School climate and extent of curriculum integration among farm schools in the province of Negros Occidental
https://doi.org/10.70228/PFREE2024021JHER
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ABSTRACT
Farm schools are essential in educating learners on agricultural literacy and sustainable life-education to achieve better life conditions. The Department of Education, Region VI-Western Visayas, had established 26 secondary public farm schools. This study aimed to determine the degree of school climate and the extent of curriculum integration and their correlation among farm schools in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Using stratified random sampling, the descriptive correlational design was employed to gather the data using a researcher-made survey questionnaire from 196 farm teachers, administrators, and farm coordinators. Lawshe’s method was used in determining the instrument content validation measurement studied by 10 panel experts. The instrument's reliability was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha's coefficient. For the statistical analysis, frequency and mean were utilized to calculate the average, and the Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman Correlation determined the distinction and connection. The findings demonstrated a significant correlation between school climate and curriculum integration. Additionally, results revealed a high degree of curriculum integration, showing that farm lessons are effectively integrated within and across learning areas. Notably, the results of this study were used to suggest a school improvement plan for the farm schools' continuous improvement and sustainability.
Keywords: farm school, school climate, extent of curriculum integration
Volume 12 Issue 2, 2024 EDITION
Published 2024
Editor's Note
It is with great honor that we present Volume 12, Issue 2 of the Journal of Higher Education Research, a collection of diverse and thought-provoking studies that reflect the depth and scope of contemporary scholarly works. This issue brings together research that not only advances academic discourse but also offers practical insights and solutions to pressing challenges in education, leadership, community inclusion, and applied science. Olano and Leonor assess the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in the Division of Negros Occidental, highlighting both the program’s benefits in comprehension, confidence, and cultural connection, as well as the persistent challenges in resources, training, and assessment methods. Cerbo and Dy shed light on the lived experiences of non-SPED teachers accommodating learners with special needs, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies, inclusive policies, and institutional support to strengthen mainstreaming practices. In agricultural education, Panganiban and Leonor explore the relationship between school climate and curriculum integration among farm schools in Negros Occidental, demonstrating the value of integrated learning for sustainability and community development. Uyanib and Estrellas investigate the link between Spiritual Quotient and happiness among 21st-century secondary school heads, revealing how spiritual intelligence contributes to leadership performance and well-being. Focusing on gender inclusivity, Gorre and Dumagat evaluate the implementation of Gender-Responsive Basic Education policies in senior high schools, with insights from both administrators and LGBTQ+ learners on progress made and areas for improvement. Largavista and Dumagat analyze the training needs and teaching competencies of MAPEH teachers under the MATATAG curriculum, offering targeted recommendations to address training gaps and enhance educational delivery. Pacheco and Villacorte provide narrative portraits of Negros Occidental’s most outstanding master teachers, capturing their adaptive leadership, instructional competence, and dedication to mentoring. Gaduyon, Francisco, and Ochavo explored career fit experiences among college graduates, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic preparation with professional demands to support successful transitions from school to work. Extending into the life sciences, Seran, de los Santos, Escalante, and Lizada examine the synergistic antibacterial potential of Philippine oregano essential oil with tetracycline against Aeromonas species, contributing to the discourse on alternative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. We extend our sincere gratitude to the authors for their scholarly contributions, to our peer reviewers for their discerning evaluations, and to the Publication and Engagement Office led by Dr. Lota Largavista for their steadfast support. As you read through this issue, we invite you to engage deeply with the ideas presented, to draw inspiration from the innovations and insights shared, and to carry forward the commitment to research that uplifts communities, advances professional practice, and enriches the collective pursuit of knowledge. Sincerely, JOVAL N. MARTINEZ Editor-in-Chief