ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
— This qualitative-phenomenological research aimed to find out the experiences and of student parents on flexible learning modalities during COVID 19 Pandemic and how they manage and handled the academic requirements. The participants were the student parents enrolled for the A.Y. 2021-2023. The sample size was chosen through purposive sampling. Semi-structured individual interview was used as the instrument of the study to determine the student parents’ experiences and coping strategies during the pandemic and a focused group discussion was employed to validate the theme or commonalities of their experiences. The participants’ responses were transcribed and interpreted through thematic analysis. The results revealed five commonalities in the experiences of the student parents: 1) difficulty in understanding concepts and topics in the self-directed modules; 2) difficulty balancing time between family and studies;3) slow and intermittent internet connectivity;4) lack of resources for load expenses and 4) opportunity to work and engage in entrepreneurial activity. The coping strategies identified are: proper time management; joining group study; entrusting care of children to parents, in-laws and other family members; sharing gadget with others, and installation of Wi-Fi connectivity at home or sharing with others. This study showed that the pedagogical method employed to carry on instruction during the pandemic period have both positive and negative impacts on the student parents. The study also shows the coping ability, and resilience of the student parents as they toiled for the completion of their academic requirements. Keywords — Student Parents, Flexible Learning Modalities, Experiences, Coping Strategy, New Normal