thesis
TRANSCRIPT
VOX, based on articles published, reflects the culture of Jamers
By
Joseph Gabriel G. Cruz
IV-St. James
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the RequirementsOf the Course Fundamentals of Research
St. James Academy, Malabon CityFebruary 29, 2008
Acceptance Page
Accepted by the English Area of St. James Academy in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Subject Fundamentals of Research.
This proposal was approved on January 16, 2007
Mr. Benigno F. Puig
Teacher
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researcher would like to thank the Following:
Mr. Benigno Puig, for imparting to the students his knowledge in the subject
Fundamentals of Research and for being persevering in helping them to accomplish their chosen
studies.
Mrs. Juanita Quiambao and IV-St. James for giving each and everyone in the class
support to accomplish each other’s studies and for giving each other warmth and cheer.
Neil Michael Sese, Mary Grace Idang, Adriane Enrico, Bernadette Pacheco, Everlaine
Asejo, for being great friends to confide with.
The VOX staff, especially to Ms. Joan Flores, for helping in completing this study
My parents, Rolando Cruz and Ma. Teresa Cruz, for giving the researcher financial help
and for boosting the researcher’s self-confidence in this project.
ABSTRACT
This study is designed to prove that VOX, based on articles published, reflects the present
culture of Jamers. With this course of action, this research aims to (a) show the factors that make
VOX reflect the culture of Jamers, (b) analyze these factors and (c) propose possible ways how
to solve this problem.
The researcher used various reference materials and sources that could help in presenting
data and proving applicable facts. There are three methods of testing, the survey method,
interview method and the evaluation of issues of VOX for the past three years. A total estimate
of 100 randomly selected students from the whole high school department was given surveys.
VOX staffers were excluded from answering the surveys. Interviews were done with VOX
staffers who have major positions and with the moderator. Evaluation of issues from the past
three years was also conducted. All of these methods served to provide answers, generalizations
and significant views concerning the mentioned goal and aims of the study. The researcher
utilized the findings of the said methods in coming up with the solutions for the said problem.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The Duties of a campus newspaper include the body’s ability in representing the learning
institution where it belongs and all the people who are part of it. The Campus Newspaper must
be an outlet of Student empowerment. Thus, if these attributes are not possessed by a student
publication, it would not pass the standards of effective Campus Journalism.
VOX, as the high school publication of St. James Academy, follows the character of a
member of the Christian community, with its editorial platform, “The Voice with the Sense of
Vision and Mission” it aims to manifest the real definition of what a true Jamer is, “Maka-diyos,
Makabayan, Makatao, Makakalikasan.”
VOX had written the achievements of the school and students, revised rules and
regulations, and concerns of the whole SJA institution.
However, it had been heard that quite a number of Jamers claim that VOX fails to reflect
their present culture. They think that present VOX issues only have printed material that are only
appealing to the “intellectual” readers.
Because of the said situations, the researcher will attempt to review the appeal to the
readers, the timeliness of the articles and the openness of VOX to sentiments of its readers. After
the evaluation of the said factors, the researcher will seek for facts and findings that will be
strengthen by interviews from knowledgeable sources.
The researcher will also offer possible solutions for the said endeavor of the VOX
publication to better reflect the culture of Jamers.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Campus Journalism is the voice of Student Empowerment. Through this students are
given the capacity to say their views and their concerns, not only for themselves but also to the
other members of the society. Campus Journalism must reflect the truth with responsibility and
be able to show all the angles of a school issue. Also, through Campus Journalism, students
become more aware of his surroundings and what could he/she offer for it.
One of the standards of Effective Campus Journalism is the ability of a school paper to
represent the institution where it belongs. They must impart the true meaning of service by the
media and must be able to state their own stand. With the fulfillment of this standard, student
publications will be effective to its priorities. Media ignites growth for the society, Campus
journalism as a part of it, must be a part of promoting the development of its readers.
VOX, the official publication of St. James Academy, aims to voice out the events, the
accomplishments and concerns of the school and must be successful in adhering itself to this the
standards of Effective Campus Journalism, thus it must reflect the opinion and stand of the
school.
The goal of this research is to show whether or not VOX reflects the culture of Jamers.
Also, the researcher will engage himself in taking views from reliable sources and will analyze
important factors that are involved in order to obtain desired point.
For this research, the High school students of SJA are selected as subjects since they
comprise the main readers of VOX and they are parts of the publication.
By doing so, the researcher will also point out possible solutions on how VOX could
better reflect the culture of Jamers.
HYPOTHESIS
Based on the accumulated facts and statistical data supplied to support the point of this
study, the researcher hypothesizes that the controlling purpose of this study – o show whether
VOX reflects the present culture of Jamers particularly in the aspects of appeal, timeliness, and
openness to readers.
The researcher hypothesizes that if VOX failed in exemplifying the present culture of
Jamers, it could be open to more improvement to better reflect the present culture of Jamers.
The researcher also hypothesizes that the VOX staff would do necessary action to come
up with possible actions to solve the said predicament.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The strengthening of the hypothesis lays on the questions formulated by the researcher to
help complete the study (a) Does the Majority of Jamers read VOX every time it is published?
(b) Are the articles in VOX fresh and up-to date? (c) Are the articles in VOX interesting for
Jamers? (d) What section of VOX are the Jamers most interested in? (e) Which of the following
Jamer culture are shown in VOX (f) Is VOX open to comments and suggestions from its readers?
(g) Do Jamers and the VOX staff share the views written in the editorial section? (h) Are the
Jamers enthusiastic in contributing a poem or an article for VOX? (i) Does VOX reflect the
culture of Jamers? (j) What improvements would VOX have to undergo so that it will better
reflect the culture of Jamers?
Generally, these are some of the questions upon which the researcher will base the over
all flow of the study. The possibility of verifying these questions will be dependent on various
circumstances.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The journalist should be able to identify and carefully choose relevant issues about things
without allowing personal biases and convictions affect him of her objectivity as a writer. (De
Villa, 2000) The Journalist is an investigator. He does not cease on finding everything about his
article1.
Campus Journalism is the application of what journalism is on the professional side, it
serves as the training ground for students who involve themselves in media. VOX, as the student
publication of St. James Academy, complies with the norms of a true Journalist, but with the
sense of being a Jamer, “makadiyos, makabayan, makatao, makakalikasan.2” In line wit this
VOX, as a student publication must act as a professional journalist that realizes that he yields
great power which can be used for good or for evil. The ethical Campus Journalist always
confront himself with dignity, right manner and good conduct3 and also what they think is due
importance to the school.4
A journalist’s service should be committed to the interest of the general public5. It is the
duties of a Campus Newspaper to aid the school and community and also create and express
school opinion.
An important function of a school paper is to express idealism and reflect the spirit of the
school 6 and editorial pages are considered as the “soul” of the whole publication. As said
campus journalism, especially in the editorial pages present the important things at school, may
be it something or someone that concern students or other members of that learning institution7.
1 Leonardo Reyes, Peryodismong Pilipino, Habagatan Publication, 19722 St. James Academy Highschool Student Handbook, 2004 ed. 3 Jaime Ramirez, Philippine Journalism Handbook, Phil. Grapihc arts, 19754 www.unionofcampusjournalists.org/functionsofaschoolpaper5 Benigno Puig and Joan Flores, Journalism and Fundamentals of Research Module, West Bend marketing, 20056 Harold Spear, Highschool Journalism, Macmillan Publication, 19567 Estrelita Constantino Pangilinan, Journalism Handbook, Kalayaan Press, 1988
All in all, it is important for a school paper serve as the form for students’ sentiments and
opinions8.
Thesis Statement: VOX, as the student publication who follows the norms of Effective Campus Journalism, must reflect the students of St. James Academy
8 Ceciliano Jose Cruz, Campus Journalism, REX bookstore, 1997
Final OutlineI. Introduction
A. The school Paper1. The main Purposes2. the staff3. the qualities of a Good Campus Newspaper
B. VOX, the official publication of SJA1. The editorial Platform2. the Staff3. the achievement4. the moderator
II. FindingsA. The Jamers Who Read VOXB. freshness and Timeliness of VOX ArticlesC. The Interest of Readers in VOX ArticlesD. The Most Interesting Sections of VOXE. The Jamer Culture Shown in VOXF. Openness of VOX to Comments and Suggestions from its ReadersG.Readers Cooperation in Contributing Articles for VOXH. The Similarity of Views on the Editorial Section of VOX and Views by the
StudentsI. VOX Reflecting the Culture of Jamers
III. .DiscussionA. Campus JournalismB, The Importance of Campus JournalismC. The qualities of a Good JournalistD. The duty of a School paper to be open to its readers
IV. Conclusion
Based on the tedious study of the subject, the researcher can conclude that VOX reflects the culture of Jamers in the High school department of St. James Academy. The aspects Appeal to readers and Timeliness of articles are prove to be in good status in order for the said Publication to effectively reflect the culture of Jamers while The aspect of openness to readers needs improvement.
V. Implication
After mush analysis and evaluation of the study, the researcher implies that VOX, with the help of the student body, must do necessary actions to make the Capacity of VOX to reflect the culture of Jamers close to perfect.
VI. Recommendation
The Researcher recommends to those who aspire to take up the studies related to this project to get more respondents and have more sufficient data.
INTRODUCTION
FINDINGS
The study aims to determine how VOX reflects the culture of Jamers in the aspects of
appeal, timeliness and openness to its readers.
The researcher also aims to come up with possible solutions that could help VOX to
effectively reflect the culture of Jamers.
In line with these objectives, the researcher used the survey method since the study aims
to assess the problem. The researcher made fundamental questions to review the respondents’
views and beliefs concerning the topic.
The population consists of twenty- five (25) students per year level with a total of one
hundred (100) students.
The Jamers Who Read VOX
The researcher asked the respondents if they read VOX everytime it is issued. The
respondents’ reply is only between yes or no. The question was asked to find out how many of
the randomly chosen respondents read VOX.
According to the results, eighty-two (82) out of one hundred (100) said yes while
eighteen (18) of one hundred said no.
Based on the results, the majority of the respondents read VOX. The fact that VOX is
read by many shows the possibility of VOX to reflect the culture and interests of Jamers but
confirmation still lie on the next findings.
Freshness and Timeliness of VOX Articles
The respondents were asked if the articles in VOZ are fresh and up-to-date. Respondents
were given the option between yes or no. Seventy- three (73) out of one hundred (100) answered
yes and twenty-six (26) out of a hundred answered no. Due to the findings, it could be said that
articles in VOX are fresh and up-to-date.
The Interest of Readers in VOX Articles
The respondents were asked if the articles printed in VOX are interesting for them.
Seventy-two (72) out of one hundred (100) respondents answered yes and twenty-eight (28)
answered no. Most of the respondents find the articles interesting for them. This proves that
VOX readers think that these articles suit their preferences. Thus, proving that VOX articles do
not only appeal to the academically- achieving students but also to the average Jamer as well.
The Most Interesting Sections of VOX
The respondents were asked what section of VOX they are most interested in. They were
requested to give their top three choices among the sections.
Forty-seven (47) respondents preferred news giving a rating of 16% of all preferred VOX
sections.
Forty-one (41) respondents preferred the literary section giving a rating of 16%.
Seventy-three (73) respondents preferred feature, giving a rating of 24%.
Fifty- eight (58) respondents preferred sports, which is 17%.
Forty-six (46) respondents chose editorial, which comprises 16% of the total.
Fifteen (15) respondents chose Filipino section, which is 5%.
Six (6) respondents chose the Science section, which is 4%.
The features section is the most preferred section of VOX while Sports comes second
and news comes the third.
The Jamer Culture Shown in VOX
The researcher asked the respondents what Jamer characteristics which represent their
culture had been shown in VOX. The following are the common topics for Jamers and their
corresponding number of votes:
Fifteen (15) respondents chose the topic fashion trends.
Fifteen (15) respondents chose awards.
Seven (7) respondents chose Personalities.
Forty-four (44) respondents chose Events.
Eight (8) respondents chose Social Issues.
Seven (7) respondents chose contest.
Three (3) respondents answered others with specified topics: Science (one respondent)
and Qualities or positive values (two respondents).
Openness of VOX to Comments and Suggestions from its Readers
The respondents were asked if VOX was open to comments and suggestions from its
readers. The options are between yes and no. Sixty-five (65) respondents answered yes while
thirty-five (35) said no.
The Similarity of Views on the Editorial Section of VOX and Views by the Students
Since editorials gave the stand of the school paper and one of the duties of a school paper
is to express school opinion, the researcher asked if the respondents share views like those in of
the VOX staff. Majority of the answers are no with 60% of votes. Forty percent (40%) answered
yes.
Readers Cooperation in Contributing Articles for VOX
The respondents were asked if they had contributed an article for VOX The question is
formulated to determine if Jamers are enthusiastic in contributing articles for VOX. Only nine
(9) out of the one hundred respondents answered yes. The remaining ninety-one percent (91%)
answered no.
This proves that Jamers have no initiative to pass articles that would minimize the ability
of VOX to voice out their insights and showcase their talents in writing.
VOX Reflecting the Culture of Jamers
As the main objective of the study, the researcher asked the respondents if VOX reflects
the culture of Jamers. Eighty-two (82) out of one hundred respondents answered yes and
eighteen (18) answered no. From this, it can be said that VOX is still able to reflect the culture of
Jamers.
DISCUSSION
Campus Journalism
Journalism has become one of the indispensable services of the modern society. It had
been an important source of entertainment, education and has played a vital role in influencing
political decisions, social change and cultural patterns.9 With this definition of Journalism in
mind, Campus Journalism is the training ground of students who are talented in writing, while
giving service to the school and the whole student body.10
The Campus newspaper is an outlet of Student Empowerment.11 It magnifies the ability
of students to speak their minds and voice out their insights, thus, enabling them to practice the
values of democracy12, but within the considerable limits of being a student.
Another function of the school paper is to express idealism and reflect the spirit of the
school13, The Spirit of the school depends on the vision mission and the reputation of the school
since this learning institution has a controlled environment.
Journalism at school, especially in the editorial page, presents the important things inside
the four walls of the institution, and this involves the whole personnel and student population.14
The editorial page is considered so, because it is the soul of the whole publication and it serves
as the forum of students’ opinion.
9
? “Journalism,” Merit Student’s Encyclopedia, Vol. 10, pp. 238-23910 Interview with Geraldine Guarin, VOX Filipino Editor, St. James Academy, February 26, 200811 Ibid12“Student government: Student Empowerment.” Merit Student’s encyclopedia, Vol. 15 pp. 110-11213 Harold Spears, Highschool Journalism,p.814 Estrelita Constantino Pangilinan, Journalism Handbook
The Importance of Campus Journalism
In many countries the press and other forms of media were responsible for touching and
influencing the behavior of the people15. Campus Journalism, as a part of it, involves the
development of the readers to be better individuals through the articles they publish.
The primary relevance of Journalism in the society it to present its readers with objective
information and letting them formulate conclusions among themselves about the meaning and
significance of the story16.
The editorial page is the one section of a school newspaper in which all the issues in and
out of the campus, are interpreted and digested in order for the publication to have a stand17.
The qualities of a Good Journalist
A student journalist had undergone training to be an effective writer. He should be able to
identify and carefully choose relevant issues and write about them thing without allowing
personal biases and convictions to affect his/her objectivity and he writes what he believes in his
heart to be true18.
The journalist is an investigator, He does not cease on finding everything about his
article19, for it lies in his hands whether or not that article is to be considered just a false
accusation.
The journalist also understands that he yields great power which he can use for good or
for evil. The ethical journalist always confronts himself with dignity, right manners and good
conduct. 15 “Journalism,” Merit Student’s encyclopedia Vol. 10 p. 23816 Ibid17 Spears, “Highschool Journalism p. 5218 “Journalism,” Merit Student’s encyclopedia Vol. 10 p. 23819 Leonardo Reyes, Peryodismong Pilipino p. 32
The duty of a School paper to be open to its readers
It is a duty of a campus newspaper to be open to its readers, for the whole organs is not
composed of only the newspaper staff, but the students who read it as well, the campus
newspaper is a medium of communication, and communication is a two-way process.
Readers write letters to the editor to express their principles and opinions about
newsworthy events or about what were covered previously by the editors of the newspaper20. The
newspaper accepts these insights because establishing rapport with the readers establishes
strength of the newspaper.
There are still factors why a publication fails to reflect the interests of its readers such as
(a) the editors would rather write something that is interesting for them rather than what is
interesting for the ordinary readers (b) there are only few can understand (c) only few appreciate
their articles21.
CONCLUSION
Based on the tedious study of the subject, the researcher can conclude that VOX reflects
the culture of Jamers in the High school department of St. James Academy. The aspects Appeal
20 “Journalism,” Merit Student’s encyclopedia Vol. 10 p. 23821 Interview with Clarice Gregorio, Bernice Sibucao, Karmelene Lara, VOX Assoc. Ed. VOX EIC, VOX Feat. Ed., St. James Academy Feb 09, 2008
to readers, and Timeliness of articles are prove to be in good status in order for the said
Publication to effectively reflect the culture of Jamers.
The aspect of openness to readers needs improvement. This is due to the result of one of
the research questions which tell if the respondents had contributed articles for VOX. Only a
small percentage contributed compared to the (92%) had not passed any single contribution for
VOX.
The aspect of Appeal to readers, were proven good enough because of the following
reasons: (a) Majority of the Respondents read VOX every time it is issued (b) majority of the
respondents think that the articles were interesting and (c) all the sections of VOX are read.
In Timeliness, Majority of the respondents find the articles in VOX fresh and up-to-date,
it appears to have a positive result.
This study was guided thoroughly by reliable VOX staff members whose opinions were
included in the formulation of the discussion.
Solutions were proposed in order for VOX to better reflect the culture of Jamers. The
researcher hopes that the next batch of VOX staffers will benefit from this study.
IMPLICATIONS
After mush analysis and evaluation of the study, the researcher implies that VOX , with
the help of the student body, must do necessary actions to make the Capacity of VOX to reflect
the culture of Jamers close to perfect.
The VOX staffers should announce if they are going to receive articles from the readers.
They must have a class-to-class announcement. They should also discuss this matters with the
English and Filipino area, so that they can ask if they can give bonus grades to those who pass
articles and convinces the editors to print them.
The VOX staff could also have surveys on students’ interests from time to time, so that
the staff would not have difficulty in knowing what article of issue that their readers would like
to see in an issue.
Also, programs like Poem writing contests, Press Conferences and the like would also be
feasible if the Staff would like to search for talented writers.
The students and the VOX staff should realize that working together and being
transparent in work may lead to excellent ways on how they can reflect the clture of Jamers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The researcher strongly recommends other aspiring researchers who plan to conduct a
related study to perform a deeper understanding of the Jamer culture and more data for the study
to be successful.
The researcher also recommends aspirants to collect a bigger number of sources and
references in order to have a broad and clearer view of the study.
A more thorough evaluation of statistical data is highly requested by the researcher to get
a more comprehensive outline.
The researcher recommends interviewing of veteran school paper advisers and the VOX
moderator, and the principal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
Cruz, Ceciliano Jose, Campus Journalism, REX bookstore, 1997
De Villa, Theresa L.; Bactiong, Lourdes, Journalism for Filipino Students, SIBS Publishing
House, 2000
Pangilinan, Estelita Constantino, Journalism Handbook, Kalayaan Press Marketing, 1988
Puig, Benigno F.; Flores, Joan E., Journalism and Fundamentals of Research Module, West Rend
Marketing, 2005
Ramirez, Jaime, Philippine Journalism Handbook, Phil. Graphic Arts Inc. 1975
Reyes, Leonardo, Peryodismong Pilipino, Habagatan Publication, 1972
Spears, Harold, Highschool Journalism, Macmillan Publication, 1956
Encyclopedia
Student Empowerment, Merit Student Encyclopedia, Vol. 15 (1971), pp. 110-112
Journalism, Merit Student Encyclopedia, Vol 10 (1971) pp. 238-239
Other Sources:
Personal Interview with Bernice Sibucao, VOX Editor-in-Chief, SJA High school Library,
January 17, 2008
Personal Interview with Clarice Gregorio, Associate Editor, SJA High school Library, January
17, 2008
Personal Interview with Geraldine Guarin, VOX Filipino Editor, High school Library, January
17, 2008
Personal Interview with Karmelene Lara, VOX Features Editor, SJA Highschool Library,
January 17 2008
Personal Interview with Neil Michael Sese, VOX Sports Editor, SJA Highschool Library
January 17, 2008,
SJA Highschool student Handbook, St. James academy, Malabon city, 2005
Internet
www.unionofcampusjournalists.org/functionsofaschoolpaper
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. “Newspaper: who writes in a newpaper.”
APPENDICES
T able 1
82%
18%
yes
no
table1. Shows the number of respondents who read VOX every time it is issued
table 2
74%
26%
yes
no
Table2. Shows the number of respondents that think that the articles in vox are fresh and up-to-date
table 3
72%
28%
yes
no
table3. shows the number of respondents who think that VOX articles are interesting
T able 4
16%
15%
25%
20%
15%
5% 4%
News
L iterary
F eatures
S ports
E ditorial
F ilipino
S c ienc e
table4. shows the most preferred sections of VOX
T able 515%
11%
5%
7%
44%
8%
7% 3%fas hion trends
A wards
R ules
P ers onalities
E vents
S oc ial Is s ues
c ontes ts
others
Table 5. shows the Jamer culture prevalent in VOX articles
table 6
65%
35%
yes
no
Table 6. shows the number of respondents who think that VOX is open to comments and
suggestions from its readers.
table 7
37%
63%
yes
no
Table7. shows the number of respondents who think that there is Similarity of Views on the
Editorial Section of VOX and Views by the Students
table 810%
90%
yes
no
Table 8.
table 9
82%
18%
yes
no