SANTA FE INTEGRATED SCHOOL

P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

"STRUGGLE OF THE STUDENTS IN ONLINE CLASSES:

EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY"

A Qualitative Research Presented to the Faculty of

Junior High School Department
Santa Fe Integrated School

In partial fulfillment of the

Requirements in
Research in English 10

Alforte, Xandra Marhley A.

Atienza, Ma. Jecel R.
Celestial, Cennjan Jezreel R.
Macarandang, Keziah Vinice K.
Napeñas, Princess Jeanelle R.
Ramelo, Andrhea Alexyss G.
Grade 12 – St. Ignatius of Loyola

April 2022
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P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

Abstract

Due to the pandemic called Corona Virus or COVID-19, the Department of Education
implemented an online class so that students can continue their education. The online class is the
new platform where students use only gadgets and internet for their studies. They no longer need
to go to school, instead they will just open and use their gadget to meet their teachers and have
discussion. The education system has recently become rocked by an unexpected health crisis that
has destroyed its base. Given the current state of the world, it's crucial to acquire a more detailed
knowledge of students' online learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even
though numerous researchers have looked into this topic, there is a lack of knowledge about the
obstacles that the students are facing and the strategies they use to overcome them. As a result,
this research aims to fill in the gaps.

This research looks into the impacts of online education on students. Several obstacles
have been discovered, and these issues must be overcome for future generations to receive a
high-quality education. Many learners have made it challenging to adjust from being physically
present at school to learning virtually. Many students have found it tough to study as a result of
the shift in learning styles now available. Because of the distance between students and teachers
caused by the online learning, students have found it quite difficult to connect with their
teachers. It's much more difficult to tell your teachers exactly what you're having problems with
while you're working online. Some students who do not have internet access or access to
technology find it difficult to engage in digital learning. At online learning, there are more
distractions and possibilities to lose concentration on the task at hand. This study will help the
students on how they can overcome or how to deal and resolve the problems that they are facing
right now since they are studying thru online.
Along with this, the parents will benefit also in a way that they can understand the
difficulties of their children in online learning by the given information. In addition, one of the
objectives of this study is to understand the problems of the students during and after their online
class.

Some of the students are affected emotionally and mentally. Mental health problems can
have a significant impact on a student's academic achievement. Student life can be tough, and
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P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

some students may experience emotional anguish as a result. The studies have also proven that
the COVID-19 epidemic had the strongest impact on students' mental health and the quality of
their learning experience. Online learning gave the students a lot of stress and frustrations. Since
we are having online classes, there are some activities challenged us to do it properly. The
deadlines greatly affect most of the students suffering in online classes. There are so many
sleepless nights because of the deadlines. There are so many lessons cannot be learn using only
internet. Some experienced more negative emotions than positive emotions. Students who are
attending online classes, in experience, have all the same symptoms of expressing their problems
with increasing stress because of all the due reasons from over-piling work and more. It is hard
to learn something from each subject that’s why many students are frustrated, worried, having
anxieties while others also overthink because they cannot cope up with the lesson. In this
research paper we looked over the different struggles of the students in online learning.
 SANTA FE INTEGRATED SCHOOL
P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

Table of Contents
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………… ii
Chapters:
Introduction …………………………………………………………………... 1
A. Background of
the Study …………………………………………………………… 3
B. Objectives of
The Study ………………………………………………………….. 4
C. Statement of
The Problem ……………………………………………………….. 5
D. Theoretical Framework …………………………………………..... 5
E. Significance of
the Study …………………………………………………………… 7
F. Scope, Limitations and
Delimitations of the
Study ………………………………………………………………. 8
G. Definition of
Terms ……………………………………………………………… 9
 SANTA FE INTEGRATED SCHOOL
P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

Chapter 1: Introduction

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

The introduction to research is discussed in depth in this chapter. The study's background
and goal are described first. Then, in order to clarify the issue, the problem statement is provided.
Furthermore, the study's objectives and scope are defined, and the study's significance is
discussed. As well as the study's theoretical and conceptual framework and term definitions.

Introduction

One of the many problems that the world is facing is the effects of the Covid-19 during
this pandemic. Unfortunately, the education sector is severely affected at the moment. Millions
of people have lost their jobs and a large sum of students have dropped out of school due to the
current situation. To be able to adapt, most academic institutions have shifted to modular and
online classes. Students are facing this enormous change as there are numerous and deep changes
between face-to-face and online classes.

A child's first day of school, a watershed moment for the world's youngest students and
families, has been postponed for an estimated 140 million young minds due to COVID-19. The
Philippines is one of only five countries in the world that has not started in-person classes since
the outbreak, denying more than 27 million Filipino students their right to education. Despite the
fact that new variants are causing a rise in infections, UNICEF is advocating for a phased
relaunching of schools, starting in low-risk areas. With proper safety protocols in place, this can
be accomplished on a voluntarily.

According to the UNESCO, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems
around the world since its outbreak two years ago, wreaking havoc on the most vulnerable
students. It has exacerbated an already-existing education crisis by increasing inequalities.
School closures have ranged from none in a few countries to more than a full school year in

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others. At least one-third of students were unable to pursue remote learning due to a lack of
connectivity and devices.

President Rodrigo Duterte claims that keeping elementary and high schools closed is vital
to preserve students and their families from the coronavirus. With only 16 percent of the
population fully vaccinated, the Philippines is among Asia's lowest vaccination rates, and Delta
variant infections have been on the rise in recent months. The decision, which has resulted in the
closure of nearly 2,000 schools, has sparked outrage among parents and students in a vast
country plagued by poverty. Many people, especially those living in remote or rural areas, do not
have access to a computer or the internet at home to participate in online learning.

In terms of learning, students are having a hard time shifting into online classes. Most of
these classes require laptop, computer, and tablet to be able to join virtual classes. As we all
know, most Filipino students do not have the capacity to afford gadgets as they are more focused
on surviving day to day life ever since the pandemic began. Aside from that, internet providers
do not always provide the best connection and signal, therefore, most students are interrupted
every minute in their classes, this excludes when the weather is bad as this even affects the signal
more severely, even interrupting power supplies, and this usually ends up with classes being
dismissed.

Moreover, while the safety of students and teachers is paramount, everyone from young
children to young adults, teachers, and professors is affected by online learning. Virtual classes
may exacerbate existing mental health issues for many students. Others may experience new
changes in mental health and mood as a result of the pandemic and online learning. The
following are some of the ways that online learning has the greatest impact on teenagers.

Whereas school is primarily a place of learning, it is also the focal point of many
teenagers' social lives. Teenagers and young adults have the opportunity to connect with their
peers at school. It's a chance for them to interact with others and express themselves. Without
regular social interaction, teens may feel lonely, unmotivated, or discouraged as schools and
colleges move to virtual formats. Countless studies show that social isolation has a higher rate of
negative effects on people's mental and physical health. Face-to-face interactions have also been
shown to help reduce depression and anxiety in other studies. Social anxiety and pressures may

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be exacerbated by a lack of social interaction. Teenagers, for example, may be concerned about
changes in friendships as a result of prolonged isolation.

Background of the Study

With regards to health, it is important to consider factors affecting everyone who are
involved in the education sector of the country. During this pandemic, the number one enemy of
the world as of the moment if the notorious Covid-19 which have evolved into several mutations,
affecting the majority of the population in the world. Although there are vaccines to help prevent
the spread, it only provides protection to physical health.

Mental health problems have increased exponentially due to lockdowns, quarantines, and
isolations. This have made it very hard for people to cope up with the situation as they do not
feel as connected with other people due to these restrictions. More so, people who already have
mental sicknesses are severely affected as closed contacts is not advisable at the moment.
Furthermore, suicide rates have also increased especially in the Philippines as most students
could not keep up with the requirements and environment surrounding online classes.

In the Philippines, children had a higher risk of poor mental health than adults, owing to
their shift to online learning modalities during the pandemic (Malolos et al., 2021). As a result,
measures that consider a developing country's resources are required to reduce the mental stress
caused by online learning, including videoconferencing.

Students in online education are required to have digital devices in order to learn.
Because the mode of learning has shifted to the internet and all educational institutions now use
online platforms to deliver education, students are required to have digital devices in their
homes. They also require a good quality internet connection or internet data in their mobile
phones, which is out of reach for most middle-class families. Students eventually become unable
to attend their daily lectures and complete their assignments due to a lack of digital devices and
internet access. It has also had an impact on students' mental health and academic performance.

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P. NIOGAN, MABINI, BATANGAS

According to a new study (Alghamdi et al., 2020, pp. 214-222), classroom multitasking
has a negative impact on academic performance. As a result, this study looked into the indirect
effects of multitasking in the classroom on academic performance in males and females through
self-efficacy for self-regulated learning. The simple mediation analysis revealed a link between
multitasking behaviors and GPA in Face to Face Classes, out of two models tested. It was also
discovered that the moderated mediation effect was only found in online classes, implying a
significant indirect effect for female students only. As a result, online multitasking had a limited
impact on female students' GPA, resulting in better academic performance.

With regards to factor in the school-based performance, a student's academic success is

participation. The more a student participates in class and asks questions, the more likely he or
she is to understand and grasp the concepts or ideas being taught. Teachers have a hard time
getting students to participate in face-to-face classes, but it's even harder when they're doing
online learning. Students in face-to-face classes are often hesitant to participate and ask or
answer questions for fear of being judged by their peers if they get the answer wrong. Students
may find it difficult to speak up and actively participate in class when learning online.

Moreover, or students, school is usually, if not always, stressful. They have various
assignments due at various times, as well as tests, papers, homework, balancing school and free
time, and other obligations. When dealing with any type of school, there are numerous factors
that can cause students to become stressed. Students, on the other hand, may experience a new
level of stress as a result of online learning. The motivation of a student is one of the most
important factors. Motivation can be difficult to come by. We all have days when we just want to
relax and do nothing. When you're learning online, it's even more difficult to find the motivation
to get things done.

Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is:

 To recognize the impact of the online class on the emotional and mental health of
the students.

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 To identify the struggles faced by the students in online learning and how they
can overcome those.
 To analyze the impact of online classes and define the positive and negative
outcomes.
 To encourage the students to persevere and achieve their goals.

Statement of the Problem

Specific Problems:

1. What are the struggles does the students face in online education?
2. Why are the students struggling with online learning?
3. How can you overcome and manage the struggles during the online learning?

Theoretical Framework

This study is supported by the theory of (Kapasia, et al., 2020). It stated how lockdown
affects pupil's learning performance during online or modular classes. There has been a recent
surge of research into the new normal in education. While some concentrated on national
policies, professional development, and curriculum, others focused on students' individual
learning experiences during the pandemic. Kapasia et al., (2020) studied how lockdown affects
pupils' learning performance in a related study. The lockdown caused considerable disruptions in
pupils' learning, according to their findings. Students also mentioned certain difficulties they
encountered when taking online programs. Mental health issues have a significant negative
impact on various aspects of a child's and young person's development, contributing to poor
school adjustment, reduced concentration, and problems in achievement and social relationships
(Cavioni & Zanetti, 2015; Cefai et al., 2014; Cullinan & Sabornie, 2004; Macklem, 2011;
Ornaghi et al., 2016; Tempelaar et al., 2014; Thorlacius & Gudmundsson, 2019). They also
require a good quality internet connection or internet data in their mobile phones, which is out of
reach for most middle-class families. Students eventually become unable to attend their daily
lectures and finish their homework due to a lack of digital gadgets and internet access. It has also
had an impact on pupils' mental health and academic achievement. Anxiety, sadness, inadequate
Internet connectivity, and a hostile home learning environment are all factors that are

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exacerbated when students are marginalized and from outlying places (Kapasia et al., 2020).
Based on existing mental health promotion and preventive studies reflects the three primary
domains of school mental health. The first two are concerned with the promotion of protective
factors in mental health, notably social and emotional learning (SEL) and resilience, whereas the
third is concerned with the promotion of risk factors in mental health. The final step is to prevent
social, emotional, and behavioral issues (Cavioni et al., 2020).

Many studies have looked at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students'
learning. Self-harm, suicidal attempts, eating disorders, depression, and addictive disorders are
all on the rise among young people, according to the data collected over the last decade (Burstein
et al., 2019; Keyes et al., 2019; Twenge, 2020; Twenge et al., 2018). (Byrnes et al., 2020)
exposed that the pandemic of COVID-19 has created tremendous changes almost in all aspects of
society which has negatively affected students' learning in higher education. (Day et al., 2021)
reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the learning of the students which
made them stressed. Students did not even log into the online learning system in many cases,
showing a low degree of student involvement in online learning. Because of the severity of the
circumstances caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the only choice was to switch to online
learning. They also stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative influence on
pupils' learning. Almost all the respondents said that they had experienced high or moderate
levels of anxiety. The world has been stressful for everyone, and the viral pandemic has caused
educational problems. Various problems in distance learning were encountered during this rapid
transformation (Crawford et al., 2020), including a lack of internet connectivity or sufficient
equipment, a lack of a quiet location to access computers, and issues with learning resource
access. Anxiety and stress are exacerbated by the unusual combination of the public health crisis,
social isolation, and economic recession, which exacerbates students' existing mental health
issues (Singh et al., 2020). Student difficulties to online learning, according to (Davis, Gough,
and Taylor, 2019), could include misinterpretation of expectations, time management, and
interactions. Schools have been forced into a flow of learning that is full of complexity and
limitations as they transition from face-to-face teaching methods to more indirect ways
(Ramitadila, 2020). This process has had a great impact on school, teachers, and students

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(Mailizar et al., 2020). Individuals have inevitably encountered distinct difficulties and hurdles in
institutions throughout this process.

In order to gain success in distance education, problems should be revealed. This will
help to remove, reduce, or eliminate barriers in distance education implementations. It’s difficult
to stay focused in distance learning. Students were unable to concentrate adequately in class
caused by separating home life and class time, lack of regular schedule, and also distractions at
home. As a result, students procrastinate resulting in missed deadlines. Both pupils and their
parents feel pressured, stressed, and anxious as a result. Students are also more likely to be
distracted by social media or other websites when they are leaning online. To help the students
stay focused, teachers must keep their online classes concise, engaging, and interactive. Internet
access is another major issue with online learning. There is no way for students or teachers to
learn or teach without a stable internet connection. Students, parents, and even teachers' mental
health are affected by online education. It is possible that it will worsen for people who already
have mental health issues. Students find it more difficult to learn new knowledge, and despite the
fact that they are only sitting in front of a computer, they feel physically exhausted. Virtual
learning weariness is real, and it can make students and educators anxious and stressed.
Loneliness, a lack of motivation, and isolation are all symptoms of online learning's lack of
social engagement. Nobody wants to feel isolated and alone. One of the key reasons why online
learning might have a negative impact on mental health is because of this.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study holds great importance as it shows the diverse affect
students have with online learning, and in relation to the information gathered in this study, we
will tackle the problems regarding the struggles of students with online classes and on how we
can attain answers to solve the problem of this topic through this research. One examples would
be the mental health problems and the impact of such to students will be answered in the course
of this study. As well as other unexplained factors, and how we can help counter them. The
highlight of the research is that this study was created to help with benefits to the community and
answering the case of the Covid-19 pandemic to affected learners in the new normal. This would
help them to make adjustments to improve the implementation of this type of learning.

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This research aims to provide information and knowledge about all of the struggles of
students in online classes, emotionally and mentally. This study will also be helpful to the
teachers especially to the parents to know the status of the students or their children in time of
online classes. This research will also help the students to improve and help them to overcome
the struggles and problems during the current global pandemic.

Scope, Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

This study was conducted to understand the impact of the pandemic on students'
emotional state and how connections with other students and teachers can help not only to reduce
adverse emotions, but also to enhance positive emotions such as calm and confidence. Also, this
study deals with the effect of online class in a student’s mental health.

Students have reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as
increased fear, worry, and boredom. Poor internet connection, poor comprehension, lack of
concentration, motivation, interaction and assistance are also examples of these difficulties.
Online classes may exacerbate existing mental health issues for many students. Others may
experience new changes in mental health and mood as a result of the pandemic and online
learning. Students are failing to keep up with online learning, which is affecting their mental
health. Most of the students were already stressed before online learning began, but they are now
far more so. Many aspects of online learning are problematic, but the most significant issues for
students include social connection, class engagement, and the overall stress of dealing with
online learning. During this pandemic, online learning is a great way to stay educated. However,
it comes with its own set of problems. In order to reduce the effect of these challenges, students
together with their parents and teachers, should work together. Regardless of the difficulties,
focusing on the student’s ultimate educational aim should be a priority.

This study aims to study the feelings and changes in interest in terms of education. There
are different experiences being had by students. Many learners have found it challenging to
adjust from being physically present at school to learning virtually, while some students have
found it tough to study as a result of the shift in learning styles now available. Though it is a

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good platform, certain obstacles or struggles arise which also affects the students. This study will
not cover the problems that are not included in the effects brought by the pandemic to students.
This study would be conducted by administering a questionnaire to students as a survey and
reference tool. The researchers' strategy will allow them to learn about the effects of the new
education system on both students and parents.

Definition of Terms

Emotional health - enables a student to work productively while also dealing with the stresses
of daily life. It can assist in reaching the students full potential. It enables students to collaborate
with others and contribute to society. It also has an impact on your physical health. According to
research, there is a link between a positive mental state and physical signs of good health. Lower
blood pressure, a lower risk of heart disease, and a healthier weight are some of the benefits.

Mental health - can have an impact on daily life, relationships, and physical health The term
"mental health" relates to a person's cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It all comes
down to how people think, feel, and act. The term "mental health" is sometimes used to refer to
the absence of a mental disorder.

Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is believed to spread from human to human via droplets released
when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It can also be spread by touching a virus-
infected surface and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes, though this is less common. Fever,
cough, and difficulty breathing are the most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19. The
signs and symptoms can be mild or severe, and they usually appear two to fourteen days after
being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some people may not show any symptoms, but they
can still spread the virus. The majority of COVID-19 patients regenerate without the need for
specialized care.

Struggles – have been looked at as a negative thing, and are usually associated with being weak.
Many people tend to forget that this is a natural part of life, which help us grow as individuals.
People need to remember that our past is what makes us who we are, but it is not what defines
us. As many people look back at their own struggles, they begin to realize how stronger and
powerful they were for overcoming those. By never giving up and sticking through the struggles,

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people are able to grow as an individual and become more mature since they have already been
through one struggle. When life brings people other struggle, they are able to learn from their
mistakes and understand what they could do better to achieve or overcome the race.

Online Learning/Online Class – a form of distance education in which a course or program is

intentionally designed in advance to be delivered fully online. Faculty or teacher use pedagogical
strategies for instruction, student engagement, and assessment that are specific to learning in a
virtual environment. Online learning can include learning with or without a teacher physically
present, and that a computer lab where everything is already pre-loaded on the computer would
not be online learning. Primarily a mode of delivery, a way of delivering education to learners,
NOT a particular method of teaching. It supports a wide range of teaching method. In online
learning, learners will use a computer, tablet or some device for their learning, and it also means
that at some point in their studying, they have to go online – through the INTERNET – to access
information or communicate with an instructor or other learners.

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