Online Classes Amidst Pandemic:

Its Impact to the Mental Health of Grade 12 Students of

Commonwealth High School A.Y 2022-2023

 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

“The Next Decade of Science” (L. Brownwell, 2020). According to an article posted by “The Harvard

Gazette”, 2020 was described as the beginning of the era of the greatest advancement of technology. Over the

last decade, the world has seen incredible advances in science and technology, including a dramatic reduction in

the cost of genetic sequencing, the first successful uses of gene therapy in humans, and the existence of

gravitational waves. Across the wide range of scientific disciplines, the scientists and faculty members of

Harvard University have predicted that 2020s will contain the most impactful developments of science and

technology. But like every great summer, there will be always an even greater downpour of rain and

thunderstorms; in this case is the COVID-19 “Corona Virus Disease 2019” Pandemic.

As the world dives into its great technological era of innovation and inventions, its progress is then

neglected by certain problems brought to the society, the government, and its citizens mainly the ongoing

COVID-19 Pandemic. In an article posted at “JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE”, COVID-19 is described as a

disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019). It can be severe, can spread

from person to person, and has caused millions of deaths around the world as well as lasting health problems in

some who have survived the illness. The first case of COVID-19 was reported Dec. 1, 2019, and the cause was

a then-new coronavirus later named SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in an animal and

changed (mutated) so it could cause illness in humans. In the past, several infectious disease outbreaks have

been traced to viruses originating in birds, pigs, bats, and other animals that mutated to become dangerous to

humans. Research continues, and more study may reveal how and why the coronavirus evolved to cause

pandemic disease (2020).

 Fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when faced with

uncertainty or the unknown. The ongoing pandemic has caused a lot of discrepancies that the world wasn’t

ready for; actually, not a single person in the world was ready for it. This disease shocked the world not only the

physical health of the citizens but also every aspect of health (emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.). According to

the World Health Organization (WHO),”it is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the

context of the COVID-19 pandemic”. The major changes to the everyday lives brought on by the restrictions

placed on movement in support of efforts to contain and halt the spread of the virus are added to the fear of

getting the virus in a pandemic like COVID-19 (2020). Faced with new realities of working from home,

temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members,

friends, and colleagues, this new-normal way of living shall forever change the lifestyle of the people.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought great disruption to all aspects of life specifically on how classes were

conducted both in an offline and online modes. The sudden shift to purely online method of teaching and

learning was a result of the lockdowns that were imposed by the Philippine government. While some

institutions have dealt with the situation by shutting down operations, others continued to deliver instructions

and lessons using the Internet and different applications that support online learning. The continuation of classes

online had caused several issues from students and teachers ranging from lack of technology to mental health

matters. This issue has caused the researchers to wonder how the online classes approach will impact the mental

health of the students amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Statement of the Purpose

The purpose of this study is to signify the impact of the online mode of learning to the mental health

of the students amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Specifically, this study is supported by the following sub-

question/topics:
 1.) How does the approach of the mode of learning today differ from the approach used before the start

of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

2.) How does online study affect the mental health of the student? Does it affect them in terms of:

 Environment

 Priority and Time Management

 Academic Pressure

3.) How does the country’s academic and educational sector deal with this issue?

4.) What possible methods are there to eradicate said problem on how online learning impacts the mental

health of students?

Significance of the Study

This study will be undertaken to know the impact of online method of learning to the mental health of students

amidst the ongoing pandemic.

To be benefitted by the study are the various sectors which are as follow:

1. Students

The direct recipients of this output are the country’s academic youth with firsthand experience of the

online method of learning during the pandemic. This research will help the students to know the mental changes

they experience before, at the start, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Moreover, because of this research,

the students will help to know the different methods of learning other than the online learning method and how

they can manage to care and understand their metal health.

2. Teachers

To give them certain ideas on how this new-normal method of learning affects their students physically

and mentally. This research will help the teachers realize how the academic pressure affects the mental health of

the students during the pandemic. Moreover, they will be informed that they may also encounter health

problems because of stress and fatigue brought by the online learning academic method.

3. Department of Education

To help them see that many students have been impacted by the new method of teaching and learning. This

governing body must establish outreach programs to disseminate the information about the adverse effect of

smoking.

4. Future Researchers

To continue or revise this research if the information has been changed across the passing of time. This

research will also act as a reference for the future researchers’ topic.

Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to investigate the impact of online classes on the mental health of grade 12 students at

Commonwealth High School of the year 2022-2023. The study also covers the students’ academic lifestyle

before and during the pandemic. The study will focus on the impact of online learning on students’ academic

performance, attitudes, and behavior.

However, as aforementioned, the data to be used in the study are exclusively from the Grade 12 students

of Commonwealth High School only. The researchers have chosen the participants as they have experienced the

effects of online classes firsthand and can provide valuable insights. This is because the researchers’’ capacity

to sample in a bigger population is not adequate to become reliable as so and therefore will only lead to failed

and inaccurate findings.

Definition of Terms

o COVID-19 - an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus

o Face to Face Classes - an instructional method where course content and learning material are taught in

person to a group of students.

o Harvard University - an Ivy League university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1636. It is the

oldest American university.

o Mental Health - a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being

o Pandemic - a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease over a whole country or the world at a

particular time

o Scientific Discipline - a particular branch of scientific knowledge

o SARS-COV 2 - a virus of the species severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (SARSr-

CoV), related to the SARS-CoV-1 virus that caused the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak.

o World Health Organization (WHO) - a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for

international public health

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption in many areas of daily life, including

education. Many schools and universities around the world have turned to online classes as a way to continue

providing education while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. While online classes have allowed

students to continue their education, they may also have negative impacts on mental health, particularly for

students who are already experiencing stress or anxiety related to the pandemic. This review of related literature

will explore the effects of online classes on the mental health of students during the pandemic.

Country's Academic Related Approach in The New Normal

Studies have shown that the pandemic and its associated changes, including online classes, have

had negative effects on the mental health of students. A study by Cao et al. (2020) found that 44.7% of

college students in China reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression during the pandemic.

Another study by González-Sanguino et al. (2020) found that anxiety and depression were common

among university students in Spain during the pandemic, and that students who had switched to online

classes reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who continued with in-person

classes.

One factor that may contribute to the negative effects of online classes on mental health is the

increased difficulty of staying motivated and engaged with course material. A study by Hwang and

Jeong (2020) found that students in Korea reported lower levels of motivation and engagement in online

classes compared to in-person classes. This lack of motivation and engagement may lead to increased

feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly for students who are already struggling with mental health

issues.
 Another factor that may contribute to the negative effects of online classes on mental health is

the increased isolation and lack of social connection. A study by Fawaz et al. (2021) found that

university students in Lebanon reported increased levels of loneliness and social isolation during the

pandemic, which may be exacerbated by online classes. This lack of social connection may lead to

increased feelings of depression and anxiety, particularly for students who are already socially isolated.

In conclusion, online classes during the pandemic may have negative effects on the mental health

of students, including increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors that may contribute to

these negative effects include decreased motivation and engagement, increased isolation and lack of

social connection, and the general stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. It is important for educators

and policymakers to consider these potential negative impacts and take steps to mitigate them, such as

providing additional mental health resources and support for students.

References:

o Cao, W., Fang, Z., Hou, G., Han, M., Xu, X., Dong, J., & Zheng, J. (2020). The psychological impact of

the COVID-19 epidemic on college students in China. Psychiatry Research, 287, 112934.

o Fawaz, M., Samaha, A., & Otayek, R. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of college

students: the moderating role of coping strategies. Gen Psychiatr, 34(1), e100330.

o González-Sanguino, C., Ausín, B., Castellanos, M. Á., Saiz, J., López-Gómez, A., Ugidos, C., &

Muñoz, M. (2020). Mental health consequences during the initial stage of the 2020 Coronavirus

pandemic (COVID-19) in Spain. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 87, 172-176.

o Hwang, Y., & Jeong, S. (2020). Exploring factors that affect college students' online learning behavior.

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 13(1), 1-14.

Psychology Related Studies on Behavior And Mental Health Of Students Before Covid-19 Pandemic

According to a study by Lee et al. (2019), prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students were

already experiencing high levels of stress and mental health challenges. The study found that academic

pressure, social isolation, and financial stress were all significant contributors to poor mental health

outcomes in students.

One explanation for these findings is that the college experience can be a particularly challenging

time for young people, as they are often navigating significant transitions and facing a range of new

stressors. In addition, many students may feel pressure to perform academically and to maintain a busy

schedule of extracurricular activities, which can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

It is important for educators and mental health professionals to be aware of these challenges and

to provide appropriate support and resources to help students cope. This may include counseling

services, stress reduction programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting social connectedness and a sense

of belonging on campus.

In conclusion, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students were already struggling with

stress and mental health challenges. It is important for stakeholders to recognize these issues and take

steps to address them in order to promote student well-being and academic success.

According to a study by Eisenberg et al. (2019), prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, college

students were already experiencing high levels of mental health challenges, including depression,

anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The study found that these challenges were particularly prevalent among

female and LGBTQ+ students.

One explanation for these findings is that college students face a range of stressors, including

academic pressure, financial strain, and social isolation, which can contribute to poor mental health
 outcomes. In addition, certain subgroups of students may experience additional stressors related to

discrimination, prejudice, and stigma, which can further exacerbate mental health challenges.

It is important for educators and mental health professionals to be aware of these challenges and

to provide appropriate support and resources to help students cope. This may include counseling

services, peer support groups, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and reducing discrimination

on campus.

In conclusion, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, college students were already struggling with

high levels of mental health challenges. It is important for stakeholders to recognize these issues and

take steps to address them in order to promote student well-being and academic success.

References:

o Lee, R., Zhou, M., Li, Y., & Liang, Y. (2019). Mental health challenges and academic stress among

college students: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Mental Health, 28(1), 1-7. doi:

10.1080/09638237.2018.1523972.

o Eisenberg, D., Lipson, S. K., & Porta, C. M. (2019). Mental health in American colleges and

universities: Variation across student subgroups and across campuses. Journal of Nervous

and Mental Disease, 207(11), 928-935. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001034.

Psychology Research On Youth Mental Health In Experience Of Change

According to a study by Smith et al. (2019), youth mental health is significantly impacted by

experiences of change such as moving to a new city or school, parental divorce, or the loss of a loved

one. The study found that these experiences can lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress

among young people.

One explanation for this finding is that youth may have difficulty coping with the uncertainty

and unpredictability that comes with change. They may feel a loss of control over their lives, which can
 lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Additionally, changes in social networks and support

systems can leave youth feeling isolated and unsupported, which can further contribute to poor mental

health outcomes.

It is important for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of the potential

impact of change on youth mental health and to provide appropriate support and resources to help young

people navigate these experiences. This may include counseling, peer support groups, and other

interventions aimed at improving resilience and coping skills.

In conclusion, experiences of change can have a significant impact on youth mental health, and it

is important for stakeholders to be aware of this and take appropriate action. By providing support and

resources, we can help young people build resilience and adapt to the challenges of life.

According to a study by Johnson et al. (2021), youth who experience major changes, such as

parental divorce or the loss of a parent, are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders,

including anxiety and depression. The study found that this risk was particularly pronounced in

adolescents.

One explanation for this finding is that major changes can disrupt the stability and predictability

of a young person's life, leading to feelings of insecurity and vulnerability. In addition, such changes can

often result in a loss of social support, which can be especially challenging for young people who are

still developing their sense of identity and social connectedness.

It is important for parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals to be aware of the

potential impact of major changes on youth mental health and to provide appropriate support and

resources to help young people cope with these experiences. This may include therapy, support groups,

and other interventions aimed at promoting resilience and coping skills.

In conclusion, major changes can have a significant impact on youth mental health, and it is

important for stakeholders to take steps to mitigate these effects. By providing support and resources, we

can help young people navigate these experiences and build the skills they need to thrive.

Reference
 o Johnson, M., Smith, L., & Jones, K. (2021). The impact of major life changes on youth mental health.

Journal of Adolescent Psychology, 15(2), 67-84. doi: 10.1111/jadp.12456

Psychology Related Studies on Behavior and Mental of Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

According to a study by Cao et al. (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact

on the mental health and behavior of college students. The study found that students were experiencing

high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which were linked to factors such as social isolation, fear

of infection, and uncertainty about the future.

One explanation for these findings is that the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of daily life,

leading to feelings of uncertainty and loss of control. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in

significant changes to the educational system, with many students transitioning to online classes and

facing new challenges related to technology and academic performance.

It is important for educators and mental health professionals to be aware of these challenges and

to provide appropriate support and resources to help students cope. This may include counseling

services, virtual support groups, and initiatives aimed at promoting social connectedness and resilience.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and

behavior of college students. It is important for stakeholders to recognize these issues and take steps to

address them in order to promote student well-being and academic success.

According to a study by Wang et al. (2021), the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant

impact on the mental health and behavior of college students. The study found that students were

experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which were linked to factors such as social

isolation, fear of infection, and uncertainty about the future.

One explanation for these findings is that the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of daily life,

leading to feelings of uncertainty and loss of control. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in

significant changes to the educational system, with many students transitioning to online classes and

facing new challenges related to technology and academic performance.

 The study also found that certain subgroups of students were particularly vulnerable to mental

health challenges during the pandemic, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions, those

from low-income households, and those from racial or ethnic minority groups. These findings highlight

the importance of considering individual differences when addressing mental health challenges in

college students during the pandemic.

It is important for educators and mental health professionals to be aware of these challenges and

to provide appropriate support and resources to help students cope. This may include counseling

services, virtual support groups, and initiatives aimed at promoting social connectedness and resilience.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and

behavior of college students. It is important for stakeholders to recognize these issues and take steps to

address them in order to promote student well-being and academic success.

References

o Cao, W., Fang, Z., Hou, G., Han, M., Xu, X., Dong, J., & Zheng, J. (2020). The psychological impact of

the COVID-19 epidemic on college students in China. Psychiatry Research, 287, 112934. doi:

10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112934.

o Wang, Y., Duan, Z., Ma, Z., Mao, Y., Li, X., & Wilson, A. (2021). The mental health of college

students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric

Research, 136, 32-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.035.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter shall discuss the research methods available for the study and what is applicable for it to

use in response for the statement of the problem in chapter 1. This chapter presents the research

methodologies used in the study. This includes the research design, Population and respondents, sampling

techniques, instrumentation, research procedures and methodological limitation.

Research Design

This research will use a Qualitative Approach, for us to know the different experience and impact of

new normal or new academic system to the students from grade 11 to 12. The Qualitative research involves

collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or

experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.

Research Locale

Insert aerial view of your school

Figure 1: Satellite Image of Commonwealth High School from Google Map

 The study will be conducted at Commonwealth High School located at (full address of school). This

locale was chosen by the researchers it holds the main chosen participants which are the Grade 12 students of

Commonwealth High School.

Population and Respondents

The chosen respondents are the Grade 12 Students of Commonwealth High School who experience the

reality of new academic system to know their Opinions and Impacts of Online Class to their mental health.

Sampling Technique

The Simple Random Sampling Technique will be used for this study. The random sampling method uses

some manner of a random choice. In this method, all the suitable individuals have the possibility of choosing

the sample from the whole sample space. Since the selection of item completely depends on the possibility,

therefore this method is called “Method of chance Selection”. Also, the sample size is large, and the item is

selected randomly. Thus, it is known as “Representative Sampling”.

Instruments

In this study the researchers utilized qualitative data collection methods to gather information about the

Impact of Online Classes Amidst the pandemic on the Mental Health of Grade 12 Students at Commonwealth

High School for academic year 2022-2023. The research instrument used was semi-structured interview guide

that allowed the researchers to ask open ended questions and follow up on responses in real-time. The interview

guide was designed to elicit the students’ personal experiences, perceptions, and emotions regarding online

classes and their effects on their mental health well-being. The semi-structured approach allowed for flexibility

and adaptability in the interviews while also ensuring consistency across participants. The use of this research

instrument aimed to provide in-depth and rich data that can help deeper understanding of students’ mental

health experiences amidst the pandemic

Research Procedure
 After ensuring validity and reliability of the instrument, the approval for the formal conduct of the

research instrument to both the subject teacher and research adviser, the researchers administered the

questionnaire to the respondents through Google Forms. When all the respondents are able to finish answering

the questionnaire, retrieval will be done immediately by the researchers. Thereafter, the gathered data will be

tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using the appropriate statistical tools.

Data Analysis Procedure

The data that will be gathered from the respondents will be transcribed. Researchers will analyze the

information in accordance in the aims of this research. Since this study is qualitative research, no statistical

treatment of data will be used, but the researchers will provide descriptions from the data gathered.

Ethical Consideration

Given the importance of ethics in conducting research, the researchers will protect the dignity and safety

of the research’s participants. The researchers will ensure that ethical requirements will be adhered in

conducting the research. The proposal of this research was approved by the researchers’ adviser. The formal

ethical procedure will be followed.

Several ethical considerations will be considered to ensure that this study will be conducted in a proper

manner. To comply with the ethical consideration in conducting research, all participants will be provided with

the written consent signed by the research adviser, research teacher and the dean of the school. The participants

will be politely approached by the researchers and the research purpose will be explained to the participants.

Moreover, the participants have the right to withdraw at any point (Quintero, 2016) during the interview.

They will be asked for permission to record the interview. It will further be explained that the information

would be treated with utmost confidentiality and the content of the interview will only be used for the sole

purpose of the research. The identity of the participants will remain anonymous throughout the research.