Chapter 1

The Problem and Its Background

Background of the Study

A lot of new students today are choosing SMAW as their specializations in Amaya School of Home

Industries, located in the Philippines, has a longstanding tradition of providing vocational education aimed at

equipping individuals with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Among the courses offered,

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) stands as a popular specialization, catering to the demand for skilled

welders in various industries. Understanding the experiences of new students in choosing SMAW as their

specialization at the Amaya School of Home Industries is crucial for assessing the factors influencing career

decisions and the perceived value of vocational training in welding; and the many historical figures, including

Nikolay Benardos, James F. Lincoln, Maria Loreto Paras-Sulit, Andres Bonifacio.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) has a rich historical background, marked by significant

technological advancements and societal impacts. Originating in the late 19th century, SMAW evolved from the

pioneering efforts of inventors such as Nikolay Benardos and James F. Lincoln. Benardos' introduction of arc

welding laid the foundation for SMAW, while Lincoln's innovations in SMAW technology revolutionized the

welding industry, making it more accessible and efficient for various applications.

In the Philippines, the advocacy for vocational education, championed by figures like Maria Loreto

Paras-Sulit, underscores the importance of practical skills training in empowering individuals and communities.

Paras-Sulit's vision aligns with the mission of institutions like Amaya School of Home Industries, where

SMAW specialization offers students opportunities for personal growth and economic empowerment.

Amaya School of Home Industries is influenced by various historical factors and societal contexts.

Understanding the historical background of SMAW and incorporating the perspectives of influential figures

enriches our comprehension of students' decision-making processes and the broader significance of vocational

education in the Philippines.

 For new students at Amaya School of Home Industries, the decision to pursue SMAW specialization is

influenced by a myriad of factors. Firstly, many students are attracted to SMAW due to its practical applications

in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The hands-on nature of SMAW training

provides students with valuable skills and competencies that are highly sought after in the job market.

Moreover, the reputation of SMAW as a versatile and in-demand skill contributes to students' interest in

the specialization. They recognize the potential for stable employment and career advancement in fields that

require SMAW expertise. Additionally, the supportive learning environment and experienced faculty at Amaya

School of Home Industries play a crucial role in students' decision-making process. The assurance of quality

education and guidance enhances students' confidence in choosing SMAW as their specialization.

The experience of new students in selecting SMAW specialization at Amaya School of Home Industries

is shaped by historical influences, personal aspirations, and practical considerations. Through a detailed

exploration of their experiences, this study provides valuable insights into the factors driving students' choices

and the significance of SMAW specialization in preparing them for meaningful careers. By integrating historical

perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the enduring relevance and impact of SMAW in the Philippine

vocational education landscape. The researcher embarked on this study with the aim of delving into the intricate

experiences of first-year students at Amaya School of Home Industries in the Philippines as they grapple with the

decision-making process of selecting Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) as their specialization.

The primary goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors that influence students'

decisions regarding SMAW specialization. By comprehending these factors, the researcher intended to provide

valuable insights to inform educational practices within the institution. This encompasses tailoring curriculum,

instructional methods, and student support services to better align with the needs and aspirations of students

interested in pursuing SMAW.

The primary goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors that influence students'

decisions regarding SMAW specialization. By comprehending these factors, the researcher intended to provide

valuable insights to inform educational practices within the institution. This encompasses tailoring curriculum,

instructional methods, and student support services to better align with the needs and aspirations of students

interested in pursuing SMAW.

Theoretical framework

This study is anchored on the theory of challenges and opportunities for a research on new student in

SMAW by david kolb, lev uygot Sks, Alhert bandura. This theory is about new students experience if they can

perform task with assistance but not independently and ass student might progress through their challenges as

they gain hands-on experience, reflect on their performance understand SMAW principle and refine their

techniques

Statement of The Problem

This study focuses on understanding the experiences of G11 student’s in SMAW

Specially, this study will answer the following:

1. What are the reason of the respondents in choosing SMAW as their specialization

2. What are the challenger of G11 students first experience in SMAW

3. What are the strategies they do to solve the problem they encountering in choosing SMAW

Objective of the study

This study aims to:

1. Identify the reason of the student in choosing SMAW a their specialization

2. Find out the challenges experienced by the students in choosing SMAW

3. List down the strategies they do to solve the problem that they encounter in choosing SMAW

The importance of the study

This study will benefit the following:

Students – to understand the different ideas of between new student and the old student and to further help a

fellow student in are research to know the strategies and ideas of our respondents

Teacher – to determine the capabilities of a new student in SMAW and to study and learn what the new student

is planning and to further strategies and to understand transition challenges it help teachers understand the

challenges students face when choosing SMAW as their specialization and emotional adjustments and to

improve the insights gained from studying a first year student

Future researcher-to further understand the experience as a new student un SMAW and can aso inspire further

research inquiries into related areas, potential leading to advancement in both theory and practice within the

field of welding education

Scope and limitation of the study

The study focuses on understanding the experience as a new student specializing SMAW in Amaya

School of home industries. The respondents of the study are SMAW students of Amaya School of home

industries. This study will identify the experiences be SMAW student.

This study limit itself to only the experiences of new student in SMAW in Amaya school of home

industries this study will only talk about the circumstance, situations, and experience of new student in SMAW

Definition of Terms

SMAW - for Shielded Metal Arc Welding, also known as stick welding. It's a welding process that uses a

consumable electrode coated in flux to lay the weld. During welding, the electrode is manually held by the

welder and melted to form the weld joint

ASHI - Stands for Amaya School of Home Industries is an educational institution that focuses on providing

vocational training and skills development in various fields related to home industries

First Year Student - typically refers to a student who is in their initial year of study at a particular educational

institution, such as a university, college, or high school

Challenges - refer to obstacles, difficulties, or problems that individuals or groups encounter in various aspects

of life. These obstacles can arise in different contexts, including personal, professional, academic, social, or

environmental settings. Challenges can be diverse and may require effort, resilience, problem-solving skills, and

sometimes outside support to overcome

Specialization - refers to the process by which individuals, organizations, or economies focus their efforts,

resources, and expertise on a specific area, field, or niche. It involves concentrating knowledge, skills, and

resources in a particular domain to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and expertise within that area.
Theory - In general terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation or framework that provides insight into

how or why certain phenomena occur