Review of Related Literature on HUMSS Strand Culminating Activities

Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges and Solutions (2020-2025)

Key Takeaways

Integration and Research Challenges: Students face difficulties in integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and applying research methodologies effectively.
Academic and Social Pressures: Balancing academic responsibilities with social dynamics significantly impacts students' performance in culminating activities.
Digital Literacy and Resource Access: Limited access to technology and digital tools exacerbates struggles in project execution and portfolio creation.

Introduction

The Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand within the Philippine K-12 curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with critical thinking, research capabilities, and creative output skills. Culminating activities serve as capstone projects, enabling students to synthesize their learning experiences across various specialized subjects. However, from 2020 to 2025, numerous studies have highlighted the multifaceted challenges that HUMSS students encounter while undertaking these activities. This review synthesizes current literature to provide an in-depth understanding of these struggles and proposes actionable solutions to enhance the efficacy of culminating activities.

Nature of Culminating Activities

Purpose and Objectives

Culminating activities in the HUMSS strand aim to:

Integrate learning from various HUMSS subjects.
Provide a platform for students to showcase their academic achievements and creative projects.
Prepare students for higher education and future career paths by enhancing research and presentation skills.

Portfolio Creation

One of the primary components of the culminating activity is the creation of a comprehensive portfolio. This portfolio is expected to:

Include exemplary works from each specialized HUMSS subject.
Reflect the achievement of learning goals and competencies.
Incorporate significant academic and extracurricular experiences.

Identified Challenges

Academic and Research-Related Struggles

Research Methodology Application

Students frequently encounter anxiety and confusion when developing research questions, selecting appropriate data collection methods, and analyzing qualitative data. The lack of exposure to advanced research techniques and insufficient mentoring during project phases contribute to delays and lower quality outcomes.

Time Management and Resource Constraints

Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of culminating activities poses significant stress. Factors such as inconsistent feedback, insufficient guidance, and external pressures from family and community expectations hinder students' ability to engage fully in their projects.

Social and Psychological Challenges

Social Interaction and Academic Performance

Social dynamics, including peer interactions and societal expectations, can adversely affect students' academic performance and their ability to complete culminating activities effectively. Issues such as low self-esteem, misconceptions about career prospects, and stress from high expectations contribute to these challenges.

Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges by necessitating a shift to digital learning environments. Limited access to stable internet connections, inadequate digital tools, and a lack of technical support have created additional barriers for students in completing their projects.

Digital Literacy and Technology Access

Digital Divide

The integration of technology in culminating activities requires a certain level of digital literacy. However, disparities in access to technological resources and varying levels of digital proficiency among students create significant obstacles in portfolio creation and project development.

Remote Collaboration Challenges

Group projects are a common component of culminating activities, but remote collaboration tools have introduced new challenges. Communication barriers, coordination issues, and ensuring equal contribution from all team members are prevalent problems that hinder effective teamwork.

Coping Mechanisms and Strategies

Enhanced Guidance and Mentoring

Implementing systematic mentoring programs and providing regular progress check-ins can significantly mitigate challenges. Enhanced guidance helps students navigate research methodologies, manage their time effectively, and stay on track with their project timelines.

Skill Development Programs

Continuous professional development for teachers is essential to address pedagogical and technological challenges. Training educators in advanced research techniques and digital tools ensures that they can better support students in their culminating activities.

Technology Access and Support

Ensuring equitable access to technology and providing technical support is crucial. Schools should invest in digital infrastructure and offer training sessions to enhance students' digital literacy, enabling them to create comprehensive digital portfolios and effectively utilize online collaboration tools.

Time Management Workshops

Organizing workshops focused on time management and organizational skills can help students balance their academic responsibilities with project demands. Teaching students how to prioritize tasks and manage their schedules effectively can reduce stress and improve project outcomes.

Impact of Social Pressures

External Expectations

External pressures from family, peers, and society can significantly influence students' academic performance and their ability to complete culminating activities. Addressing these pressures through counseling and support systems is essential to foster a conducive learning environment.

Building Self-Confidence

Developing self-confidence through supportive teaching practices and positive reinforcement can help students overcome self-esteem issues and perform better in their projects. Encouraging a growth mindset and resilience can empower students to tackle challenges more effectively.

Table: Challenges and Solutions in HUMSS Culminating Activities

Challenge	Solution
Research Methodology Application	Implement comprehensive training programs and provide dedicated research mentors.
Time Management and Resource Constraints	Offer time management workshops and ensure consistent mentoring and feedback.
Digital Literacy and Technology Access	Invest in digital infrastructure and conduct regular digital literacy training sessions.
Social Interaction and Academic Performance	Provide counseling services and create support groups to address social pressures.
Remote Collaboration Challenges	Utilize effective online collaboration tools and establish clear team roles and responsibilities.

Recommendations for Future Improvements

Curriculum Alignment with Real-World Demands

Aligning the curriculum with real-world applications requires active collaboration between educators, policymakers, and industry experts. This ensures that culminating activities are relevant and provide practical experience that prepares students for higher education and future careers.

Adaptive Strategies for Post-Pandemic Education

Developing adaptive strategies to address the changes brought about by the pandemic is critical. This includes integrating hybrid learning models, enhancing digital infrastructure, and providing additional support for students transitioning between online and face-to-face learning environments.

Enhanced Support Systems

Establishing robust support systems, including academic counseling, peer mentoring, and mental health services, can help students navigate the complexities of culminating activities. These support systems play a vital role in reducing stress and improving overall student well-being.

Conclusion

The HUMSS strand's culminating activities are pivotal in shaping students' academic and professional trajectories. However, the period from 2020 to 2025 has highlighted significant challenges that impede the successful completion of these projects. Integrating interdisciplinary knowledge, managing academic and social pressures, and addressing digital literacy gaps are essential areas that need focused attention. By implementing enhanced guidance, investing in technology, and fostering supportive environments, educators and policymakers can significantly improve the outcomes of HUMSS culminating activities, thereby better preparing students for future endeavors.