NAVIGATING NEW TERRAINS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHERS HANDLING T.L.E. SUBJECTS

TLE

A teacher is a dedicated professional who plays a vital role in shaping the minds, values, and futures of learners. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of out-of-field teachers assigned to teach Technology and Livelihood Education (T.L.E.) in selected secondary schools in the Davao Region. It aimed to understand how these teachers perceive their roles, the challenges they encounter, the coping mechanisms they employ, and the insights they gain from teaching outside their specialization. A qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach was employed, involving ten purposively selected teachers who had at least three years of experience teaching T.L.E. without formal training in the subject. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that teachers initially experienced anxiety, uncertainty, and unpreparedness due to unfamiliar technical content and the hands-on nature of T.L.E. Despite these challenges, they demonstrated resilience through continuous learning, collaboration, and resourcefulness. Their experiences were both demanding and rewarding, contributing to increased adaptability, creativity, and confidence. The study highlights that dedication and willingness to learn are essential for effective teaching beyond specialization and underscores the need for institutional support to enhance instructional practices.

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