimportant 3 .4%

Very Unimportant 2 .3%

Missing 9 1.2%

Total 770 100%

Table 8 indicates the frequency and the percentage of the rating of having a college

degree classified as Very Important, Important, Unimportant, and Very Unimportant. 73.1%

(563) answered Very Important. 25.1% (193) answered Important. .4% (3) answered

Unimportant. .3% (2) answered Very Unimportant. And 1.2% for the Missing.

The data shows that majority of the respondents perception about having a college

degree is very Important.

Joshua Rey S. Joson

P u b l i c O p i n i o n R e s e a r c h | 30

Question: As a college student, do you think that it is important or not for you to succeed

education?

Table 9PUP Mabini Campus Undergraduate Students’ Perception about the importance of

succeeding education

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes, it is important 741 96.2%

No, it is not important 20 2.6%

Missing 9 1.2%

Total 770 100%

Table 9 indicates the perception of the Undergraduate students of PUP Mabini Campus

towards the importance of succeeding their education. 96.2% (741) answered “Yes, it is

important”. 2.6% (20) answered “No, it is not important”. And 1.2% (9) are missing.

This data infers that the perception of Undergraduate students from PUP Mabini

Campus towards the importance of succeeding education is important. It shows that majority of

the respondents wants to succeed education.

Joshua Rey S. Joson

P u b l i c O p i n i o n R e s e a r c h | 31

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter includes the summary of findings from the data gathered, conclusions

based on the findings and recommendations.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1. The data showed that 66.3% (510) are respondents’ ages from 15 to 18 years old.

63.4% (488) of the respondents are female and 32.7% (252) are first year college

students.

2. Data showed that 98.2% (756) of the respondents answered that college education is

important and 5% (4) of the respondents answered it is not important.

3. From the respondents who answered college education is important, the data showed

that 31.8% (245) answered “it is important to have a degree in order to compete in the

real world”. 16.6% (128) answered “it will teach you techniques for you to gain skills that

are necessary”. 21.3% (164) answered “it provides someone better opportunities in life”

and 27.1% (209) answered “college education will help you find a good and satisfying

job in the future”.

4. From the respondents who answered college education is not important, the data

showed that .3% (2) answered “because skill in life can be gained not only through

college education and 1% (1) answered “because there are jobs that do not require a

college degree.

5. The data showed that 11.9% (92) answered “to help the students learn” as the purpose

of a university, 77% (593) answered “to help the students be prepared in the future,

8.7% (67) answered “to help students gain experience and .4% (3) answered “don’t

know”.

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P u b l i c O p i n i o n R e s e a r c h | 32

6. Findings showed that 7.5% (58) answered “it is good for learning” as the respondents’

family and relative said about college education. 82.5% (635) answered “it will help you

be prepared in your future”, 7.8% (60) answered “it will help you gain relevant

experience, and .8% (6) answered “don’t know”.

7. The data showed for the main factor that the respondents consider before taking a

college education, 53.2% (410) answered “for me to be able to gain a degree in the

future”, 32.6% (25) answered “this is my own choice”, 1.2% (9) answered “don’t

know”. .3% (2) answered “the expenses”, .1% (1) answered others are going to college

so I will go to” and .1% (1) answered “part of growing up”.

CONCLUSIONS

In relation with the findings earlier presented, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Majority of the respondents are female in ages ranging from 15-18 years old from the

College of Accountancy.

2. Majority of the respondents answered having college education is important. Moreover

the date showed that the respondents answered college education is important with the

reason of “it is important to have a degree in order to compete in the real world”.

3. Least of the respondents answered that having college education is not important due to

the reason of “because skill in life can be gained not only through college education”.

4. Majority of the students answered that the purpose of a university is to help the students

be prepared in their future career.

5. Majority of the respondents answered that college education will help them to be

prepared in their future career according to their family and relatives.

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6. Most of the respondents answered “for me to be able to gain a degree in the future” as

the main factor to them for having a college education

RECOMMENDATIONS

With the summary of findings and conclusions stated above, the following are the

recommendations for future actions.

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION could conduct a yearly action research to know what

the students want and needed in able to get a higher educational knowledge.

THE FUTURE RESEARCHERS can conduct similar studies in different universities. Also the

researcher recommends to focus more on what factor and why that factor affects the perception

of an individual towards college education.

Joshua Rey S. Joson

P u b l i c O p i n i o n R e s e a r c h | 34

References

Educationcorner.com,. (2015). Benefits of Earning a College Degree. Retrieved 18 July 2015,

from http://www.educationcorner.com/benefit-of-earning-a-college-degree.html

Lucier, K. (2015). 10 Reasons to Get a College Degree. About.com Education. Retrieved 18

July 2015, from http://collegelife.about.com/od/academiclife/a/10ReasonstoGetADegree.htm

Agustin Eric, (2012). Brief Historical Background of Education and Values Education in the

Philippines. Retrieved from http://eric-d-agustin.blogspot.com/2012/11/brief-historical-

background-of.html

Joshua Rey S. Joson