Rationale of the Study

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant impact on students’

mental health and academic performance, particularly in the fields of science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Stress management can improve

students' learning styles and academic performance, especially in the STEM fields.

According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry (2020), stress is one of the top five

threats to academic performance among college students globally. In addition, a review

of the literature published in the Wiley Online Library found that children experience

differing levels of stressors (factors that cause stress) in their environments and that

this can influence how they respond to new stressors when they occur in educational

contexts. Students with anxiety disorder display a passive attitude in their studies such

as a lack of interest in learning, and poor performance in exams, and assignments.

In the study published by the International Journal of Adolescence and Youth

(2019), students in secondary and tertiary education settings face a wide range of

ongoing stressors related to academic demands. Managing stress can reduce the

burden on the students and develop the students’ learning styles. Furthermore,

according to a study published by ScienceDirect (2021), Learning style plays a vital role

in helping students retain learned concepts for a longer time and also improves the

understanding of the concepts. Moreover, a study published in the Atlantis Press

(2018), found that stress can be managed through the introduction of a stress

management course and engaging in extracurricular physical and mental activities.

with sound health or even those with health issues.

The study will take place at DSOSMNHS, a STEM-focused institution that has

experienced a significant increase in post-pandemic stress levels among its students. It

has been found that there is a lack of empirical evidence on the relationship between

post-pandemic stress management and learning styles among STEM students. It is for

this purpose that this study is conducted to explore the relationship between post-

pandemic stress management and learning styles among STEM students at DSOSMNHS,

with the aim of identifying effective strategies to mitigate the negative impact of stress

on academic performance and mental health. This study aims to contribute to the

existing body of knowledge on stress management and learning styles, particularly in

the context of STEM education, and provide insights for educators, counselors, and

policymakers to support students' well-being and academic success in the post-

pandemic era.
Definition of Terms

Post-Pandemic: This term refers to the period of time after the COVID-19 pandemic

has subsided or ended. It may involve a shift back to pre-pandemic ways of life or the

adoption of new practices and behaviors as a result of the pandemic.

Stress Management: This refers to the set of techniques, practices, and strategies

that individuals use to reduce or cope with stress. It may involve physical activities like

exercise or meditation, as well as cognitive and behavioral techniques such as

relaxation, time management, and problem-solving.

Visual learners: Visual learners are individuals who learn best through visual aids such

as images, diagrams, graphs, and videos. They tend to retain and comprehend

information better when it is presented in a visual format.

Auditory learners: Auditory learners are individuals who learn best through hearing

and listening. They tend to retain and comprehend information better when it is

presented verbally, such as through lectures, discussions, or podcasts.

Kinesthetic learners: Kinesthetic learners are individuals who learn best through

physical activities and hands-on experiences. They tend to retain and comprehend

information better when they are actively engaged in the learning process through

activities like experiments, simulations, or interactive exercises.

manipulation of objects. They tend to retain and comprehend information better when

they can physically interact with the material they are learning, such as through hands-

on activities or building models.

Learning Styles: Refers to the different ways in which individuals process and retain

information. Learning styles can include visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile

learning.

STEM Students: Refers to students who are studying in the fields of Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

This study aims to explore the relationship between post-pandemic stress

management learning styles among Stem students at Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial

National High School.

More specifically, it seeks to answer the following:

1. What is the profile of the Grade 11-STEM students based on their Learning Styles?

2. What are the stress management styles of the students along with their learning

styles?

2.1. Visual learners,

2.2. Auditory learners,

2.3. Kinesthetic learners, and

2.4. Tactile learners

3. Which of the learning styles has better post-pandemic stress management?

4. What are the factors that contribute to how the students effectively manage their

post-pandemic stress?

5. What is the implication of this study to the K-12 curriculum?

This research is significant for the following:

School Institutions. The findings of this study can be beneficial for academic

institutions, particularly the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) in assessing and enhancing their post-pandemic stress

management program. This study can help the department identify the strengths and

weaknesses of its current program and determine specific areas that need improvement

to make the program more effective in preparing students for their future professions.

Students. This study can help STEM students gain awareness of their learning style

and the impact of post-pandemic stress on their academic performance. This awareness

can help them to develop effective coping mechanisms and adapt to the new learning

environment. It can also help students to appreciate the importance of the skills and

knowledge they acquire during their academic journey, and how they can apply these

skills in their future careers.

Graduates. This study can provide insights to graduates on the present status of their

batch concerning post-pandemic stress management learning styles. They can use the

information to evaluate their learning experiences and how it has influenced their

professional development. The study can also help graduates identify areas of strengths
and weaknesses in their skills and knowledge, which can be beneficial in their career

advancement.

Parents. Parents will benefit from the study by gaining insights into the impact of

stress on their children's learning and how to support their children in managing stress.

The study will also provide parents with information on the best ways to support their

children's preferred learning styles.

K-12 Curriculum Planners. The findings of this study can be used by K-12 curriculum

planners to design learning programs that address the stress management and learning

needs of STEM students in a post-pandemic environment.

The practice of stress management behaviors and associated factors among

undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC

Psychiatry.

([Link]

Stress and Learning in Pupils: Neuroscience Evidence and its Relevance for Teachers.

Wiley Online Library.

([Link]

The impact of stress on students in secondary school and higher education.

International Journal of Adolescence and Youth.

([Link]

Learning style detection in E-learning systems using machine learning techniques.

ScienceDirect.

([Link]

Stress management techniques for students. Atlantis Press.

([Link]
Exploring The Relationship Between Post-Pandemic Stress Management

And Learning Styles Among STEM Students At DSOSMNHS

A Research

Presented to

Mrs. Marichu T. Archival

Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements of the subject

Practical Research 1

Group 6

Arnyl Cabañero

Myth Dominic J. Tomolin

Gretchen Amamalin

John Paul Serentas

April 2023