Pedagogy 2025
Abstract
To address the increasing demand for qualified Landscape Architecture (LA) professionals, it is essential to understand what motivates students to pursue and complete LA education. While previous studies have explored Filipino LA graduates’ career decisions, there is limited research on the factors that influence students to enroll in, persist, and finish the program. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT), this study investigates the motivations of LA students. Using stratified sampling, the study focused on undergraduate and graduate LA students at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Data from surveys, literature, and focus groups were analyzed using Spearman’s rho and ANOVA, and triangulated to validate motivational trends. Findings show that undergraduate students are influenced by family background, financial support, mentor guidance, salary expectations, environmental concerns, and self-efficacy. Graduate students are mainly driven by their current jobs, mentor influence, potential income and recognition, and confidence in their abilities. Mentorship during junior and senior high school plays a key role in students’ initial interest, while financial support from family is crucial for program entry. As students advance, they develop a deeper understanding of the field and its relevance to environmental solutions, further enhancing their motivation. The study highlights the need for early exposure to the value of LA beyond income potential, focusing on its role in environmental stewardship. Insights from this research can guide stakeholders in improving program delivery and aligning educational outcomes with licensure standards.
Shaira E. Reyes earned her BS Architecture from Far Eastern University, where she teaches design and planning courses. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Landscape Studies and Master in Tropical Landscape Architecture at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Her research works have been presented internationally and published in Scopus-indexed journals. With experience in various architectural projects, she now serves as a Thesis Adviser, combining her professional and academic background to support student research and design work.
Nappy L. Navarra finished his BA Political Science and B in Landscape Architecture from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He completed his Master in Tropical Landscape Architecture degree in the same institution. He proceeded to take his Doctor of Engineering, Major in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of Tokyo. He currently serves as Professor in the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines-Diliman. Aside from handling teaching loads, he is the present Coordinator of the Integrated Graduate Program and the Coordinator of the Environmental Landscapes Studio Laboratory. Aside from his practice in the academe, he is involved in design consultancy and projects in landscape planning and design that aim to create positive impact to the environment and to the community.