Adapting to New Program: Challenges Faced and Coping Strategies of Shiftee Students in the BSED Major in Values Education

The study aimed to explore the Challenges Faced and Coping Strategies of Shiftee Students in the BSED Major in Values Education. The researchers interviewed five shiftee students from the Values Education program who were selected through a purposive sampling. The data was collected through interviews. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis procedure outlined by Braun and Clarke (2012). The study found three main themes based on the responses of the participants. The study revealed the reasons that influenced shiftee students to shift to the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Values Education, which includes Academic-Related Factors, Influence of Social and Familial Encouragement, and Personal and Professional Goals. The study revealed as well the challenges faced of the participants, which includes Curriculum Transition and Learning Adjustment Difficulties, Social Pressures in a Values-Centered Environment, and Emotional and Psychological Impact of the Shift. For the Coping Strategies of the participants, it includes New Academic Habits and Coping Mechanisms, Forming Supportive Relationships and Social Integration, and Strengthening Self-Reflection and Purpose-Driven Motivation. The study thus, recommends that Shiftee students should engage in continuous self-reflection to clarify their academic goals and view the shift as a meaningful opportunity for both personal and professional growth, educators should promote inclusive and empathetic learning spaces, peers in the Values Education program should support shiftee students, and institutions should develop a comprehensive transition support program designed to assist shiftee students.