Rising from Struggles: A Descriptive Qualitative Study on the Development of Low-Performing Bachelor of Science in Disaster Resilience Management Students

Low-performing students are an educational problem. This study explored the development of the characteristics of low-performing BSDRM students using qualitative descriptive research design, I interviewed 12 purposively selected participants and applied thematic analysis to analyze the data. The findings revealed that classroom instruction, training, and OJT exposure helped cultivate responsibility, discipline, resilience, preparedness, empathy, survival skills, and disaster-response capabilities, although limited practical opportunities and resources hindered their full competence as future disaster responders. Educators and disaster-response practitioners may strengthen the learning environment through supportive instruction and practical activities to improve students’ academic performance and disaster preparedness. Future studies may use correlational designs and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to examine and validate the identified themes.

Rising from struggle, descriptive qualitative study

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