Equipping Students With Life Skills: Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Teachers in Focus

The study explored and investigated the lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and lessons learned from the experiences of Technical and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers in equipping students with life skills.  A qualitative approach to research from the 8 TLE teachers from Tagum South District, Division of Tagum City, on the lived experiences of teachers in equipping students with life skills were observed: laboratory workshop, teaching practical knowledge, and inadequate instructional materials. Teachers' coping mechanisms for the challenges in equipping students with life skills were providing appropriate workshop places and equipment, acquiring adequate equipment and facilities, and reskilling teachers. Through their experiences and coping mechanisms, we generated new knowledge and ideas on the challenges encountered by the TLE teachers in equipping students with life skills.  Finally, the lessons learned from teachers' experiences in ensuring students' learning continuity during the pandemic were: be flexible, be resourceful, and keep updated. These themes can be described as input in successfully crafting and conducting training for TLE teachers to capacitate them on the different strategies and techniques in equipping students with adequate life skills. This study may provide an avenue to enlighten school heads to continue supporting their teachers and equip students with life skills through TLE.  It may offer valuable insights to school heads as they work to promote TLE programs for students' betterment and prepare them for their entrance to the workforce.