University of the Cordilleras

<span>Writing and presenting research are endeavors that senior high school students have to hurdle in the Philippines. Therefore, this research aimed at </span><span>unravelling </span><span>the dimensions of the difficulties faced by senior high school students in their research writing and research presentations through a </span><span>sequential qualitative mixed-methods design. Primary data was gathered through a qualitative survey of 448 students, while secondary data was obtained via 10 focus groups with </span><span>7-10 members</span><span> representing the different strands </span><span>in one private senior high school in Baguio City, Philippines</span><span>. All these participants were selected using </span><span>combined quota and purposive sampling. Thematic analysis coupled with an iterative procedure was utilized to treat the harvested qualitative data. </span><span>Findings revealed that the dimensions of the difficulties faced by student-researchers in research writing are health-related, manuscript-related, people-related, and resources-related, while the dimensions in research presentations are inner-directed and outer-directed. This research adds to the current body of knowledge, can contribute to achieving the United Nations sustainable development goal 4.5 and 4.7 on equal education access and global citizenship skills, and recommends research trajectories.</span>

ABSTRACT Background English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners often struggle to develop robust academic writing, especially in online settings with limited feedback and interaction. Existing AI writing tools show promise but are often tested in brief, isolated interventions, so little is known about which AI‐supported strategies are most effective. Objectives In a four‐arm randomised controlled trial ( N = 383), three AI‐enhanced nudges (goal‐setting, feedback, social norm) were compared with an active control across 18 × 90‐min sessions (total dose = 27 h). Posttest group differences were large (Welch's F (3, 188.454) = 1447.280, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.895), with the goal‐setting nudge yielding the highest writing performance ( M = 20.24/25, 81.0% of maximum). Methods University EFL students were randomly assigned to three AI‐enhanced nudge conditions (goal‐setting, feedback, social norm) or an active control in a pretest–posttest design. Interventions drew on social cognitive theory (SCT) and nonlinear dynamic language learning theory (NDLLT) and were delivered over 18 × 90‐min sessions. Writing performance, motivation and self‐efficacy were assessed with validated instruments, complemented by interviews and reflective essays. Results and Conclusions Goal‐setting nudges produced the largest gains in writing performance, motivation and self‐efficacy, with feedback and social norm nudges also outperforming the active control. Effect sizes were large: goal‐setting versus control Δ M = 11.01, 95% CI [10.51, 11.52] for performance; Δ M = 3.50, 95% CI [3.16, 3.83] for motivation; Δ M = 3.22, 95% CI [2.95, 3.49] for self‐efficacy. Students described AI‐enhanced goal‐setting as making tasks more manageable and progress more visible, while AI feedback and peer comparisons supported revision and engagement. Overall, the findings suggest that carefully designed, instructor‐mediated AI nudges can substantially enhance EFL academic writing when used to supplement, rather than replace, human teaching. Centring on three research questions, RQ1 tested differential effects of the three nudges versus control on writing performance, motivation and self‐efficacy; RQ2 examined learners' perceived effectiveness and experiences across modalities; RQ3 explored the correspondence between quantitative performance gains and qualitative learner insights.

The study aimed to assess the readiness, efficiency, and challenges of elementary teachers in handling LSEN students. The study employed a quantitative-descriptive research design, using a survey as the primary instrument. 124 elementary school teachers were participants in the survey. Average, mean, and ranks were used to quantify the data gathered. The t-test was used to establish the differences in perceptions of teachers according to sex, and the F-test was used to establish the differences in perceptions of teachers according to the number of years in service. Findings showed that teachers are moderately ready to handle Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) in classroom instruction and in Assessment and Monitoring Progress. No significant differences were observed in their perceptions when grouped by sex and years of service. The teachers perceived themselves as moderately efficient in handling Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) with respect to inclusive instruction, collaboration with parents and other professionals, and managing disruptive behavior. No significant differences were observed in their perceptions when grouped by sex and years of service. Teachers consider insufficient materials for teaching Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) the most challenging factor in supporting LSENs.

The study assessed the effectiveness of the sustainable livelihood program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on micro-enterprises in La Trinidad, Benguet, focusing on improvements in business capability, livelihood outcomes, and the challenges faced in its implementation. Using a descriptive-quantitative survey - correlation method, data were gathered from 100 micro-enterprise owners in La Trinidad, Benguet, through a survey questionnaire and validated by face-to-face interviews. Findings revealed that the sustainable livelihood program was perceived as highly effective in enhancing business capacity, particularly in expanding networks and partnerships, strengthening strategic decision-making, and promoting overall business sustainability. In terms of livelihood outcomes, the program was most effective in sustaining long-term livelihood goals, improving household quality of life, and strengthening resilience against challenges. A moderate relationship was established between improved business capability and enhanced livelihood outcomes, underscoring the program’s holistic role in poverty alleviation. Despite these achievements, significant barriers were identified, with the most pressing being the high cost of rent and goods sold, limited access to financial resources, and supply chain constraints. These challenges, representing nearly half of reported problems, limit profitability, scalability, and long-term sustainability. The study concludes that while the sustainable livelihood program successfully empowers micro-entrepreneurs and improves socio-economic stability, its impact can be maximized through structural reforms addressing financial access, cost reduction, and supply chain development. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening livelihood programs as integrated poverty reduction strategies that foster entrepreneurship, resilience, and community development.

This study explores the digital marketing strategies commonly employed by real estate agencies in Shandong, China, in response to the increasing role of digital platforms in shaping market competitiveness. Using a qualitative research design, data were gathered through interviews with ten managers from various real estate agencies in the region. Thematic analysis of the interview responses revealed three dominant strategies: the use of social media platforms and live streaming for customer engagement, investment in paid digital advertising and real estate listing platforms for lead generation, and the application of content-driven marketing combined with customer relationship management practices. These strategies reflect a multi-channel approach aimed at maximizing client outreach, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering customer loyalty. The findings highlight the agencies’ strategic alignment with digital trends and underscore the importance of integrating direct engagement, performance-based advertising, and relationship management in contemporary real estate marketing.

This study explores the development path for Jinan as a modern strategic hub for distribution.In August 2023, Jinan was included in the national plan for 102 strategic hubs for distribution, becoming one of 24 comprehensive hubs.The study employed a comprehensive assessment framework, analyzing infrastructure, operational efficiency, and industrial integration.It found that Jinan faces four major challenges: limited integration into the trunk corridor network and lagging development of sea-rail transport; low operational efficiency of distribution vehicles and outdated infrastructure; an irrational overall transportation structure, with road transport accounting for over 96%; and insufficient integration and linkage of industrial development, with trade and logistics accounting for 60%.The study proposes strategies such as promoting cross-regional integration through integration into trunk corridors; building smart logistics facilities through strengthening the foundation; focusing on four key industries through supply chain reshaping; and leveraging hub economy to drive innovation in the "logistics + platform + trade + industry" model.These strategies aim to promote Jinan's development into a modern distribution hub supporting a dual circulation model.

This study examines customer preferences and satisfaction associated with onsite and digital booking systems in the travel and tours industry, focusing on the Province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It investigates the impact of trust, security, convenience, personalization, accessibility, and system reliability on customer decision-making. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 78 participants through structured online and onsite questionnaires, including travel agency clients and operators. The study applies theoretical frameworks such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Diffusion of Innovations Theory to interpret customer perceptions. Key findings show that while online booking is generally preferred due to accessibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, onsite booking remains relevant for customers seeking personalization, trust, and human interaction. Results also reveal unique issues within each method— such as technical glitches in online systems and time constraints in onsite booking. The study proposes targeted, customer-centric strategies to resolve these issues and improve operational efficiency. These findings offer actionable insights not only for local stakeholders but also for tourism service providers operating in similarly transitioning markets where hybrid service delivery models are increasingly necessary.

The rural cultural heritage sites are developing the tourism industry and more seriously environmental problems. In this paper, it examines the mechanism of tourists' pro-environmental behavior intention based on the social identity theory. Based on the survey of 523 tourists visiting rural cultural heritage sites, the mediating effect of environmental awareness and perceived behavioral control and moderation of place attachment were discussed. The results showed that social identification significantly influences pro-environmental behavior intentions both directly, with β = 0.436, and through environmental awareness, with β = 0.159, and perceived behavioral control at 0.120. Place attachment moderates the relationship; this is with β = 0.245, and its influence is stronger at high levels of attachment. These findings add depth to the theoretical development of the formation of pro-environmental behavior within heritage tourism contexts and present practical implications for managing heritage sites in a sustainable manner. This study suggested increasing the tourists' social identification and environmental awareness while cultivating place attachment as an effective means to encourage pro-environmental behaviors.

This study explores the perceptions of employability among undergraduate music major students, focusing on how they interpret their readiness for the workforce in the context of their academic experiences. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 students enrolled in music programs. Thematic analysis revealed five central themes: lack of practical experience, importance of soft skills, need for career guidance, curriculum misalignment with job market expectations, and the role of self-efficacy in employment preparation. Findings indicate that while students value their musical training, they perceive significant gaps in the curriculum’s ability to equip them with career-relevant skills and real-world exposure. Students also emphasized the critical importance of personal confidence and interpersonal competencies in shaping their employability. The results highlight the need for higher music education institutions to adopt more holistic and practice-oriented approaches that integrate career development, experiential learning, and professional identity formation into their curricula.

This study presents a methodological framework for measuring digital trade development in ASEAN, employing a mixed-method research design to evaluate five critical measures: health systems, human security, economic integration, digital transformation, and sustainable future. The research methodology integrates quantitative analysis of data from 30 digital trade exporters across six ASEAN countries with qualitative thematic analysis following Boyatzis' approach, incorporating document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. A dedicated literature review highlights gaps in existing frameworks and informs methodological choices, while statistical power analysis validates adequacy for detecting significant differences despite modest sample size limitations (n=30). The analysis reveals statistically significant disparities in implementation levels across ASEAN countries (ANOVA: F(5,24)=12.34, p<.001), with digital transformation emerging as the most significantly implemented measure (M=3.70), followed by human security (M=3.63), economic integration (M=3.57), health systems (M=3.53), and sustainable future (M=3.37). Post-hoc analysis (Tukey's HSD) indicates significant differences between advanced tier and emerging tier countries (p<.001) and between intermediate and emerging tier countries (p<.01). Cross-case analysis identifies three distinct implementation tiers: advanced implementation (Singapore), intermediate implementation (Indonesia and Malaysia), and emerging implementation (Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand). These findings provide actionable insights into digital trade development strategies tailored to tier-specific challenges and opportunities. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of mixed-method approaches in business research, particularly in examining complex regional economic phenomena. This research framework contributes to the existing scholarship on digital trade development in regional economic communities through the use of rigorous methodological approaches and comprehensive analysis. The findings have both theoretical and practical implications for researchers and policymakers studying the evolution of digital trade, as well as for filling critical gaps in existing measurement frameworks for developing regions. The study contributes to academic discourse by enhancing measurement frameworks for developing regions while informing policy decisions aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in ASEAN. By combining rigorous statistical analysis with qualitative insights, this framework offers a method to quantify and compare the level of digital trade development across different regional economic communities, contributing to the broader understanding of their trade evolution and informing future policy decisions.