L.E.E.

M Manuel Gaxiola Leyva

Abstract

This study explores the dynamics of student experiences at Xochicalco High

School in Mexicali, utilizing snowball sampling to gather insights from a specific and

elusive population. Snowball sampling, a non-probability technique leveraging social

networks for participant recruitment, proved effective in accessing and understanding

the nuanced perspectives of students within this institution. The survey, administered

via Google Forms, consisted of 12 questions addressing various aspects of the

educational system, including educator effectiveness, student distractions, and

satisfaction levels. Key findings indicate that while students generally view the

educational quality as moderate, significant issues such as high distraction levels,

primarily due to smartphones, and inadequate engagement with course material

were identified. Additionally, a substantial number of students expressed

dissatisfaction with outdated teaching methods and curricula, which they felt did not

align with the needs of contemporary learners. The results underscore the

importance of updating educational practices to incorporate technological

advancements and cater to the unique learning styles of modern students.

Furthermore, the study highlights the critical role of educator-student relationships in

fostering an effective learning environment, as trust and communication were found

to be pivotal in student satisfaction and academic performance. These findings

suggest that educational institutions must adapt to technological and societal

changes to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. By leveraging

snowball sampling, this research provides valuable insights into the challenges and

opportunities within the educational landscape of Xochicalco High School, offering a

foundation for future improvements in pedagogical strategies and institutional

policies.

Introducción

Throughout my career as a student at “Preparatoria Xochicalco campus Mexicali”,

I noticed how my classmates and I had comments about how the school was better

and how they developed unique learning techniques that seemed very effective.

Currently, with the improvement of the internet and social networks, we can learn in

different ways that can be unconventional and therefore more effective. What is this

about? This is due to the difference in the growth of young people. We as a

generation have grown up alongside technology, creating a unique generation that is

completely different from those before it, and with changes in society must come

changes in learning. As we have been innovating in technology, we should innovate

in other areas that we young people consider very old. Why can we change our

lifestyle but not something as important as learning? This type of questioning is very

common because there are things as simple as the use of electronic devices at

school, they are completely cancelled in schools because they prefer to remain at

their usual standard than to update themselves with their main audience, which is

the teenagers who use them. of the educational service.

The way schools justify little or no use of any device is that students tend to be

distracted more easily, making it more difficult to learn, a fact that has some truth.

Due to the rise of social networks, we have videos on different topics of interest and

with recent videos lasting approximately 15-30 seconds that have become very

popular, the attention of the people who consume these has become shorter. It has

been demonstrated that anyone who constantly uses this type of videos tends to

develop a constant lack of attention due to the habit of watching 10 different topics in
less than 5 minutes, causing viewing the same topic or image to be difficult.

unattractive, resulting in not being able to learn topics and a great lack of

information retention. Currently, many universities require the retention of information

so that there is an understanding of the subject, given that one must be more self-

taught as a student and do one's own research, which many students find difficult

due to the lack of attention and high degree of procrastination. The majority of

students procrastinate too much because it is very easy for them to get distracted

and have something to distract themselves with. Social networks are a very good

and very bad way, since they give us the opportunity to inform ourselves, information

that may be unreliable because anyone can upload a video with erroneous or not

completely correct information. Likewise, social networks give us the possibility of

not being completely educational and lead us to see topics of interest that distract us

and prevent us from being proactive in our academic life.

We as students, have a different point of view on what quality is for us but also a

factor to define the quality of an education, it is the teaching of basic information as

well as updated information. Because as a society, we transcend and have new

priorities in research, we seek to find something new and be able to perfect its

management to be able to contribute. The use of updated and recent information is

important but also raising awareness about new topics such as current affairs, AI.

Quality education will also depend on who teaches and shares the information, that

is, the educators. Many times, it is seen that students lack understanding of a basic

topic, since educators find it difficult to adapt to their audience and the necessary

learning dynamics. Not to mention, the lack of attention to students' doubts. Schools

require students' own research as well as a logical understanding of the topics, but it

is also important that important doubts about the topics are resolved and that
educators have the ability to help or resolve doubts correctly. Currently, retention

capacity has become essential for students due to the lack of attention of educators

towards them. This is due to the lack of attention to students' doubts and also that

they do not give importance to their understanding of the topic, giving rise to

confusion or erroneous information. This misinformation can be shared publicly very

easily, causing many people to consider the issue but mistakenly, for misinformation

it becomes very important.

With the rise in social networks. We have access to international information,

allowing knowledge of a topic to its entirety or to its vast majority, because a

community comes together with an objective and can dialogue, but if there is a

person with erroneous or incomplete information, it can cause this discussion to be

wrong and making an erroneous conclusion with little meaning. These types of

situations could be avoided if you have a specialist in the subject who is willing to

communicate it correctly. Because the form of communication is also important to be

able to present a topic in a good way, being concrete and specific. The biggest

problem that young people present today is lack of confidence and lack of

motivation. Many students show little motivation to follow topics even when they are

of interest because they are not presented in the appropriate way, resulting in them

becoming overwhelmed and losing their interest in the topic. Many times we are

affected by a lack of attention in some aspects and we are not corrected correctly.

We, the students, feel an irrational fear when asking some teachers about current

past treatment that caused a negative feeling at the time for the students and does

not allow us to communicate correctly for fear of rejection or humiliation from the

tutors. (Surdez-Pérez et al., 2018)

 Among the tumultuous landscape of digital innovation and evolving educational

paradigms, educators emerge as linchpins in facilitating student success. Beyond

the traditional role of imparting knowledge, educators play a multifaceted role in

shaping students' cognitive development, socio-emotional well-being, and digital

literacy. At the heart of this transformative process lies the need for educators to

embrace flexibility and adaptability in their pedagogical approaches. As students

navigate the digital landscape with unparalleled ease, educators must pivot from

traditional teaching methodologies to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-

solving skills. By integrating technology into lesson plans and leveraging digital tools,

educators can create immersive learning experiences that resonate with digital

natives.

Furthermore, educators serve as mentors and guides, nurturing students'

confidence and motivation in their academic pursuits. By fostering a supportive

learning environment and encouraging open dialogue, educators empower students

to overcome obstacles and cultivate a growth mindset. Moreover, educators play a

pivotal role in instilling values of digital citizenship and responsible use of technology,

equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital realm ethically and

responsibly. In essence, the role of educators extends far beyond the confines of the

classroom, encompassing a holistic approach to student development. By embracing

innovation, fostering empathy, and nurturing lifelong learning, educators lay the

foundation for students to thrive in an ever-changing world. (Explorando la

Satisfacción y la Insatisfacción del Estudiantado Universitario En Enseñanza

Remota de Emergencia | Actualidades Investigativas En Educación, s. f.)

Despite the advancements in technology and pedagogy, the educational system

grapples with several systemic challenges that impede student learning and hinder
academic progress. One of the most pressing issues is the persistent reliance on

outdated pedagogical practices that fail to resonate with the needs and preferences

of modern learners. The rigid adherence to standardized testing and rote

memorization stifles creativity and critical thinking, relegating students to passive

recipients of information rather than active participants in their own learning

journey. Moreover, the digital divide exacerbates disparities in access to quality

education, perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities and marginalising underserved

communities. Limited access to technology and internet connectivity further

exacerbates these inequities, widening the gap between privileged and

disadvantaged students. Additionally, the one-size-fits-all approach to education fails

to accommodate diverse learning styles and individualised needs, leaving many

students underserved and disengaged from the learning process. Furthermore, the

lack of adequate teacher training and professional development hampers educators'

ability to effectively leverage technology and implement innovative teaching

strategies. Without proper support and resources, teachers struggle to adapt to the

rapidly evolving educational landscape, perpetuating the cycle of outdated practices

and stagnant academic progress. Additionally, the emphasis on high-stakes testing

and academic performance places undue pressure on students, fostering a culture of

competition and academic anxiety. This hyper-focus on standardised metrics

overlooks the holistic development of students and neglects essential socio-

emotional skills necessary for success in the 21st-century workforce. The

educational system faces multifaceted challenges that necessitate systemic reform

and proactive measures to ensure equitable access to quality education for all

students. By addressing these systemic issues and fostering a culture of innovation

and inclusivity, we can create a more responsive and student-centred educational

system that empowers learners to thrive in an increasingly complex and

interconnected world.

Methodology

Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique often used in

research involving hidden or hard-to-reach populations. Unlike conventional

sampling methods, which rely on random selection, snowball sampling leverages

social networks to identify and recruit participants. This method is particularly useful

for reaching populations that are difficult to identify or access through traditional

means. Examples of such groups include drug users, homeless individuals, or

certain professional networks, where members may be unwilling to identify

themselves or participate in studies due to privacy concerns or social stigma. One of

the primary advantages of snowball sampling is its ability to access hidden or hard-

to-reach populations. These populations are often marginalized or socially

stigmatized, making them less likely to be captured through random sampling

methods. By using initial participants to recruit further participants from their

networks, researchers can penetrate these hidden populations more effectively.

Snowball sampling can be more efficient than random sampling methods, especially

when dealing with dispersed populations or those not easily identifiable. Once initial

participants are found, they help in recruiting others, significantly reducing the time

and effort needed for researcher-driven recruitment. This method also tends to be

more cost-effective, as it minimizes the resources needed for extensive recruitment

campaigns. When participants are recruited through referrals from known individuals,

they may be more likely to trust the researcher and feel comfortable participating in

the study. This trust can lead to higher response rates and more candid responses,

enhancing the quality and reliability of the data collected. The sense of trust and
familiarity within the network often results in participants being more open and

honest in their responses

Snowball sampling allows researchers to focus on specific subgroups within a

population. This targeted approach can provide detailed insights into these

subgroups that might be missed with broader sampling techniques. By honing in on

particular characteristics or experiences within a population, researchers can gather

richer, more nuanced data. This method is highly adaptable to the changing

dynamics of the population being studied. As new contacts are made, the sample

can evolve and expand in directions that might not have been initially anticipated.

This flexibility allows researchers to follow the natural social networks and

relationships within the population, providing a more organic and comprehensive

understanding of the group. Because participants are often known to each other,

they may provide more in-depth and rich qualitative data through their shared

experiences and trust-based relationships. The connections within the sample can

lead to more detailed and contextually rich information, which is valuable for

qualitative research and exploratory studies. (Simply Psychology, 2023b)

Application of Snowball Sampling in Research

The used the snowball sampling method in a study to understand the dynamics

among students from Xochicalco High School. By focusing exclusively on responses

from students at this institution, we aimed to determine whether individual institutions

contributed to conflicts or if the students themselves were part of the issue. The

survey targeted individuals of indifferent age and sex but required the characteristic

of belonging to the Xochicalco Institute in Mexicali B.C. This approach provided a

moderate audience capable of offering a broader perspective compared to a

homogenous group that shares similar thoughts due to constant interaction.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted using Google Forms, which included questions

related to the educational system at Xochicalco, the educators teaching the subjects,

and various forms of student distractions. This comprehensive approach aimed to

better understand the students' viewpoints. The survey comprised 12 questions,

featuring multiple-choice answers to rate satisfaction with certain aspects, questions

allowing multiple selections to identify factors affecting student environments, and

closed questions to pinpoint specific issues. Conducted anonymously, the survey

ensured that participants' program affiliations or names were not revealed.

Results and Analysis

Upon analyzing the survey responses, we gained insights into several aspects of

the student experience at Xochicalco High School. The responses highlighted key

areas of satisfaction and concern, reflecting the diverse perspectives of students

from both the bilingual and traditional programs. The data collected provided a

nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the student environment, allowing

us to draw conclusions about the role of the institution and the students themselves

in the observed conflicts. Overall, snowball sampling proved to be a practical and

effective method for this qualitative research. It facilitated access to a specific and

potentially elusive population, provided efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and

enhanced the trust and rapport between participants and researchers. The targeted

and flexible nature of this method, coupled with the rich qualitative data obtained,

underscored its value in exploratory studies and research involving specialized

populations. Through this approach, we were able to gather meaningful insights into

the student experience at Xochicalco High School, contributing to a deeper

understanding of the dynamics at play within this educational setting

How old are you? Annex 1.1

In our first question we can see that the majority are 17 years old, this may be

because the majority of students who were asked first are in their last year of high

school.

How satisfied are you with your education? Annex 1.2

In this question we had three answers that gave the same result, which are

results 2,3 and 4. This may be because the education, from the students' point of

view, is not very bad but not of quality either. Here you can see that there is no great

conformity but there is also no contempt for it, this could be due to several factors

such as the school environment between them and their relationship with teachers or

the system that is imposed on them to accredit their subjects.

Do you tend to get distracted easily? Annex 1.3

We can observe that the vast majority of students are easily distracted, which can

significantly affect their interest in the subject in their education. This could result in

poor achievement and perhaps the focus would not be on a problem with the

facilities but rather on the interest and zero achievement of the students.

What factors make you more easily distracted? Annex 1.4

In this question we can notice that students tend to be distracted very regularly by

phones, being the main factor of their distractions at study time. This use can be

both during regular class hours or even in external areas such as studying for a

subject. important or deliver the tasks on time, giving way to procratination and

thereby decreasing their interest due to the lack of dynamism or “the wow factor” of
the subjects, because every subject has its best part at the time of its presentation.

application more than in its theoretical area.

What areas do you think your education could be better? Annexc 1.5

In this question we can notice that students would prefer other ways of learning,

this could be seeing different topics of interest or perhaps other learning dynamics

that could be more extreme and effective, such as the non-use of electronic devices,

especially when it comes to of an investigation that requires the Internet so that

students can avoid being distracted by it.

Do you think that school is not high for the new generations? Annex 1.6

The vast majority chose an affirmative answer. This could be due to the poor

preparation of the new generations and their new needs that should be adapted to

them. We could see more from the academic plans of the schools rather than from

the educators, because currently, many schools have an academic plan that was

used many years ago that could be effective for people of their generation but that

can be counterproductive for these new ones. generations that come with an abuse

of technology from a very young age.

What do you think is the reason for the low academic performance that you report?

Annex 1.7

Most people chose the options themselves, this may be the problem of their poor

academic performance. This, together with the previous results, could show us that

the students accept being part of the little knowledge they acquire or that they do not

contribute on their part so that the classes flow as they should or that they are simply

the reason for their little interest in the subjects. Taught are by their teachers.

In annex 1.8 we can notice that the majority of the students are afraid. To resolve

your doubts with the teachers, this may be due to past experiences where they have
been pointed out by the students or by the teachers themselves, since many

situations occur where students ask questions with confidence and are pointed out

as people who did not pay attention or were They become an object of ridicule for

not being able to understand correctly.

In Annex 1.9 we can note that regardless of the fear that students have of asking

their teachers, we can note that they are the main source of information for the

students or that they are a more reliable source due to their possible knowledge in

that area. Many students ask about topics related to a subject that a teacher teaches

even if it is not related to their academic plan simply out of the interest of knowing

more about that topic. This can create a bond of trust between the teacher and the

student and can open up more dialogue and the opportunity to create great rapport

between them.

In annex 1.10 we can affirm the aforementioned because it talks about good

communication between the student and his teacher. This is a good educational sign

because information can be provided on different topics of interest and good sources

of trust are created in educational fields that pave the way for good information

between people.

In annex 1.11 we can notice that students use artificial intelligence very frequently

and this can have a great impact on the issue of lack of information on their part.

Many times, artificial intelligence addresses topics that are not related to what we

want to achieve or may be incorrect or with very old information with little relevance,

not to mention that students will not do their own research and do not learn correctly

about their topics. This also creates bad habits such as the little use of logic that

must be used as a basis to be of high use.

 Finally we have annex 1.12 where we can affirm our entire opinion that the

greatest conflict falls on students who do not seek an interest in their subjects or that

they have no interest in their studies, which affects their regular life because they are

basic things that we will have to do if they want to enjoy a full life or at least a decent

one.

Conclusion

This research showed us that it is mostly the students who are responsible for

having this type of performance and that teachers are not always the cause of the

setbacks they have throughout their student life. The form of education is important

but the dedication you have is more important. Students always look for a reason to

procrastinate based on other sources and our survey and results were able to affirm

all these assumptions. It may be that other methodologies that do not involve

something as sophisticated as the electronic device "telephone" help the academic

performance of the students, since also the habit of some parents of leaving their

children unanswered on these devices as a way distracting or disturbing them during

their projects or breaks, can be the cause of the great addiction and way of

distracting students. Likewise, it may be something that social media algorithms are

causing to our society. If something was very clear, it is mostly the educational

problems that arise, they are not a problem of the educational system or the

teachers who teach these plans, at least in the Xochicalco facilities. Many students

have a rapport with their teachers despite their fear of asking them, but we can

deduce that the teachers in Xochicalco create an environment of trust to open

dialogue and with them, they can communicate various topics of conversation about

interests towards their subject or others. . topics that are within the domain of their

teachers. Without a doubt, it was a great conclusion that could help other
 generations who find themselves in conflict with their current teachers and who can

truly see that the problems are mostly the students and their lack of interest, rather

than external reasons that are not created by themselves.

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