Lived Experiences of SHS Students on the Challenges and Adaptation Strategies in the New Normal Classroom

This study focused on examining the adaptation strategies used by randomly selected senior high school students in public schools in Dasmariñas, Cavite, when they faced challenges in the new normal classroom. Using a qualitative research design and a phenomenological approach, the purpose of the study was to (1) describe the challenges senior high school students face in the new normal classroom; (2) to describe the impact of these challenges on students; and (3) describe adaptation strategies used by students. Criterion-based sampling was used, selecting ten participants with an initial questionnaire validated by psychometricians. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain a comprehensive overview. The findings revealed that students who experience anxiety and social isolation are negatively impacted by challenges such as technological difficulties, adapting to a new classroom, and communication problems. Adaptation strategies included focusing attention, interpersonal and intrapersonal support, and proactive problem solving. The study notes that the sudden transition to a new regular classroom created significant challenges and negatively affected senior high school students. The main aim of adaptation strategies was to manage the effects of challenges rather than directly solving them. This study sheds light on the nuanced experiences of high school students in an evolving educational landscape.