The Pitfalls and Glories of Online Classes among Working Students amidst Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought drastic changes in various institutions worldwide. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to explorethe challenges and successes encountered by working students during the pandemic. This study involved ten (10) participants, composed of (1) the student officially enrolled in UM Digos College for the AY 2021 - 2022. (2) The student comes from the Department of Teacher Education, specifically in the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) program. (3) That the student has atleast 1-year residency in the program/institution. (4) That the student is working during the pandemic period. Personal experiences of working students were gathered through an in-depth online interview, with the utilization of google meet and messenger, with the help of research questionnaires and open-ended and close-ended questions to qualify the dataneeded. Colaizzi's data analysis approach was utilized in this study. The results revealed that working students had issues adjusting to the blended online learning setting. To ensure their financial independence, students often work while attending classes. The accomplishment of students taking courses currently offered online or in a blended format. As a result, students feel more accountable for their decisions and actions. Working students acquire knowledge and generate concepts they can apply to improve their personal lives and problem-solving abilities.