Senior High School Students’ Challenges and Reflections in their Enrolled Academic Strands

Making a career decision is a significant challenge for students entering Senior High School, as they must choose a track aligned with their interests and future career paths. Many students, however, are enrolled in strands they did not originally choose, making it important to understand their experiences. This study aimed to uncover the challenges and reflections of the Grade 11 students regarding their enrolled academic strands. It used a qualitative, phenomenological research design anchored on the Developmental Theory of Ginzberg (1996), which views career development as a lifelong process progressing through fantasy, tentative, and realistic—each reflecting evolving preferences, abilities, and opportunities. Eight (8) Grade 11 students participated in this study selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered using semi- structured interviews with open- ended questions to obtain rich data. Results revealed four major themes regarding their challenges: doubts about the enrolled strand, fear of research subjects, difficulty adapting to a new learning environment, and indecisiveness in academic choices. In terms of reflections, five key themes emerged: preparation for college, acceptance of academic difficulty as a challenge, acquisition of quality learning, thoughtful selection of options, and development of responsibility. The findings implies that although students face significant anxiety and academic struggle at the start, these difficulties are essential for building the skills needed for college. Through overcoming initial doubts and fears, students learn to take full responsibility for their own education. The results further suggest that schools should continue to offer challenging coursework while providing the necessary guidance to help students turn their early struggles into meaningful personal growth. Essentially, promoting a supportive environment will encourage students to seek help when needed and enhance their overall experience.

Senior High School, Strand, Challenges, Reflections, Grade 11 students, qualitative research

1. Ajayi, A., Smith, B., & Nkosi, P. (2022). Influence of selected social factors on career decision-making of Grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in South Africa. South African Journal of Education, 42(1), 1–10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Alim, N. H. (2024). Choice of strand among senior high school students: Perspectives, problems, and opportunities. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 7(12), Article 03. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v7-i12-03 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Arumuru, L., & David, T. O. (2024). The impact of instructional resources on academic achievement: A study of library and information science postgraduates in Nigeria. Asian Journal of Information Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.70112/ajist-2024.14.1.4259 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Azhenov, T., Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2023). Career decision-making readiness among students in the system of higher education: Career course intervention. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1097993. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1097993 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Bhattarai, K. (2024). Students’ decision on the choice of academic disciplines after secondary level education. Kalika Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 6(1), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.3126/kjms.v6i1.72379 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Boye, J. O., & Nyarko-Sampson, E. (2023). Prevalent factors of career uncertainties among Ghanaian senior high school students. Journal of Educational Management, 13(1), 54–65. https://doi.org/10.47963/jem.v13i.1129 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Conceptual and design thinking for thematic analysis. Qualitative psychology, 9(1), 3. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Brillantes, K. D. B., Reyes, M. C., & Santos, L. P. (2019). Status of senior high school implementation: A process evaluation (Discussion Paper Series No. 2019-13). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://pids.gov.ph [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Casinillo, L. F., Abapo, A. L., Abela, J. J., & Martinez, S. J. (2023). Characterizing the challenges as correlates of senior high students’ profile in the new normal setting. Asian Journal of Assessment in Teaching and Learning, 13(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.37134/ajatel.vol13.1.3.2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Digamon, J. S., & De La Peña, J. (2021). Attitudes of senior high school students towards career decision making. JPAIR Institutional Research, 16(1), 72–89. https://doi.org/10.7719/irj.v16i1.617 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Dovetail, R. (2023). Purposive sampling in qualitative research: Methods and applications. International Journal of Qualitative Studies, 29(4), 201–217. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Fernandez, M. L., Rojas, A. T., & Rivera, M. A. (2021). Enhancing college readiness: The role of academic and emotional preparation. Journal of College Student Development, 15(2), 105–119. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Fillomena, R. E., & Maravilla, M. W. M. (2020). School adjustment problems and coping strategies of senior high school students of a Catholic school. Philippine Social Science Journal, 3(2), 121–122. https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v3i2.236 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Forero, R., Nahidi, S., De Costa, J., Mohsin, M., Fitzgerald, G., Gibson, N.,McCarthy, S., & Aboagye-Sarfo, P. (2018). Ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research: A systematic approach. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 1–13. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Garcia, A. R., & Lim, T. M. (2020). Factors influencing college readiness: A study of senior high school students in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Higher Education, 19(1), 32–45. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Garcia, R. T., & Santos, A. P. (2022). Career guidance and the role of thoughtful selection in students’ future success. Journal of Career Development, 14(3), 80–92. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Garcia, S. M., Alarcon, R. G., & Ramos, J. F. (2020). The development of responsibility in senior high school students. Educational Psychology Journal, 12(3), 44–58. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Ghimire, P. M. (2023). Chemistry anxiety among bachelor-level students in science education. Ganeshman Darpan, 8(1), 72–78. https://doi.org/10.3126/gd.v8i1.573 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Grigor, D., & Turda, E. S. (2022). Investigating the relationship among adolescents’ career indecisiveness, values, and optimism in the process of choosing a career. Journal of Educational Sciences & Psychology, 12(74)(2), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.51865/JESP.2022.2.12 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Gupta, R., & Kaur, S. (2024). An analytical investigation into the factors influencing students’ choice of discipline at secondary level. International Journal of Education and Computing Science Engineering, 16(1), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.48047/intjecse/v16i1.217-223 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Hughes, H., Franz, J., Willis, J., Bland, D., & Rolfe, A. (2019). High school spaces and student transitioning: Designing for student wellbeing. In J. Franz, H. Hughes, & J. Willis (Eds.), School spaces for student wellbeing and learning: Insights from research and practice (pp. 97–119). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6092-3_6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Hsu, T.-C. J. (2025). Redesigning a career development course in post‑pandemic higher education: Integrating blended and cooperative pedagogies for enhanced student engagement and employability. Education Sciences, 15(7), 895. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15070895 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Karunarathna, S., Perera, H., & Fernando, T. (2024). Data collection techniques in qualitative research: Importance and challenges. Research in Social Sciences, 12(1), 55–70. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Lao, G. M., Villamayor, D. J. F., Campos, F. W. H., Dasmariñas, H. A. Q., Dechavez, J. P. D., & Biadoma-Toledo, C. (2023). Career choice: A case study of college students shifting career paths. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Technology, 3(2), 135–140. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijert.v3i2.50077 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Lauterbach, M. (2018). Hermeneutic phenomenological interviewing: Going beyond semi-structured formats to help participants revisit experience. The Qualitative Report, 23(11), 2883–2898. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Lay-son, J. (2021). Factors influencing the Grade 11 students in choosing their preferred strand for senior high school in Balongting National High School. Unpublished Manuscript. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Li, W., Jia, S., Zhang, L., et al. (2025). The relationship between growth mindset and adolescent psychological well‑being: The parallel mediating roles of grit and learning engagement. BMC Psychology, 13, Article 1298. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03609-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Lim, R. A., & Mendoza, D. M. (2021). Factors influencing thoughtful selection of academic paths in senior high school students. International Journal of Education Research, 17(4), 98–112. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Lloyd-Lewis, B. L., Miller, D. J., & Krause, A. E. (2024). Against all odds: Students’ interest in, and perceived value of, research and nonresearch psychology subjects. Psychology Learning & Teaching, 23(1), 65–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/14757257231222647 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Malaga, H. J., & Oducado, R. M. F. (2021). Does senior high school strand matter in nursing students’ academic self-regulated learning and academic performance? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3802973 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Mendoza, D. S., & Rivera, S. G. (2022). Emotional resilience and its impact on college readiness. Journal of Educational Psychology, 14(2), 87–98. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Mendoza, F. R., & Villanueva, M. A. (2022). Developing responsibility in students: The role of education in shaping responsible individuals. International Journal of Educational Development, 20(1), 100–115. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Nazareno, A., Gestiada, G., Martinez, M. P., de Lara, M. L., Roxas‑Villanueva, R. M. L., & Lopez‑Relente, M. J. (2021). Factors associated with career track choice of senior high school students. Philippine Journal of Science, 150(5), 1043–1060. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Oliveira, Í. M., & Marques, C. (2024). The role of career adaptability and academic engagement in college students’ life satisfaction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(5), 596. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050596 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Ramos, S. G., Alarcon, L. M., & Flores, J. T. (2020). The importance of thoughtful academic selection: Academic and career outcomes. Asian Journal of Educational Research, 15(2), 45–57. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Dela Cruz, R. T. (2021). Time management and personal responsibility: Key factors in student success. Journal of Educational Development, 19(4), 70–82. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Regidor, A. R., Vesmanos, A. T., & Deguito, P. O. (2024). The impact of supportive learning environment on student learning motivation of senior high school students. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 50(7), 558–571. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i71487 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Tenny, S., Brannan, G. D., & Sharts-Hopko, N. C. (2022). Qualitative research methods: Capturing non-numerical data in social sciences. Social Research Methods Journal, 30(1), 77–91. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Vestad, L., & Bru, E. (2024). Teachers’ support for growth mindset and its links with students’ growth mindset, academic engagement, and achievements in lower secondary school. Social Psychology of Education, 27, 1431–1454. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-023-09859-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Zhai, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, M. (2023). Grit and career construction among Chinese high school students: The serial mediating effect of hope and career adaptability. Sustainability, 15(4), 360. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study