Understanding the Struggles of Stem Students in Stem Education

This research explored the struggles of STEM students in STEM education in a private Catholic institution in Tagum City. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, data were gathered and collected through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. The findings revealed that STEM students face notable struggles including: (a) academic difficulties and workload management; (b) learning approaches and teaching methods; and (c) psychological and emotional struggles. Despite the significant difficulties, the participants used various coping strategies such as (a) seeking help from peers and family; (b) adaptive learning strategies; and (c) stress management and self-care. The findings highlight the need for a strong support system for STEM students, improving educational practices and fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment as well as policy modifications to augment and maximize the potential of STEM students and maintain their well-being, supporting their success in educational settings.