An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Political Science 190: A Component of the Political Science Program of the University of the Philippines Manila

Abstract

Practicum or Political Science 190, one of the course requirements taken during the summer term before the senior year is an effective training ground for working experience and exposure to the real world. It is an important and constructive component of the Political Science degree program that is sufficient enough in meeting the scholastic needs of graduating students for training in real life situations, however the researcher noticed that there is still room for improvement. Therefore, the researcher conducted a study, “An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Political Science 190: A Component of the Political Science Program of College Of Arts and Sciences” to evaluate the effectiveness of Political Science 190 as a subject required in completing the course of Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science. The theoretical framework of the study is the Program Evaluation theory. Program theory does not only discuss the composition of the program but its dynamics as well. The normative and causative theory used as guidelines in program evaluation are the goals and objectives of B.A. Political Science Curriculum and the implementation of PS 190 (practicum) respectively. The study was conducted using the descriptive survey research design. A survey on 80% of graduating students’ of B.A. Political Science in UP Manila was gathered regarding their feedback on practicum. The research instruments used were archival and library research, interviews and survey. Practicum or PS 190 as expected had enhanced working skills of students in addition to being a good preparation for the students’ chosen career and lastly contributes improved interpersonal relations, commendable working attitudes and ethics, which are not learned in the four wall of the classroom. The data show the significance of PS 190 in the curriculum of political science. PS 190 had been an effective application ground and exposure course for work experience. The requirements for a good practicum course had been fulfilled. In order to attain an effective practicum course, there are certain variables that should be included, such as a conducive learning atmosphere in the institution of practicum. This involves internal and external factors such as welcoming atmosphere at working place for the students. A sound academic background is also one of the factors that should be achieved. Since the University of the Philippines is the premier university in the country, it is common knowledge that it develops students with adequate knowledge and quality education. The choice of institution for practicum is also one of the variables in having an effective practicum course. The choice of office should be parallel to the tracking of the students for their plans of chosen career. The university values and goals towards assimilation of information are given factors for a successful practicum course. They prepare students for positive outlook towards work. When these factors are met, an effective practicum course such as PS 190 is achieved therefore making PS 190 an important component of the Political Science degree program, and attaining the objectives of the course. PS 190 is expected to enhance working skills of students as well as a good preparation for the chosen field of career and lastly introduces admirable working attitude and ethics, which are not learned in the four corners of the classroom. These factors had been met although there are some points for consideration such as the parallelism of interests of students with the institution of deployment. This incongruence has but minimal effect but can be subjected to improvement.