STUDENTS’ PERCEIVED DIFFICULTIES AND INTERESTS IN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: INPUTS FOR CURRICULUM REVIEW

Research subjects require more challenging tasks for the students. The study found out the difficulties and interests experienced by student researchers in the College of Education at Bataan Peninsula State University. This quantitative descriptive research design involved 179 students with 44% being male and 56% female. The majority of respondents belong to the 20–21-year-old age group and (39%) were from Bachelor of Elementary Education, 18% from the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics, 20% from the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, and 23% from the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. The statistical tools used were T-test and Analysis of Variances (ANOVA). Findings revealed that the student researchers' difficulties included selecting topics, following the research methodologies, and forming study teams. Adviser-related issues involved a lack of interest and delayed feedback from them. School-related difficulties included a lack of internet facilities and library resources. Other student researchers’ difficulties involved time limitations, financial problems, commitment issues, conflicts, and family issues. Research interest remains high, motivated by practical experience, collaboration, academic recognition, life skills, and personal growth. Significant differences were observed in male students who faced more adviser-related difficulties. Students aged 20–21 encountered higher competency-related and school-related difficulties.