Perceptions & Experiences of the Practicumees in the Ateneo de Davao University College Unit

Background of the Study

Practicum is an experience that requires the practical application of theory or conceptual knowledge (Garthwait, 2010). Students and teachers recognized the crucial role it plays in the application of what is learn from the classroom to the real situations, problems, and concerns of the world. Most professional courses offered by the schools and universities include practicum as part of the curriculum. In the Philippines, The Commission on Higher Education released the Memorandum Order 23 which states the guidelines for student practicum program subject (www.ched.gov.ph accessed on 2014). These guidelines elaborate what should a student expect to learn and acquire during and after the practicum. First, the practicum program aims to provide tertiary students enrolled in Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge, skills, and desirable attitudes and values in reputable establishments/industries in our country. It means that students enrolled in this program have a chance to gain techniques and ability through their practicum. Students can obtain practical knowledge through the application of theoretical concepts they learned from school. Another, they will learn the proper work etiquette and attitude. Second, it aims to enhance the students’ work competencies, and discipline as they relate to people in the workplace. In the internship, as they interact to the office personnel, they can acquire something from them and help improve their work competency and self-discipline. Third, it promotes competitiveness of the students through their training. It encourages the students to develop their competitiveness from the actual training they achieved from their de...

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...d to do well, so that they can have a much better rewards. Students who are awful in their work and get a punishment of having a low grade is probably going do to better to get a reward of having a higher grade.

Operational Definition of Terms

1. Practicum – it is a program course offered by schools, which particularly involves the deployment of students to a particular field.

2. Practicumees – students enrolled in the practicum program.

3. Commission on Higher Education Memorandum 23 – the main policy which will be looked into by this study.

4. Skills – it refers to the abilities of the practicumee based on their competency and experiences.

5. Perceptions - these are the opinions, views, and ideas of the students on practicum.

6. Experiences – the personal observations and encounters of the practicumees.

7. Workplace - it is the deployment area of the practicumee.