LIVED EXPERIENCES OF COORDINATORS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (SHS) WORK IMMERSION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of Coordinators in the implementation of Senior High School (SHS) Work Immersion of Davao del Norte Division. Seven (7) work immersion coordinators have participated and undergone an In-Depth-Interview and six (6) have participated and undergone Focus Group Discussion. The study was gleaned through the Experiential Learning Theory which suggests that experiential learning is all about investigating the nature of experience and the method of learning from it. As to the participants’ experiences, six (6) themes emerged: encountering obstacles in establishing industry partners, organizing documents, working closely with colleagues, administering orientation, contributing to students’ needs, and fostering personal growth. With regards to their coping mechanisms, six (6) themes emerged: obtaining support from school heads, receiving support from academic network, exercising foresight and integrity, turning to community and stakeholders for assistance, securing the cooperation of the local government unit, and seeking for divine direction. Lastly, their insights revealed six (6) major themes: nurture students, cultivate strong relationship with industry partners, formulate plan of action and adhere to guidelines, augment duration of work engagement experiences, expand the community of industry collaborations, and work on personal growth. The results are believed to be significant for work immersion coordinators, school principals, teachers, students, parents, stakeholders, industry partners, and Department of Education regarding the journey of work immersion coordinators. KEYWORDS: education, work immersion, work immersion coordinator, industry partner, qualitative-phenomenological study, Carmen, Davao del Norte.