The HUMSS or Humanities and Social Sciences is a strand included in the Philippine K to 12 program that prepares students for professions like education, law, and social work through rigorous training in critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Some subjects are interdisciplinary, there is a heavy academic load and societal myths surrounding HUMSS strand subjects. All are sources of challenges that require determination and flexibility from students. This article points out some of the major challenges that HUMSS students experience, along with their possible solutions. 

Heavy Emphasis on Reading and Writing

Reading and writing are, indeed, the defining aspects of the HUMSS strand. Subjects from literature, research, or even creative writing demand one to constantly read and analyze several texts and concepts and write essays or research papers. 

For many students who do not have a strong foundation in language and communication skills, the amount of work they are required to finish becomes too much. Different writing assignments must be juggled with presentations and discussions, which require excellent time management. Much of this can easily prove to be too demanding without any form of help. While this kind of skill-building is often tricky, it is important as it forms the backbone of professions like law, teaching, and public relations.

Abstract Concepts

HUMSS subjects mostly deal with theoretical and abstract topics, such as philosophy, ethics, and political ideologies. These topics require higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing, synthesizing, and critiquing very complex ideas. Without such concepts, the learning of a student can be steep and frustrating. 

For example, existentialist philosophies and sociological frameworks can be heavy when lacking relatable examples and applications. Educators must tie theory to real practice to make these subjects more engaging and accessible. If they don't, some students may be discouraged or overwhelmed and not usually appreciate the depth of such topics.

Expectations and Misconceptions

High Standards for Creativity and Communication

The HUMSS strand focuses on the aspects of creativity and effective communication. The students are expected to precisely prove their talents in speaking in public, in arts, and even in collaboration for problem-solving. The skills involved will be helpful for the students in future leadership careers, but, for some students, it may be a bit burdensome. 

A good example is introverted students – debates and group presentations leave them speechless. Wherein, in the end, performance anxiety restricts creative outputs for whom the curriculum is modeled to fit. However, with continuous practice and an entirely healthy atmosphere, the students can develop confidence in doing such acts.

Misconceptions about HUMSS

The most dreaded criticisms of HUMSS students are based on the misconceptions imposed by society regarding their strand. Most people would conclude that HUMSS considers other strands like STEM or ABM as less rigorous or intellectually demanding than these. 

Because of society's beliefs and misconceptions, HUMSS students tend to feel not valued because all their efforts go into developing critical thinking and effective communication skills. It often weighs down morale and can lead students to question their purpose on the chosen path. Thus, this is where the need for vigorous campaigning by educators and advocates would be to spread the word on the importance of the HUMSS strand, especially in discrediting the perceptions and recognizing the contribution of its students.

Practical and Research-Related Obstacles

Demanding Research Workloads

The HUMSS curriculum consists of research carried out on topics ranging from socio-cultural issues to cultural occurrences. Research requires data gathering, analyzing the findings, and concluding both in written and oral formats. The challenge here involved learning all the rigorous research methodologies to be able to create credible and well-structured outputs. 

Many students find it difficult to find reliable sources, cite references properly, or even organize their findings coherently. Schools with inadequate resources such as libraries or digital access to research tools only aggravate the situation. But definitely, those challenges prepare students with the necessary tools for excellent research skills, which will be critical in further education and future careers.

Balancing Academic and Extracurricular Activities

The majority of the HUMSS students are engaged in extra and co-curriculars which are debates, cultural events, and outreach programs in the communities. Such activities develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and social awareness, but they create a busy schedule without a moment for rest and self-care. 

These activities demand perfect time management, which still needs to be polished in many students, to balance academic obligations with co-curricular duties. Perfect balance is the only way to avoid stress, fatigue, and even burnout. Schools may offer such services through defining workshops on time management and stress relief to the student population for their well-being yet surpassing performance in academics and extra-curricular activities.

Bringing Theory into Practice

HUMSS strand advocates for application-based learning and prepares students for future challenges through projects like community immersions, public speaking activities, and debate contests. Although it prepares students for a challenge, it can be intimidating. 

Sometimes students feel unprepared and unsure of whether they can apply their theoretical knowledge to an unfamiliar scenario, in a public forum, or within a community addressing a specific social issue. These scenarios demand academics as well as a motivational effort at interpersonal skills and flexibility. Mentoring and hands-on training would help in making this transition for students, making them more confident about handling the real-world situation.

Key Takeaway

The HUMSS strand provides important skills for students to learn to understand and deal with social issues, making it a strand worth taking. It comes with bitter edges like hard workloads and societal perceptions that prepare one to build resilience, flexibility, and proactiveness. 

Schools must support the learners to overcome most parts and hence maximize potential. Despite the rigors, HUMSS will make students better equipped for careers in education, law, communication, and beyond, proving that the strand's challenges are stepping stones to bright futures characterized by meaningful contributions to society.