BAROTAC VIEJO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Senior High School

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

GRADE 11 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS LEARNERS’

UNDERSTANDING OF COVID-19: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

A Research Proposal Submitted to

FEROLYN J. BALAJADIA

Practical Research 1 Teacher

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Subject, Practical Research 1

Name of Researchers:

Alcazar, Ciarra Anjeli P.

Alcazar, Cristine R.

Atordido, Christia Marie A.

Guilim, Kim Gherson C.

Palma, Roby Jenee D.

Chapter 1
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Senior High School
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Introduction to the Study

Chapter One has six parts (1) Background of the Study, (2) Epistemological and Theoretical

Perspective, (3) Statement of the Problem and Assumptions, (4) Definition of Terms, (5)

Significance of the Study, and (6) Scope and Limitations of the Study.

Part One, Background of the Study, presents the introduction to the study, and discusses

the rationale and the reason for conducting the Study;

Part Two, Epistemological and Theoretical Research Perspective, specifies the theories and

basis for conducting the study;

Part Three, Statement of the Problem and Assumptions, describe the general goal and the

specific problems of the study that will be answered by the corresponding assumptions;

Part Four, Definition of Terms, defines alphabetically the technical terms used in the study. These

terms were defined conceptually and operationally;

Part Five, Significance of the Study, shows the different beneficiaries and the corresponding

benefits that they could derive from the results of the study; and

Part Six, Scope and Limitations of the Study, identifies the scope and coverage in

conducting the study.

Background of the Study

 BAROTAC VIEJO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
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These days, the world crossed a grim milestone with over a million lives lost to the COVID-19

pandemic, and many more expected to have died from unprecedented disruptions to the health

systems. At the national level, the Philippines remains in Stage 2, localized community transmission

with some geographic areas showing higher transmission intensity and indications of widespread

community transmission. There is ongoing evidence of an increasing trend in the number of cases

and higher transmission.

COVID-19 has had an impact on people’s everyday life and is affecting the global economy. In

Iloilo, the virus is spreading.Thousands of people have been affected by this pandemic, who are

either sick or dying as a result of the diseases’ spread. The emphasis is on taking great measures,

such as following a strict cleanliness procedure, keeping a safe distance from others, and wearing

masks, among other things. Iloilo has quarantined its residents and imposed a stringent quarantine

to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. COVID-19 has had a rapid impact on

people's daily lives, enterprises, and global trade and travel. Because the virus spreads quickly

from person to person, early detection of the sickness is critical for controlling its spread. Many

people in Iloilo have been forced to adjust to a "new normal" all of a sudden. To assure the

continuation of education in Iloilo City, the sector has been compelled to quickly adapt to new

ways of doing things. This naturally led to some difficulties along the way, and while some of the

changes may not be permanent, others may be. Learning has shifted from the classroom to the

home, demanding the use and improvement of technology to support this trend. People are

reflecting in real time on how systems undergo large-scale transition, how government,

businesses, schools, towns, and communities adapt and make significant adjustments to

established methods of working, in the midst of this worldwide pandemic.

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The research study Learners understanding COVID-19 can be used to know and identify the

scenario they are in, as well as to gain information from one's own experiences in COVID-19.

Knowledge protects us by being aware of what’s happening. People wants to know how Covid-19

will affect their own livelihoods, their work and their industry. People should focus about Covid-19,

it is something everyone has an opinion on, given it affects everyone globally. Covid-19 has

impacted everyone globally, it has been a once in a lifetime challenge for the industry and there

will likely be difficulties for institutions.

Epistemological and Theoretical Research Perspective

The group used Constructionism as the epistemology. Constructivism is a type of

epistemology, or learning or meaning-making theory, that explains the nature of knowledge and

how people learn. Only learners' prior experience and background knowledge are used to develop

true comprehension. Individuals generate or construct their own new understandings or knowledge

by interacting with what they already know, according to this theory.(Ciot, 2009; Cannelle & Reif,

1994; Ismat,1998;Richardson, 1997).

The Theoretical Research Perspective was Phenomenology since

The philosophy of experience is known as phenomenology. The ultimate source of all meaning and

value, according to phenomenology, is human beings' lived experience. All philosophical systems,

scientific theories, and aesthetic judgments are abstractions from the lived world's ebb and flow.

According to phenomenology, the philosopher's mission is to characterize the structures of

experience, particularly consciousness, imagination, interpersonal relationships, and the human

subject's position in society and history. (Michael Groden, Martin Kreiswirth, Imre Szeman 2015)
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Statement of the Problem

General Problem

This study aims to explore the understanding among Grade 11 Science, Technology , Engineering,

and Mathematics Learners of COVID-19.

Specifically, this study aims to seek answers to the following questions:

1. Are there positive and negative effect of COVID-19 in Science Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics Learners?

2. What is the understanding of Learners in COVID-19?

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the context and delimitation of this study, the following terms used in

the study were given their conceptual and operational meanings:

COVID-19.defined as illness caused by a novel coronavirus called severe acute respiratory

syndrome coronavirus, which was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in

Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. (D.J. Cennimo, MD, FAAP, FACP, AAHIVS, 2019)
 BAROTAC VIEJO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
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In this study , COVID-19 will be our main topic if how it affects the leaner’s lived experiences and

understanding about it.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Learners. STEM learners are students

taking an educational program developed that prepare the students for college and graduate study

in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In addition to subject

learning, STEM aims to foster inquiring minds, logical reasoning and collaboration skills (S.

Gabilisco, 2013 )

In this study, STEM Learners refers to the participants of the study.

Phenomenology. is the philosophical study of the structures of experience and consciousness.

(Zahavi, Dan, 2003)

In this study, Phenomenological is used as our basis in our study.

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Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is limited only to the Grade 11 Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics

learners of Barotac Viejo National High School during the school year 2018-2019. The focal point of

this study is about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learners’ Understanding of

COVID-19.

la The method used was participant observation with in-depth interviews. It is limited only

five Grade 11- STEM learner who were selected because they are experiencing the situation of

what is happening during the pandemic.

Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted to determine the learners' understanding about Covid 19. This study

will benefit the following

Learners. It will give them awareness of the different effects of Covid 19 whether if it will be

helpful or not. It will give them the time to spend with their families.

Parents. It will help them have an idea on how to protect their children against the virus. It will

give them ideas what they will do during this pandemic.

Community. It will help them have an idea on how to prevent and avoid from being infected by

the virus. It will give them idea on how to survive this pandemic.
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Future Researchers. It will guide or give them ideas in conducting their research or study so that

they can conduct their study in a more in-depth manner.

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

Chapter Two deals with the review of related literature and review of related study. This

consists of two parts: (1) Related Literature. (2) Related Study.

Part One, Covid 19 History and Origin, discusses about the history and origin of coronavirus

disease (COVID-19).

Part Two, Understandiing Covid 19, discusses about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its

prevention.

Part Three, Individuals lived experiences about Covid 19, discusses about the experiences

af individuals.

Part Four, The Learners Perspectives, discusses about the perspectives of every individuals

that experienced COVID-19.

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Theme 1: Covid 19 History and Origin.

The human coronavirus disease COVID-19 has become the fifth documented pandemic

since the 1918 flu documented pandemic. COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan China, and

subsequently spread worldwide. The coronavirus was officially named severe acute respiratory

syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses

based on phylogenetic analysis. SARS-CoV-2 is believed to be spillover of an animal coronavirus

and later adapted the ability of human-to-human transmission. Because the virus is highly

contagious, it rapidly spreads and continuously evolves in the human population.

Currently people all over the world have been affected by coronavirus disease 2019

(COVID-19). The symptomatology of these patients, including fever, malaise, dry cough, and

dyspnea, was diagnosed as viral pneumonia. Initially, the disease was called Wuhan pneumonia by

the press because of the area and pneumonia symptoms. Whole-genome sequencing results

showed that the causative agent is a novel coronavirus. Therefore, this virus is the seventh

member of the coronavirus family to infect humans. The World Health Organization (WHO)

temporarily termed the new virus 2019 novel coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) on 12 January 2020

and then officially named this infectious disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on 12

February 2020.

( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2319417020300445)
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Theme 2: Understanding Covid 19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease, and our understanding of the virus that causes it

continues to evolve. It was first detected in China and has now been detected in over 100

countries, including the United States. The virus has been named coronavirus (COVID-19). The

disease is believed to have originally occurred from animal-to-person contact and spreads person-

to-person.

Take Preventive Actions

Everyday actions can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Protect yourself and others with

these tips:

1 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are

not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.

2 Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

3 Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are used often, such as cellphones, door

knobs, and light switches.

4 Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.

5 Avoid touching your face.

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6 If you do become sick, stay home and limit contact with others in your home as much as

possible.

(https://www.unchealthcare.org/coronavirus/understanding-coronaviruscovid-19/)

Theme 3: Individuals lived experiences about COVID- 19

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people infected with the

coronavirus in Denmark during the first phase of the pandemic. An explorative qualitative design

underpinned by a phenomenological hermeneutical approach was applied. Fifteen individuals with

confirmed COVID-19 infection were included and interviewed individually by telephone. Analyses

were inspired by Ricoeur’s interpretation theory. The study illuminated how being diagnosed with

COVID-19 was experienced not just a virus infecting the participants’ biology; it was also a threat

to their existence and bodily perception as well as an interference in ordinary social relationships.

Beyond a supportive approach, the participants experienced being a special case where people

around them acted with excitement and curiosity. Responsibility for existential and emotional care

after COVID-19 has been placed with the individual ill person and within their ordinary social circle.

We suggest follow-up and rehabilitation for people during and after COVID-19 to support recovery.

(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1049732321990360)
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Theme 4: The Learners Perspectives.

The COVID-19 crisis poses more challenges than just the obvious health impacts and will have

far-reaching effects on the economy and society in general. For us to overcome these challenges,

we must foster a collaborative environment in which we can nurture and cultivate effective leaders

who are focused on developing these solutions. Universities and academies, like the Liveris

Academy, are uniquely positioned to do this by supporting students to grow as leaders and

innovators by providing them with the resources to further their education. Furthermore, in order

to create solutions that are long-lasting and will drive us forward into the future, we must focus on

innovating sustainably to ensure the longevity of our society. For this reason, sustainability is a key

focus of the Liveris Academy and a necessary consideration in any potential solutions.

Throughout this crisis, we have seen allowances made by workplaces and universities all around

the world to help people adapt to working online, and from home, to accommodate the differences

in individual circumstances. I hope that this flexibility continues and ultimately leads to a more

inclusive environment that’s open to adapting to the individual challenges people might face, such

as disability, illness or financial strife. Additionally, I think we have seen some excellent examples

of communities working together to protect their most vulnerable. I hope this compassion and

kindness remains as life returns to normal so that we continue our focus on social welfare, while

also prioritising the economy. The way we choose to learn and grow from the challenges we faced

during this time is what will ultimately define us.

(https://stories.uq.edu.au/contact-magazine/2020/beyond-the-covid-19-crisis-the-student-

perspective/index.html)
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Related Studies

Living with COVID-19: A Phenomenological study of hospitalized patients involved in family cluster
transmission

Author: Wei Liu and Jia Liu

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease later known as COVID-19 emerged in

Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China. Within 1 month, the deadly viral disease spread

from a single city to the entire country. Because of its strong human-to-human transmission ability,

COVID-19 soon became a global public health concern. On 11 March 2020, the WHO officially

declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In the meantime, global collaborative research efforts have

been made to share real-time data combating the pandemic. The pertinent research on the viral

disease concerning its clinical and epidemiological features and possible transmission routes is

ever-expanding. Even the lived experiences of frontline healthcare workers caring for patients with

COVID-19 are growing rapidly. However, relatively few studies have been conducted to explore the

real-life experiences of those affected by the illness, especially when they are admitted to the

hospital.

The earliest report on patients’ experiences of living with COVID-19 was documented by

Sahoo et al. in October 2020. The case descriptions of three patients revealed highly distressing

mental health issues that patients experienced on hospital isolation units. Within the available

literature on patients’ lived experiences, Shaban and colleagues’ hermeneutical inquiry of 11

patients with COVID-19 provides a rich insight into how patients dealt with their emotions in the

context of hospital isolation. The researchers suggested changes to physical environments and

development of care models to minimise the negative consequences of isolation in healthcare

settings. Most recently, the body of work has shifted from patients to survivors primarily focusing
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on their health-related beliefs, along with their persistent physical and psychological issues during

and after COVID-19. In light of the resurgence of the pandemic in many countries around the

world, there is an increased need to glean more insight into the lifeworld of those vulnerable

patients in order to inform evidence-based clinical practice.

Early in the outbreak of the pandemic, many case studies reported in China have demonstrated

consistent evidence on rapid transmission of COVID-19 in the form of family clusters.

Consequently, extraordinary public health measures and education campaigns have been

implemented to reduce further spread of the virus within China and elsewhere. While there have

been studies on the biomedical aspects of the illness and the experiences of healthcare workers

and survivors, relatively few studies have been done to explore patient experiences in the midst of

COVID-19. A better understanding of patients’ lived experiences might help to inform local and

national efforts to strengthen service provision for patients and their families during and after the

outbreak. Healthcare workers will also benefit from the perspectives of the recipients of their care

in preparation for the current resurgence of COVID-19 and future pandemics. Given that COVID-19

is transmitted quickly within family clusters, we endeavoured to explore the experiences of patients

originated from family cluster contexts to clarify the individual and family impact of the outbreak.

The central research question guiding the study was: ‘What is the experience of living with COVID-

19 following family cluster transmission of the illness?’

(https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/2/e046128)
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“The COVID-19 outbreak”—An empirical phenomenological study on perceptions and psychosocial

considerations surrounding the immediate incorporation of final-year Spanish nursing and medical
students into the health system

Author: Eladio J. Collado-Boira, Estefanía Ruiz-Palomino, Pablo Salas-Media, Ana Folch-Ayora,

Maria Muriach and Pablo Baliño

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis worldwide, with the

numbers of infections and deaths worldwide multiplying alarmingly in a matter of weeks.

Accordingly, governments have been forced to take drastic actions such as the confinement of the

population and the suspension of face-to-face teaching.

In Spain, due to the collapse of the health system the government has been forced to take a series

of important measures such as requesting the voluntary incorporation of final-year nursing and

medical students into the health system.

The objective of the present work is to study, using a phenomenological qualitative approach, the

perceptions of students in this exceptional actual situation.

A total of 62 interviews were carried out with final-year nursing and medicine students from Jaime

I University (Spain), with 85% reporting having voluntarily joined the health system for ethical and

moral reasons.

Results from the inductive analysis of the descriptions highlighted two main categories and a total

of five sub-categories. The main feelings collected regarding mood were negative, represented by

uncertainty, nervousness, and fear.

This study provides a description of the perceptions of final-year nursing and medical students with

respect to their immediate incorporation into a health system aggravated by a global crisis.
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(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7289744/)

Chapter 3

Methodology

Chapter Three has four parts: (1) Methodological Perspective, (2) Context of the Study, (3)

Procedures, and (4) Ethical Consideration.

Part One, Methodological Perspective, discusses and explains the phenomenology as

methodology employed in this investigation. It includes the characteristics and purpose of this

methodology;

Part Two, Context of the Study, explains the setting, venue, and sources undertaken by the

researchers to gather data. It gives background of the environment in which the research was

conducted. It describes how and from whom the data were collected;

Part Three, Procedures, details on the processes that were involved in the collection, analysis,

and interpretation of data. It describes the instruments used by the researchers to gather data;

Part Four, Ethical Considerations, takes into account the ethical issues that the researcher

considered in the conduct of this study.

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Methodological Perspective

This study is a Qualitative Research that mainly used Phenomenological Design since its

aim was to identify the essence of human experiences about a phenomenon as described by

participants in the study. Therefore, the study seek the phenomenal experiences of the participants

about COVID- 19 and their understanding about it.

Moreover, the above mentioned design includes the viewpoints of the learners as to how

understanding COVID 19 could be beneficial or not, the insights of the students and their accounts

about the study.

Context of the Study

Research Locale

This study was conducted in Barotac Viejo National High School located at Barotac Viejo

Iloilo. Barotac Viejo is a 3rd class Municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines.

It is in the northern part of the Province of Iloilo, facing the strait of Guimaras and the island of

Negros. It is bounded on the north by San Rafael, o the west by Banate, on the south by the

Visayan Sea, and on the east by Ajuy. It is 57 kilometres from Iloilo City.

The town is one of the major economic, educational, medical and transportation center in Iloilo

City. It has earned the moniker “Gateway to the North”.

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Sources of Data

In this study, we used primary sources since all the sources used are all first- hand account

of the participants regarding the study. It represents original thinking, reports and their newly

shared information. These sources were created at the time the study was conducted but include

sources that were created later. The primary sources included are: interviews, observation and

journal article reporting new research or findings.

Participants of the Study

The respondents will be gathered from Barotac Viejo National High School, specifically

grade 11- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learners. With reference to

the objective of the study, the researchers will ensure that the chosen respondents must qualify

the following conditions:

1 Must be a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics learner and;

2 A Senior High School student

These two conditions serve as the distinct basis of the interview.

As the study pursued an interview type of survey the researchers used an in depth

interview, thus choosing participants specifically. The proponents of a total of 5 participants

in specific strand. Furthermore, as the group of researchers is consists of 5 members, each

member of the group will interview 1 participant.

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Procedure

Phase 1: Exploration or Research Preliminaries

In this study, students focus on the understanding of COVID-19, its negative and positive

effects. This exploration is written before the start of the study, however, this may be expanded

upon during the early stages of the methodology. It is developed on an individual basis and sets

out the learner’s creative responses to formulating the content and parameters of the process. The

exploration or research preliminaries addresses the focus and subject matter to be developed,

ideas to be explored and the methods to be developed. It also includes the sources of conceptual

possibilities, new information and findings to be investigated. Researchers identify the methods to

be explored and developed in the planning of the methodology. The exploration supports of

understanding the COVID-19 and remains a reference point for the reflection and analysis of the

study throughout the process.

Phase 2: Data Collection or Research Paper

The researchers made a permission letter to the administrator of Barotac Viejo National

High School. After getting the approval, the researchers abruptly conducted the interview in the

above mentioned school. Each member was assigned to interview 1 participant. The whole data

gathering lasts for 1 hour to interview participants in the study. The objectives and research

questions was used as the basis of the interpretation of the collected data. The researcher expects

research objectives would satisfy the results.

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Interview

In order to satisfy the purpose of this study, an in depth interview were used. In-depth

interview method involves intensive individual interview with a small number of respondents about

their perspective on a particular idea on a particular idea, program or situation (Boyee, 2009).

Thus, to collect more detailed information and to have a direct contact between the researchers

and respondents, this method was applied.

Observation

In order to deepen the understanding of this study, a thorough observation were done.

Observation is the act of recognizing and noting facts or occurrences. No question are asked in

data collection. Thus, to collect more structured information, this method was applied.

Journal

In order to widen the understanding of this study, journal articles were investigated. Journal is a

periodical that contains articles written by experts in a particular field or study or report the results

of research in that field. Thus, to collect a systematic and thorough study, this method was

applied.
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Phase 3. Analysis or Data Interpretative Reflection

As a researcher, the purpose of researching can be realized through the analysis of the

data we had collected. In order to begin the data analysis process, we reduced our data into a

format that can be easily analyzed. According to Rudolph Tere, “Qualitative data analysis is a very

personal process with few rigid rules and procedures” (Tere, 2006) so that how data is formatted

is at the discretion of the researchers. We, researchers, decided to formulate rules and procedures

which is very personal and close to the topic.

Analysis of Data

Data analysis process is a way to discover patterns, coherent themes, meaningful

categories and new ideas and in general uncovers better understanding of a phenomenon or

process. We interviewed people to find out from them those things we cannot directly observe.

Data will be reviewed after the group discussion, analyzed and interpreted into themes and

meanings to lay the foundation of codification.

Thematic Analysis

Thematic data analysis involves the analysis of themes that emerged from the data that

has been collected. The themes emerging from the data are not imposed by the researcher, but

are inherent in the data itself.

Ethical Considerations

The current study issued an ethical deliberation in conducting the study. Before going

through with the interview, the researchers asked each participant their permission to record or

video the whole interview.

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References