PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY AND ACADEMIC MOTIVATION OF STUDENTS-AT-RISK OF DROPPING OUT (SARDOS): A BASIS FOR DESIGNING PREVENTIVE COUNSELLING INTERVENTION PROGRAM

This study aimed to assess the self-efficacy and academic motivation of junior high school students who are at risk of dropping out (SARDOS) at Lucena Dalahican National High School during the pandemic, which served as a basis for drafting a Preventive Counselling Intervention Program. Specifically, the researcher only focused on junior high school students who are aged between 13-17 years old, male or female, studying at Lucena Dalahican National High School, and without any medical condition or psychological issues. Further, adapted survey questionnaires, namely: “The Academic Self-Efficacy Scale for Filipino Junior High School Students” by Dullas (2018) and “The Motivation to Learn Questionnaire” by Fowler (2007) were used to gather the data needed. Findings reveal that the majority of the SARDOS are 14 years old, third or later in terms of birth order, dominated by the female population, in seventh grade, and from a low-class family living in an urban community with their parents. Further, students perceived a high level of self-efficacy and academic motivation. Additionally, it was found that there is a significant relationship between self-efficacy and academic motivation of junior high school students who are at risk of dropping out. The researcher concluded that gender, family income, and living arrangements do not have significant differences between the self-efficacy and academic motivation of junior high school students who are at risk of dropping out when grouped according to demographic characteristics. However, significant differences were found in the age, grade level, and birth order of the students.