Effects of Internship to the Students’ Mental Health and Mindset: A Case Study of a School in Special Geographic Area in BARMM Philippines

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the impact of pre-service teachers (PSTs) on students' mental health and mindset in one of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community schools located in Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato, Philippines, striving to achieve sustainable peace. As part of the PSTs’ internship, they worked and immersed themselves in this community high school. A Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21) was utilized to determine if there would be significant improvement with the mental health of 60 students selected randomly. In-depth interviews were conducted with the group of 5 high school students, 5 parents and 7 PSTs to determine if there would be changes in the mindset of the students. The transcribed statements from the participants which were in Filipino and Maguindanaon, were translated to English for the thematic triangulation analysis with the help of an external translator. Results show that depression, anxiety and stress scales of students significantly improved (moderate to mild). In the lens of the students, the internship positively influenced their personal development, fostering changes in their punctuality, motivation, confidence, and their overall behavior. In the lens of the parents, they have seen the students’ progress in attitudes, behaviors, and skills where internship reflected how the experience nurtured not only academic habits but also socio-emotional development of their students. In the lens of the PSTs, the internship resonated on positive education, where fostering the academic skills and personal development of students leads to their long-term success and well-being. Although the idea of the PSTs on peace education as well as their understanding of their value in instilling a good mindset to the students often seemed limited, especially in relation to their competence in developing a lesson that can help a flourishing society, it can’t be denied that they have brought significant influence to the belief and attitude of students toward schooling.