Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 3 no. 10 (2025)

Equipped to Educate: Exploring Work Readiness of Graduating Teacher Education Students

John Robby O. Robinos | Mark Joshua Roxas | Carlo S. Villalona | Clark Dominic L Alipasa | Karen Nikole S. Reyes

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study explored the work readiness of graduating Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English students for the School Year 2024–2025 at a private university in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to identify the learning competencies gained based on Program Outcomes (POs), determine the Core Values realized, identify challenges, and explore the students' perceived work readiness. A descriptive-qualitative design guided the study. The researchers conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with all five BEED and nine BSEDEnglish graduating students, using total enumeration. The FGD protocols, validated by experts, were developed by CMO Nos. 74 and 75, s. 2017. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, with intercoder reliability and validation sessions ensuring the study’s rigor and credibility. The researchers strictly followed ethical standards. An orientation was conducted for participants, the Data Privacy Act was implemented, and pseudonyms were used to protect identities. Findings revealed strong alignment between the competencies students gained and the key POs. Students demonstrated proficiency in integrating educational trends, collaborating effectively, applying diverse teaching strategies, and using ICT tools in teaching and learning. They also consistently reflected core values such as love of God, patriotism, Filipino Christian leadership, and adherence to Catholic doctrine, as shown through their active participation in community extension and Filipino Christian Living subjects. One major challenge identified was limited exposure to public school settings. Despite this, students affirmed their strong preparedness for the teaching professions. They attributed this readiness to their extensive training, research involvement, CES engagement, and other enrichment activities. The study recommends enhancing public school exposure, sustaining professional development initiatives, and conducting further research involving practicum hosts and alumni-employers to gain a more comprehensive assessment of graduates’ work readiness.



References:

  1. Ahmed, S. K. (2024). The pillars of trustworthiness in qualitative research. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100051
  2. Ancillo, A. d., Gavrila, S. G., & Nunez, M. T. d. (2020). Workplace change within the COVID-19 context: The new (next) normal. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 194, 122673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122673
  3. Bhatia, R., & Kaur, J. (2024). Preparing future educators: A study of pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education. Educational Beacon: A Peer Reviewed Referred Research Journal, 13. https://tinyurl.com/5y72ftxy
  4. Bouchrika, I. (2025, June 19). Teacher burnout statistics for 2025: Challenges in K-12 and higher education. Research.com. https://tinyurl.com/msn75v62
  5. Brigoli, I., Dizon, E., Evangelista, C., Zaragoza, H., Duero, C., Bayrante, P., & Banate, R. (2025). Community motivation, engagement and commitment on Cavite State University Tanza Campus extension services in Barangay Bagtas, Tanza, Cavite: Basis for proposed enhancement plan. International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce. https://doi.org/10.37602/ijrehc.2025.6125
  6. Byrne, D. (2021). A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 55, 1391–1412. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
  7. Cloke, H. (2023, September 28). John Dewey’s learning theory: How we learn through experience. Growth Engineering. https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/john-dewey/
  8. Delve, Ho, L., & Limpaecher, A. (2020, September 15). What is narrative analysis? Essential guide to coding qualitative data. Delve. https://delvetool.com/blog/narrativeanalysis
  9. International Labor Organization. (2021). Skills development in the time of COVID-19: Taking stock of the initial responses in technical and vocational education and training. https://tinyurl.com/3kbjbw8p
  10. Khan, W. A. (2020). Comparative study of innovative teaching styles of public and private schools teachers in the classroom. In 3rd International Conference on Research in Teaching and Education. https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/726-26.pdf
  11. Kong, Y. (2021). The role of experiential learning on students’ motivation and classroom engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 771272. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771272 
  12. Magallanes, C. (2022). Engagement and work readiness of college students. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 35, 7163. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v35i1.7163
  13. Oblinada, et al. (2023). Level of work readiness and its relationship to self-esteem of College of Education students in Lyceum of Alabang A.Y. 2022–2023. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 13. https://scimatic.org/storage/journals/11/pdfs/2007.pdf
  14. Robiños, J. O., Binhamza, M., Casyao, I., Combis, H., Melgar, S., Sora, L., & Austria, M. (2024b). Examining attitudes and perceived usefulness of AI integration in teaching and learning processes. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(12), 619–626. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0591
  15. Robiños, J. O., Daque, C. B., Dipad, V. V., Gunda, K. T., Sevilla, M. T., & Salaysay, J. P. (2024c). Exploring the influence of field-based learning experiences on the professional development of pre-service teachers. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(12), 627–633. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0592
  16. Robiños, J. R., Dasig, J. P., & Mendoza, L. A. (2020). Learning and sharing: Understanding experiences in teaching indigenous learners of Mindoro. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(2), 108–116. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3643644
  17. Robiños, J. R., Sagudo Jr., F., Birung, R. D., Camilon, R., Legaspi, J., & Cacho, R. (2023b). A correlational analysis of predictor test results and licensure examination board performance among education and criminology graduates from a private university. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 1(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10076416
  18. Robiños, J. R., Alcazaren, H. K. (2023). Internationalization towards fostering a school culture of quality: Practices and perceived impact. Philippine Journal of Education Studies, 1(1), 85–109. https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pjes/article/view/9633/8504
  19. Robiños, J. R., Camilon, R. B., & Sagudo, F. (2024°). Career trajectory: A longitudinal analysis of criminology graduates’ attributes and professional success in a private HEI. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(8), 630–636. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0325
  20. Robiños, J. R., Palao, M. S., & Cantilero, K. A. (2022). Working with a heart: Perceived quality of life among senior high school teachers in public and private institutions in Bacoor amidst pandemic. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 4(2). https://tinyurl.com/2drbvn8d
  21. Robiños, J. R., Roxas, M. J., Cuarto, M. L., Umali, A. J., & Malenab, K. M. (2023°). Reinventing Vitae: A phenomenological inquiry on career shifters’ decision influences, challenges and learning experiences. International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management, 10(9). https://tinyurl.com/ynz2npdc
  22. Siddique, S., Ahsan, A., Azizi, N., & Haass, O. (2022). Students’ workplace readiness: Assessment and skill-building for graduate employability. Sustainability, 14(3), 1749. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031749
  23. Singh, S., Kaur, B., & Kaur, K. (2024). Integration of independent and collaborative learning in educational settings. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. https://tinyurl.com/49nfk48a
  24. Steurer, M., Van der Vaart, L., & Rothman, S. (2023). Managerial expectations of graduate employability attributes: An empirical study. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 49, a2081. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v49i0.2081
  25. Tushar, H., & Sooraksa, N. (2023). Global employability skills in the 21st-century workplace: A semi-systematic literature review. Heliyon, 9, e21023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21023
  26. Vikaraman, et al. (2021). Ethical leadership practices and trust among public school leaders in Malaysia. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(3). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1309428.pdf
  27. Yu, D. (2023, September 15). Issues in PH education: A teacher’s perspective. Inquirer Opinion. https://opinion.inquirer.net/166337/issues-in-ph-education-a-teachers-perspective

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic