Undergraduate thesis

This study investigates the Perception and Process Assessment of hotel exposure trips as an experiential learning tool for bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students at Olivarez College. The research uses Kolb{92}s Experiential Cycle as its theoretical framework to assess students{92}s perceptions and the learning process during these trips. A total of 76 students were involved through questionnaire and narrative reflections. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the demographic profile, knowledge, and conceptualization of hotel operation while thematic analysis was used to interpret narrative accounts. Results showed that the majority of respondents were third-year students and had displayed an acceptable level of knowledge both in reflective observation and active experimentation. Practical exercises such as cocktail preparation and housekeeping demonstration indicated increased confidence and practice while the role-playing exercises such as front office operation indicated lower confidence and practice in the students. Finding about the stories told revealed positive experiences of teamwork, empathy, and communication, yet students describe their feeling of anxiety and being overwhelmed during authentic tasks. The study concludes that exposure trips to hotels play an important role in developing technical skills and soft competencies which are vital for the hospitality industry, but the organized support is needed to ensure that the most can be learnt from them. Recommendations include the use of guided reflection, an increase in hands-on practice and the implementation of a Hotel Immersion Program Evaluation Tool (HIPET) which can be used to monitor and improve student learning outcomes on future exposure trips.