PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED FACTORS AFFECTING FRESHMEN STUDENTS IN ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING: BASIS FOR INTERVENTION MEASURE

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted traditional education, necessitating a shift to online distance learning. This study investigates the personal and environmental factors affecting the academic productivity of freshmen students at Pamantasan ng Cabuyao during the new normal. Employing a mixed-method exploratory design, the research gathered qualitative and quantitative data from 332 first-year students across eight programs and five guidance counselors. Key personal factors examined include motivation, study habits, and mental health, while environmental factors encompass parental support, home learning environment, and community quarantine status. Findings reveal that both personal and environmental factors significantly influence students' academic performance. Motivation and study habits were consistently applied, while mental health challenges highlighted the need for stress management and resilience-building strategies. Parental support and a conducive home learning environment were critical in sustaining academic productivity, even amidst community quarantine restrictions. The study also identified mild challenges encountered by students in adapting to online learning. A proposed intervention measure, including a stress management module, was developed and deemed acceptable by guidance counselors for its potential to enhance academic and personal growth. The study concludes that addressing both personal and environmental factors is essential for improving the online learning experience and recommends targeted interventions to support students' holistic development. KEY WORD: Online Distance Learning, Academic Productivity, Personal Factors, Environmental Factors,Intervention Measures