CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

The Senior High School (SHS) program in the NDVNHS has different tracks that
students can choose from to prepare them for their future careers. The process of
choosing the appropriate SHS track is a critical decision for grade 10 students. This
section provides a review of the literature on the determinants of SHS track
preference among grade 10 students in the NDVNHS .Several studies have identified
various factors that influence students' SHS track preference. Lorenz et al. (2020)
found that academic performance, peer influence, parental guidance, and career
aspirations were significant predictors of students' track preference. The study found
that students with high academic performance tended to choose academic tracks,
while those with lower academic performance preferred TVL tracks. The study also
found that peer influence and parental guidance played a crucial role in shaping
students' track preference. Students who had peers and parents whosupported their
preferred track were more likely to choose it. Moreover, career aspirations also
influenced students' track preference, with students who had clear career goals more
likely to choose tracks that aligned with their career aspirations.

A.Overview of relevant literature

Another study by Ryoo et al., (2020) found that male students were more likely to
choose SAD tracks, while female students preferred academic tracks. The study also
found that students from higher socio-economic backgrounds were more likely to
choose SAD tracks, while those from lower socio-economic backgrounds preferred
TVL tracks.Several studies have also highlighted the crucial role of parental
involvement in students' SHS track preference. A study by Kilag and Sasan (2023)
found that parents played a crucial role in shaping their children's career aspirations
and track preference. The study found that parents who were involved in their
children's education, provided guidance, and supported their children's preferred track
were more likely to influence their children's track preference.Similarly, a study by
Kilag et al., (2021) found that parents who were involved in their children's education,
provided guidance, and supported their children's preferred track were more likely to
influence their children's track preference.

High school education is the doorstep towards the future of students, whether they
will pursue further education or enter the world of work. The study aimed to
determine the factors affecting the career choice decisions of selected junior high
school students in NDVNHS. Among the 591 grade 10 studentz of notre dame village
national high school, Using quantitative descriptive as a research design, the study
utilized a survey questionnaire to gather responses of at least 246 junior high school
students where data gathered were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results of the
study showed that economic factors, such as financial stability and returns received
strong agreement from students, while social factors got the most disagreement.
challenging decisions that junior high school students will have to face.

The study aimed to help students decide on their future senior high. school strand
by knowing the factors’ influence levels and their relationship with their decision. The
survey was conducted online (Grade 10 students) using the total sampling method.
Descriptive statistics were then used to analyze and interpret the results of the study.
B. Key theories or concepts

Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) proposed by Albert Bandura,

emphasizes the role of social influences, observational learning, and self-efficacy in
career decision-making. In the context of strand choice, SCCT suggests that student
observe the career paths of others, receive feedback from important social agents
(parents, teachers, peers), and develop a belief in their ability to succeed in a
particular strand. The theory also highlights the influence of contextual factors on
career choices.

C. Gaps or controversies in the literature

While there is existing research on factors influencing student’s strand choices, there
remains a gap in understanding the nuanced interplay of these factors, especially
concerning underrepresented and marginalized communities. This aims to address this
gap by exploring the multifaceted factors that influences strand choices, focusing on
bridging the existing knowledge gap in the literature. However, in terms of the
factors’ significant relationships with the senior high school strands, socioeconomic
status, parents, job opportunities, and personal interests were found to have no
significant influence when deciding, and academic performance is The only factor
that has a significant influence on the students’ preferred strand. As a result, the null
hypothesis of the study is accepted because only one out of five factors were found to
have a significant relationship when deciding on a senior high school strand. Social
influences are environmental factors considered by students before making a career
decision (Johnson and Mortimer 2002). These include the impact of family members,
school friends, teachers, and the community. Family and friends play a crucial role in
influencing an individual in choosing a career. In the study of Wildman and Torres
(2002), they found out that a student's family is influential in selecting a
specialization. Pimpa (2003) examined the influence of family, peer, and student
recruitments on Thai students' international education choices

The analyses showed that these people could provide psychological support to
students in the career selection process. Additionally, the family's cultural and social
context and the community play a significant role in informing and influencing
students about choosing a career (Ferry 2006). Other external factors may also be
considered in choosing one's career track. Opportunities such as scholarships, aid
from various networks to pursue studies, and family with high financial capability
affect how a student decides which career path to take. Students with these
opportunities have more freedom to choose which path they want, whereas students
who do not possess these favorable circumstances have limited options (Cross and
Slater 1997). Students may also tend to select popular career fields. When students
aspire for a career path, they look for fields that could lead them to employment to
provide financial security and career advancement (Wildman and Torres 2002).
Recognizing the factors that may affect students' career decisions is essential in
developing strategies that may help them make intelligent career choices. Identifying
these factors was beneficial in developing a career decision-making tool (Gestiada et
al. 2017) and predicting the career strand of incoming SHS students (Nazareno et al.
2019).
 Individuals whom the students trust the mostcan play a vital role in guiding them
in career-decision planning. Hence, career selection and development programs that
target these key individuals (parents and the community) should be encouraged to
guide students to make sound decisions. Moreover, the insights that can be obtained
can be helpful to education institutions in facilitating students' success in the chosen
career track. For instance, it can enable educators to align their teaching materials and
pedagogical strategies with their characteristics and differences

Appropriate career choice does not only impact a person's life but society in general.
Several studies about K to 12 have been published in recent years. In the Philippines,
studies were mainly on the assessment of the program and its challenges. Few studies
have been published about factors affecting career track choice. An investigation of
this aspect may be useful in facilitating the success of this educational reform. In this
study, the factors that might be associated with the career track choice of Grade 11
students and the extent of influence of some factors in deciding which track to pursue
were examined. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the relationship of several
variables namely, socio-demographic profile, parent's profile, and academic
performance in various subject areas - to the student's choice of a career track in SHS
Moreover, the study intended to determine the level of influence of students' support
systems and other external factors in the students' decisions about career tracks.