Striving For Success or Superiority Among CTC Top Students

STRIVING FORCES AMONG CTC TOP STUDENTS 1
Striving for Success or Superiority among

CTC Top Students

Crizza Agapay
Janrozl Campo
Jasmin Gacutan
Arvin Navarro
BA Psych 3

2012
Central Luzon State University

Abstract
The research studied the Striving Forces of CLSU Training Center Top Students and the factors
that affect their Striving Forces. The study used the convenient method of sampling for the
participants enrolled at CTC for S.Y 2012-2013 for the 1
st
Semester. There were 5 student
participants. The study selected these participants since these persons are the top students and
taking up vocational courses offered in CTC. The research found that factors of vocational
school academic achievers do differ from factors that affect the striving forces of bachelor degree
academic achievers. Factors for the vocational school academic achievers were age, family and
final goal.


Striving forces of CTC Top Students
This study identified Computer Training Center top students who were striving for
success or superiority and what factors affect their striving force. The researchers used the
interview type of questionnaire to help in the qualitative analysis in gathering the data. The study
was limited to students in the Computer Training Center. It was suggested that people usually
aim for personal superiority rather than personal success while students tend to aim for personal
gain.
According to Adler (2009), some people do things to feed their ego and feel superior.
Some people are actually clever enough to hide their motives with actions and behaviors that
portray altruism and selflessness (p.72). The striving force is a very big factor in a persons
behavior and it is seen through the way they act and live.
An achievement could mean a lot to a student especially those who are financially bereft
which are usually the cases of top students in CLSU Training Center. It is possible that students
on vocational school strive for success instead of superiority since of the minimum time at
school and the lack of need for competition.
The researchers focused on the personal profile of the participants. The researchers had
determined the factors that affect their striving force. The research had also determined if their
factors differ from students in the bachelors degree program by reviewing past studies on the
matter.
The result of the research would contribute highly in the educational system if the
research learns about the factors that affect the striving performances of vocational top students.

Methodology
This study was limited to CTC students who were currently enrolled for the 1
st
semester
of the academic year 2012-2013. Also this study was conducted through the perspective on
Albert Adlers Individual Psychology and his first tenet regarding the dynamic force behind
human behavior.
The study used the convenient method of sampling for the participants enrolled at CTC
for S.Y 2012-2013 for the 1
st
Semester. There would be 5 student participants. The study
selected these participants since these persons are the top students and taking up vocational
courses offered in CTC.
The study used primary data. The data had been taken from the participants through
interviewquestionnaire which the researchers conducted. The data that would be discussed in
this research had been taken directly from the participants.
The research used interviewquestionnaire that is composed of 18 questions that will
determine their striving forces and identify the factors that the respondents find responsible for
their striving force.
The researchers approached the participants during their vacant time for the interview.
They explained for what reason the survey was conducted and what benefits could be taken from
the successful study of this research. Also the researchers used guided questions for the interview
and granted them the assurance that their names will not be revealed in the study. Researchers
also followed the basic ethics of research interviewing.

The study used the qualitative approach for the data to be analyzed in this research.
Descriptive analysis has been used to evaluate the answers given by the selected participants. A
transcription of all interviews was made and analyzed individually by their; Personal
Background, Studying Style, Factors that Affect their being Top Students and their signs of
Striving for Success.


Results
Data were gathered from selected participants referred by the administrative head of CTC
himself, and had been presented by cases. These data were presented in a clear manner that
includes the participants brief background, their studying style/s, factors that affects them being
the CTCs top students, and their striving for success or superiority.
Case#1: John
John is a 32-year old student of CTC who is currently taking up Electronics & Computer
Technology. After he graduated on high school, he stopped studying and worked as a security
guard in Manila for ten years to give way to his other siblings who would be entering in college.
He helped his parents to provide money for the studies of his siblings. He is married for two
years. Aside from being one of the top students in CTC, he is also serves the training center as
the president of their Student Body Organization.
Studying Style/s
When asked about how was he able to balance his studies and obligations as a top student
and the president of their school organization, he answered ..Time management... He intends
to study alone because he doesnt want to lose his concentration on reviewing his lessons. He
said, ..pag nagre-review ako, one or two days before the exam.. kasi pag sabay-sabay,
naghahalo-halo na sa utak ko.. kumbaga, one at a time lang.. For him, studying first before
having leisure time is better than the other way around. Because through that, he would feel more
worthy of achieving a better grade if he had strive hard to get that.


Factor/s that affect them to be one of the top students in CTC
Johns parents were not able to finish their study, thats why hes striving to do what he
can in his studies to help his parents have a better life. Aside from this fact, his wife is one of the
main reasons why he wants to study and graduate on time. According to him, he wants to prove
that he can also graduate and provide his wife a comfortable life. When asked about his social
life, he answered, ..ako kasi yung bahay-eskwela lang, e... He stated that he is not the type of
person who would intent to go in places to have a good time.
Striving for Success
John is not into a competition when he decided to study again. Hes even telling his
classmates to listen on their discussion so that they wouldnt be guessing answers when having
an exam. However, when getting low scores than what he had expected, he admittedly answers
that he is somewhat sad when getting such results. But then, theres still next time when he will
do better. Although he is one of the top students in CTC, he said that he doesnt have any
intentions of being one. For him, he just wants to graduate on time for his family and wife. Given
that situation, hes still conscious about his grades because for him, it would be useful when he
apply for a job. He honestly said, ..gusto ko din talaga mataas ang grades ko, para pag nag-
apply ako, hindi nakakahiyang ipakita sa magiging employer ko.. kasi, di ba? Pinagbabasehan
yung credentials, yung grades pag nag-aapply ka..
Case #2: Alison
Alison is a second year student in CTC taking up Computer Secretarial (CS). She is fine
and shes doing well in her studies. According to her, she stopped studying for three years and
decided to take up a two-year vocational course when she decided to study again. However, she

seemed to be doing well even the fact that she had stopped studying for quite a long time because
of her being one of the top students in CTC.
Studying Style/s
In terms of her studying technique, she prefers to be alone when reviewing because she
was easily gets distracted by noise. Aside from this, she also likes cramming when reviewing.
She said: Ako, pag nagre-review kasi ako, yung kinaumagahan din. Kinagabihan nagrereview,
ganyan, pero doon sa may mag-isa ko lang. Yung walang istobo. However, inside the
classroom, she sometimes asks her other classmates when she didnt understand their lessons
clearly. When asked about her studying technique during class, she answered, Ah, oo, yung
take down notes tapos ire-review ko pagkatapos. She preferred to study first before having
leisure time or rewarding herself.
According to her, she didnt inherit her intelligence from her parents who were high
school graduates. Maybe that was the reason why she chose to take up vocational course for her
to graduate immediately. When asked if she had still time to her social life, she said, minsan
pag walang pasok, pero hindi naman madalas. Minsan lang. For her, her family was the ones
that motivate her in maintaining her status in CTC.
Striving for success
She was not the type of person who likes competition with her classmates. Shes even
telling them to study well for them to get high grades like her.Hindi, kasi parang iyon lang
yung kinaya ng utak ko na review-hin para doon sa subject na yun, she answered when asked

about her feelings on the times when she had low scores than what she had expected. She had
never any intentions of being a top student. It was enough for her that shes studying hard. For
her, she chose to maintain her status because someday, she and her family will be the ones to
benefit when she graduated and have a job.
Case #3: Mellissa
Mellissa is currently on her second year at CTC and taking up Electronics & Computer
Technology (ECT). Shes okay and answered the questions cheerfully. She has lots of friends
and was more likely to influence them upon studying their lessons.
Studying Style/s
When asked about her studying styles in reviewing, sa pagrere-review naman, gusto ko
minsan tahimik, pero minsan gusto ko rin ng mgay kausap kasi nakaka-boring din kapag ikaw
lang mag-isa. She prefers to sit at the back when their teacher is discussing, yet she was able to
understand their lessons well. It was okay for her if she reward herself first then study, or the
other way around, just as long as she is studying.
Mellissa thinks she hadnt acquired her intelligence to either of her parents. Like
Alissons parents, hers were also high school graduate but according to her, they somehow got
some awards when they were still studying. On her social aspect, ..minsan pa nga, kahit na may
exam bukas, nakiki-bonding pa rin ako.. she stated when asked if she had still time for her
social life. .. okay lang basta babalansehin mo lang. Alam mo sa sarili mo kung paano
balansehin.., she added.

She never intended to be one of the top students, wala sa ano mo yun, pero alam mo sa
sarili mo na nag-aaral ka ng mabuti.. She was not into competition when it comes to being one
of the top students in CTC. Even though she and the other top student in CTC (also a participant
on this study) were classmates, she didnt allow herself to get into competition. Shes aware of
her strengths and limitations being the only girl in their class taking up such course that involves
electronics, which is then more of a masculine type of work. When getting low scores, she
honestly said, minsan, siyempre, nakakapanghinayang din.. Pero siyempre mayroon pa naming
chance na kailangan mas galingan mo..
For Mellissa, it was her family who motivates her in maintaining her status in CTC. For
her, being and maintaining her status as one of the top students in CTC would be a way for her to
get what she wants, or would be a basis to achieve her future goals.
Case #4: Sophia
Sophia is a second year student of CTC taking up Information Technology (IT). She had
stopped from studying for four years thats why she didnt expect that she would be hailed as one
of the top students in CTC. She is fine and does well in her studies, according to her. But
somehow she felt a little pressured knowing that others were actually expecting more from her
because of the fact that she is a top student in CTC.
Studying Style/s
She also likes to rush when reviewing or studying, ..the night before.., she answered
when asked about her studying style when they will be having a test. She preferred to study alone

rather than to have a group study with her friends. ..study techniques? Ano lang, self study,
ganun lang.. kasi kapag marami kang kasama puro daldal na lang din, wala ka nang.. prang
wala ka nang magagawa..
Shes jotting down whenever their teachers were discussing. However, she admittedly
said that she was not listening if she was not really interested on the lesson. She prefer to study
first before having leisure time or rewarding herself.
Sophia believed that she had acquired her intelligence to her mother only because her
father wasnt able to finish his studies. Even though shes a top student, she still manages to have
time on her social life.
Like the other respondents on this study, Sophia was also not into competition. She said,
..basta hin ako yung kunwari, mas mataas siya sa akin dapat next time ako naman.. kasi ang
goal ko lang naman kaya ako nag-aral ay para maka-graduate, saka pagtanda mo mayroon ka
nang achievement.. When getting low scores, she admitted that she also felt sad at times. ..
yung initial reaction, nakakainis naman.. ganun..
For her, it was her family that inspires to do study well in school. She said that was
maintaining her status in CTC to graduate. ..kasi 21 na ako, parang kaya ako nag-two years
[course] kasi para madaling maka-graduate..


Case #5: Erin
Erin is currently on her last year [2
nd
year] on CTC and is taking up Software Specialist
(SS). She is happy that shes able to be known as one of the top students in CTC. She had never
expected to be one of those but then, she decided to maintain her status.
Studying Style/s
She prefers to sit in front of the class whenever their teacher is discussing so that she
could understand their lesson. Aside from this, she also felt like she could learn nothing when
she sits at the back and all she would was to chat with her seatmates. Shes taking down notes
that she would then review when she got home. For her, it was okay if it was noisy when
reviewing as long as it is not disturbing. She even reviews in front of the television. For her, it is
okay if she will have first leisure time before she studies, or the other way around, just as long as
she never neglects her responsibility as a student.
Erin thinks she had acquired her intelligence to her mother although her mother didnt
finish her studies. When she was still a CFY student, she was not that sociable unlike now that
she is on her second year in CTC. ..nung CFY ako, gusto ko lang bahay, aral.. pero nitong
second year, mas nakiki-bonding na ako sa friends ko..
For Erin, she didnt like competitions. ..hindi.. kung ano lang yung nakayanan ko
masaya na ako doon.. she answered if she wants to compete with other top students. When
getting low grades, shes too affected by it and she gets sad. ..nalulungkot lang ako.. naiinis ako

sa sarili ko.. pagdating sa bahay yun pa din iniisip ko.. she added. She also maintains her
status of being one of the top students in CTC to make her family proud and to graduate
immediately. She also wants to work right after she graduates because she thinks she can already
have a job.


Discussion
The aim of this research was to determine the factors that affect striving forces of this
specific group in the CLSU Campus.
The objectives of the study are as follows. The research aimed to determine the personal
profile of the participants; the factors that affect their striving force and if there is any difference
from the striving force factors of bachelors degree program students.
The personal profile of the participants
All participants were at a working age ranging from 20-32 years old. Participants showed
symptoms of social interest (Feist & Feist, 2009) stating that they usually help their classmates
who find certain subject hard to understand.
All of the participants parents were not achievers in their academic life and one
participants mother only reached up to elementary grade education. Academic achievements of
parents are factors to contributing to academic pressure towards their children.
The CTC top students do not inherit their capacity in getting high grades on their parents,
who are mostly high school graduates. They believe are not getting any younger to pursue a four-
year course so they prefer to take a vocational two-year course.
The factors that affect their striving force
Results suggest that factors to be considered are age, family background and final goal
The male participant in stated to be father-like to his classmates. Studies suggest that
paternal instinct are normal in his age (Gray, Kahlenberg, & Barrett, 2001) and maternal instincts

are also normal to the age of the female participants due to the menstrual cycle (Siemens
Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., 2010) and the monthly increase of estrogen levels (Smith, Deady,
Moore, Jones, & Cornwell, 2011).
Family background also affects the striving forces of the participants.
Academic achievements of parents are factors to contributing to academic pressure
towards their children. Academic pressure is often related to parental pressure (Sletten, 2010)
and Asian have regarded parental expectation more (Naumann, Guillaume, & Funder, 2012)
Because of the participants parents poor academic rate they feel little or no pressure therefore
minimizing their feeling of inferiority.
Final goal (Feist & Feist, 2009) is also a factor, all of the participants stated that their
only goal was to graduate immediately in other to help their families. This finding has been
dismissed as a symptom of personal gain since helping owns family is embedded in the Filipino
culture.
The difference of bachelor degree top students
Another aim of the research was to determine if their factors differ from students in the
bachelors degree program by reviewing past studies on the matter. According to Franco et. al.
(2012) bachelor degree program academic achievers value parental appreciation and are mostly
competitive. Academic achievers in the bachelor degree programs have different factors such as
maintaining their scholarship, classroom competition and compensations for inferiorities.


In conclusion the researchers would like to state that the personal profiles of the Top
Students in CTC are in the lower socio-economic class and are already in working ages. The
factors that affected their striving forces are age, family background and final goal while there is
a difference in the factors that affected the bachelor degree top students in CLSU compared to
CTC top students.


References

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of Personality (7th Edition ed.). Singapore: McGraw-
Hill .
Franco, M. C., & et, a. (2012). Stricing Forces of College and University Scholars in CLSU.
Private Publishing.
Gray, P. B., Kahlenberg, S. M., & Barrett, E. S. (2001). Marriage and fatherhood are associated
with lower testosterone in males. Evolution and Human Behavior , 193-201.
Naumann, L. P., Guillaume, E. M., & Funder, D. C. (2012). The Correlates of High Parental
Academic Expectations : An Asian-Latino Comparison. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology ,
4 (43), 515-520.
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. (2010). Hormonal Levels During the EarlyFollicular Phase
of the Menstrual Cycle. Deerfield, IL: Siemens.
Sletten, M. M. (2010). A teenagers never-ending pressure to be the apple of their parents eye.
Private.
Smith, M. J., Deady, D. K., Moore, F. R., Jones, B. C., & Cornwell, R. E. (2011). Maternal
tendencies in women are associated with estrogen levels and. Hormones and Behavior , 12-16.
Yahaya, A. H. (2003). Factors Contributing Towards Excellence Academic Performance.
University Technology Malaysia.


Appendices
Questionnaire
Pangalan:
Edad:
Taon at Kurso:
Kamusta ka?
Anong naramdaman mo noong nasama ka bilang isa sa mga top students sa CTC?
Pinlano mo ba na maging top student?
Nahihirapan ka ba na maging isa sa mga top students sa CTC? Bakit? Paano?
Top students din ba ang mga magulang mo?
Nape-pressure ka ba sa pagiging top student mo?
Nakikipagkompitensiya ka ba sa mga kapwa mo top students?
` Ano o sino yung nakakapag-motivate sa iyo para maging top student?
Mayroon ka pabang oras sa social life mo?
Anong mas gusto mo? Aral muna bago maglibang, o maglilibang ka muna bago mag-
aral?
Bilang isang top student, ano ang nararamdaman mo kapag nakakakuha ka ng score na
mas mababa sa inaasahan mo?

Ano yung mga paraan mo para makapag-aral mabuti?
Anong mas gusto mo? Group study o mag-isa mo lang? Bakit o bakit hindi?
Naiimpluwensiyahan mo ba ang iyong mga kaklase para makakuha ng mataas na grade?
Sa anong paraan?
Nakakaapekto bayung paligid mo sa pag-aaral mo?
Bilang isa sa mga top student, ano ang mga dahilan mo kung bakit mo mine-maintain ang
pagiging top student?

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