AUTHOR/S: Christine S. Diaz, Melba L. Manapol, Melanie Galvez
DATE COMPLETED: August 7, 2013
KEYWORDS:
ABSTRACT
This study is focused on the Alternative Learning System in Davao City described through the lens and voices of students, instructional managers and coordinators. It is a descriptive study utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches to answer queries on the respondents’ socio-demographic profile, their understanding of ALS learning strands, extent of realization of the core learning competencies of ALS, their experiences, challenges, impact of learning strands, and their suggestions for the improvement of ALS.
The respondents’ overall level of understanding on the ALS strands is extensive. This high understanding of the learning strands may be attributed to orientation sessions conducted to students at the beginning of their classes. As to the extent of realization of ALS core learning competencies, the student respondents gave an overall rating of very high on family life, economics and income as well as the environment while they rated health, sanitation and nutrition and civic consciousness high. A similar positive trend was also evident when it comes to the learners’ evaluation of the impact of the learning strands on them. In general, the experiences of the respondents reveal positive aspects about the ALS program. The learners find ALS very helpful in uplifting their condition despite their financial limitations and other stifling factors such as age and other social factors that prevent them from attending regular schooling.
The instructional managers and coordinators also shared their positive experiences. They feel happy that through ALS, their students are given the chance to finish schooling and become successful in life. They likewise regard the ALS as one form of community engagement.
The respondents cited various challenges such as the limited facilities, classrooms, textbooks, modules and measly honorarium for ALS IMs and coordinators. There are also other challenges such as the poor attendance of students brought by factors such as lack of transportation allowance, employer’s that disallow respondents to attend school or if not the learners have busy work schedules.
The respondents recommend better provisions for facilities, teaching resource materials, training and higher honorarium for instructional managers and coordinators. A higher budget for ALS and wider dissemination of the program were also recommended.
From the standpoint of researchers, a better ALS system in Davao City necessitates a multi-sectoral collaboration to address various concerns on ALS ranging from economic, social, political and educational dimensions. Furthermore, the good practices on ALS can be appropriated and given importance.
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