Strength-based approach : star students in focus

Abstract

The study aimed to find the strengths, coping strategies and insights of STAR students. The study used of phenomenological method. Seven participants joined in the study sharing their insights. The results showed that the following strengths: self-motivation of STAR students, faith as inspiration and faculty encouragement is a big boost. The coping strategies used are: focus on studies, leave problems at home, take time for self and others and vent emotions. As to their insights, they can share to other students who are also students at risk: peers give care and support, do group study to help each other and experiences of friend teach lessons. Implications for social work are: tutorial for students observed to be emotionally bothered resulting to unusual class behavior. The Social Work Program which facilitates the Tulay Pandangal program may use the sources of motivation, personal dreams, peer support and faculty encouragement to improve academic performance. For future researchers, more researchers may be done on the role of Social Work Program on students at risk in terms of academic performance.