SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

1
EFFECTIVENESS OF ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM INTO THE
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS AMONG THE
SELECTED SCHOOLS IN STO TOMAS PAMPANGA

A Senior High School Research

Presented to
San Matias National High School – Senior High School Department
San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Subject
PRACTICAL RESEARCH II
S.Y. 2019-2020

Mutuc, Mariel M.

Pangilinan, Michaella P.

Gabito, Jenny Rose P.

Mendoza, Angelo Jose T.

Palanog, Billy Joel C.

 SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

APPROVAL SHEET

This research entitled “Effectiveness of Alternative Learning System

in to the Academic Performance of the students among the
Selected Schools of Sto. Tomas, Pampanga ” prepared and
submitted by Mutuc, Mariel M., Pangilinan, Michaella P., Gabito,
Jenny Rose P., Mendoza, Angelo Jose T. and Palanog, Billy Joel C.
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Practical Research II
S.Y. 2019 – 2020 has been examined and recommended for acceptance
and approval for Research Colloquium.

Mr. Leonilo B. Capulso

Practical Research II Teacher
 SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page ….…………………………………………………………………..1

Approval Sheet ………………………………………………………………..2

Table of Content ………………………………………………………………3

Chapter 1:

I. Introduction …………………………………………………………….4

II. Theoretical Framework ………………………………………………7

III. Statement of the Problem……………………………………………9

IV. Scope and Deliminations …...……….……...…………………..…..9

V. Significance of the Study ……………………….……………..…..10

VI. Review Related Literature……………..………………………...11

VII. Definition of Terms ………………………………………………17

 SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Alternative Learning System (ALS) was established to provide all

Filipinos the chance to have access and complete their basic education

in a way that fits their distinct situations and needs. As a parallel learning

system, ALS consists of Informal Education and Non-Formal Education,

the latter being comprised of the Basic Literacy Program (BLP) and the

Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A&E). Adults, OOSYs, and

OOSCs who cannot read and write can learn under BLP. Meanwhile,

learners 15 years old and above who can read and write but have not

completed basic education can continue elementary or secondary

schooling through A&E (DepEd, 2016).

ALS Learners receive education for free and benefit from five

learning strands based on the definition of functional literacy:

communication; problem solving and critical thinking; sustainable use of

resources and productivity; development of self and sense of community;

and expanding one’s world vision (DepEd, 2016).

As much as 16.59 million Filipinos now have better opportunity for

employment and livelihood as the Department of Education (DepEd) is

 SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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working double-time to revive and expand the coverage of the Alternative

Learning System (ALS). The figure, which translates to 39.03 percent or

two-fifths of the entire labor force, is based on the Philippine Statistics

Authority’s (PSA) data on working Filipinos who have not completed

basic education as of April 2016 (DepEd, 2016). And it is a common

knowledge that educational attainment is directly related to the kind of

life he or she will make.

There were already few published researches focused on ALS

impact to the lives of the learners and offer recommendations for a more

differentiated approach to improve the Accreditation and Equivalency (A

& E) Test results. But none was made to gather ‘deep’ information and

perceptions on ALS teachers and learners’ interaction. Implementation of

ALS programs requires highly dedicated and multi-skilled teachers who

will deal with diverse types of learners. These teachers play an important

role in learners' lives, they spend a significant amount of time with our

second-chance learnersand they as well positively influenceto the

success of every learner; and, the learners’ cooperation and participation

greatly contributes to attainment of their common goal: gain functional

literacy.

In Camarines Sur (CamSur) Division, a total of 17, 680 learners

(Learners Information System (LIS) 2016) catered by ALS in 2016, with

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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60 % of completion rate of the program; and a total of 432 DepEd

procured permanent teachers and Barangay Literacy Workers (BLW).

The completion of any progdoes not guarantee learners of moving to the

next stage or level in Basic Education, in Technical-Vocational Schools

or in College; however, learners are assured of acquiring new skills.

Every learner needs to pass the A&E Test first before going to the next

stage or level.

After two years of working as Education Program Specialist II of

ALS the researcher is surprise, and sometimes speechless by the

expectations placed on the shoulder of ALS teachers on having at least

35 test takers on A & E and 50% must pass. Teachers who met and

surpassed the said criteria will be an awardees during the graduation of

ALS passers (DepEd ALS CamSur, 2016).But, A & E is just one of the

ALS programs and just one out of seven Key Result Areas (KRA) of ALS

teachers (RPMS Individual Performance and Commitment and Review

Form 2014). As a result, it’s either teachers struggle to keep up with the

demandor disappointed that their efforts were not appreciated. How

about the teacher’s effort on teaching BLP learners and Informal

Education learners; the effort and enthusiasm to keep learners

participative; the conduct of survey and mapping in the entire

municipality; and, the advocacy campaign steered? With these questions

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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in mind, the researcher designed this phenomenological study to

reflectively examine the interactions of ALS teachers and learners in their

pursuit of gaining functional literacy. Every individual has unique

preconceive thoughts and feelings influenced by environmental, social

and personal factors. Thus, assessing these traits, knowing motivations

to learning and identifying the barriers in pursuing functional literacy will

give the concerned authorities an information which would enhance or

modify the delivery of alternative education to the clienteles. And that

through this research, some deep issues, untold stories will be revealed

and documented.

I. Theoretical Framework

According to Paulo Freire used “problem-posing” methods to

raise awareness of social issues and to stimulate action by

disadvantaged groups. Using a process of analysis, reflection, and

action, his approach to education was based on the belief that

community members need to be encouraged to think critically about

problems in their daily lives in order to make decisions and take action.

Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences has had an

enormous impact on the field of education. Gardener posits at least

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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seven intelligences (musical, spatial, linguistic, logical/mathematical,

bodily/kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal), and asserts that

successful learning experiences should engage as many of these

intelligences as possible.

David Kolb popularized an awareness of learning styles, and

created a model that suggests four different categories of learning

concrete experimentation, reflective observation, abstract

conceptualization, and active experimentation. Kolb created a

methodology for incorporating these four categories into every learning

experience, the “experimental learning cycle.”

McCarthy expanded on Kolb’s work and the research on left and

right brain processes to create her 4MAT System. McCarthy suggested

four learning types: imaginative learners, analytic learners, common

sense learners, and dynamic learners.

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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II. Statement of the Problem

This research there will be enough willing participants which are

Alternative Learning Systems passer who have the maturity level

needed to participate in interviews and to create an artificial based

on their interaction to each other based on her/his field work

observation

Research Questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of

Grade, age and sex?

2. What are the experiences of the learners in their interaction to

gain functional literacy?

3. What are the reactions of learners towards the strategies of

teachers to gain functional literacy?

4. How are the experiences of learner’s reactions towards the

Teachers strategies translation to the functional literacy?

5. What are the advantage and disadvantage of being a

Alternative Learning System?

III. Scope and Delimitations

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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The researchers understands that this research approach was

not designed to reveal definitive answers to their research question,

nor is the approach designed to disprove a hypothesis – which are

goals associated with quantitative research. The results of this study

can’t be replicated due to the unique narratives of the participants

within the context of this particular study at this particular point in

time. They hopes that the findings of this study will yield viable

themes that reveal the teachers and learner’s experience in attaining

functional literacy, though the study’s design is labor intensive as it

involves making sense of a vast amount of data. They had to take

great care not to take participants’ accounts out of context; and for

participants who are hesitant to disclose experiences and withheld

some significant stories, they will apply several safeguards that will

promote trust. They will ensure that her study is guided by ethical

principles a described by ( Mark et al, 2005), namely: respect for

persons, beneficence, justice, consent, and confidentiality

IV. Significance of the Study

The result and findings of this study about the Effectiveness of

Alternative Learning System in to the Academic Performance of the

Students among the selected Schools in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

 SAN MATIAS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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sy:2019-2020 will both benefit to the students, teacher and also to the
other Researcher’s Alternative Learning System.

Learners- to view ALS as their second chance in completing the

basic education, in acquiring functional literacy skills and a possible note
to became productive and responsible citizen.

Teacher- give additional insights on instructional practices

considered valuable on helping learners gain functional literacy

Community and Local Government Unit- to strengthen the

partnership and will continue support all learners, especially those who
are disadvantaged and underserved.

Division Field Technical Assistance Teams- in modification of ALS

Teachers evaluating systems. The gauge Teachers effectiveness
through the A&E passing rate.

Bureau of Learning Delivery of DEPED- to intensity efforts to

provide quality, accessible, inclusive, and liberating basic public
education for ALS students.

V. Review of Related Literature

We the researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the research

literature and these are the following:

I. The study of Pilar (2015) was conducted to investigate the lived-

experiences among the alternative learning students (ALS) in
Bacolod City, Philippines. It conceptualized that education can be
flexible according to the needs of the learners thus, education can
take beyond borders. The qualitative-phenomenological approach
was used through thematizing the responses of the informants.
ALS teachers were searching for better teaching strategies for
them to improve their skills in teaching Basic English Grammar to
ALS students particularly the one who were in jail and in the care
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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of DSWD (for minor age, 16 –17year old). It is recommended that
the ALS students’ performance and development should be
monitored so that they will be ready to take the ALS accreditation
and equivalency test. Therefore, these ALS students need to be
provided with quality education beyond classroom.
II. In the study of Bantulo (2016) describe the experiences of
Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners in their pursuit to
education, their coping mechanisms on the challenges in their
educational pursuit and their dreams and aspirations in life. It also
uses the Phenomenological approach with 26 ALS learners from
different ALS centers of the Department of Education-Division of
Sarangani, Philippines for School Year 2015- 2016 were picked to
undergo in depth interview and focused group discussion. As
regards to ALS learners’ experiences in their pursuit to education,
the following were the themes: initiation to system, implication to
system, impetus and motivation, pleasures, inadequacies and
inconveniences. As to their challenges in their educational pursuit,
the themes that emerged were: industry, conscientiousness,
optimism and positivity. As to their insights, the themes were
generated: gainful employment, sense of accomplishment, and
progress and self-improvement. This study recommended to other
researcher to have a study that deals on the parameters of the
ALS teachers that highlights their personal experiences and
challenges face in implementing the ALS program in the far flung
schools may be useful and coherent to see the program from
different perspective.
III. Atillano, et al (2016) discussed that Instructional managers
should look into the factors contributing to the learning motivation
of the ALS learners in involving themselves in school or any
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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instructional program. Alternative Learning System providers
should also revisit and review the programs and balance out the
relationship of the learners’ ability and the appropriateness,
complexity and demands of the tasks given to them as the
relationship of these factors are crucial in bridging the willingness
of the learners needed for a successful achievement outcome.
Examining the topics to see if they are really relevant to the
general educational needs of the students would additionally help
in pursuing policy changes in the curricula and other programs of
study. This makes it necessary for instructional managers to find
out how to make their students interested in their lessons and
keep them motivated to study. It is additionally vital for the
teachers to help students realize the connection of the learning
objectives to real-life situations they might encounter in the future.
Also, coordination with parents must be strengthened to help
ensure a good relationship between the school and learners.
Positive parent involvement in the program is recommended
especially with adolescent learners. Students with involved
parents, regardless of family income or social background, are
more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, as well as enroll
in higher-level programs. They also have higher chances to
advance in their classes and earn credits. Students with strong
and nurturing parental support are more likely to attend classes
regularly, have better social skills, and usually graduate on time.
A career guidance programs should be provided to ALS learners
to bridge education with worthwhile employment and
entrepreneurship opportunities. This can increase the chances
that students will get more encouraged to do their best in
achieving the equivalency certificate. The conduct further studies
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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on the underlying causes will help ALS teachers, coordinators,
and administrators to create more effective school programs to
meet the special and specific needs of their students.
IV. Castolo, et al. (2016)a paper conducted to presents an
assessment framework on how can the Alternative Learning
System can best sustain its value and worth to achieve Education
for all in the Philippines. A threefold survey questionnaire was
used in the study has ninety-four items to measure the following
variables: 1) the components of the program implementation, 2)
cover the outcomes of the program, and 3) the challenges
perceived by the learners in the implementation. The results
provide insights in the determination of the unmet needs of the
learners and put to surface whether ALS intervention is sufficiently
intensive to achieve desired goals for the out of school youth.
Findings suggest that educational inputs along with its processes
have a statistical significant relationship with all its result and the
challenges in the implementation of the program. This also
analyzed the implementation efforts of the ALS Implementers.
V. A study conducted by Mercado (2015) discussed on the
problems encountered in the Alternative Learning System in
Tanauan City. The researcher tried to determine the possible
problems that the students encounter or experience in their
school. Asked respondents to assess the extent of the problem in
terms of content and instruction, assessment and evaluation and
lastly the resources and suggestions to address or solve the
problems that they encounter. The results were then used to
discuss its implications in the implementation of Alternative
Learning System in the city.
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L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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VI. Apao, et al. conducted a study using the qualitative-quantitative
research design to assess the implementation of the alternative
learning system program along provision of life skills, increased
literacy and quality of living. The Alternative Learning System A&E
program was effective in cultivating the life skills of the recipients.
The program improved the quality of living of the respondents as
they continue their pursuit for meaning and significance in life. It
proved that students still learn and acquire the life-long
competencies even outside the walls of the formal school system.
The alternative learning system was an option for those who
wanted to improve their quality of living and rise beyond poverty.
As an alternative to the formal school system, the government
needs to provide the physical and financial resources for
sustainability of the ALS program. Its governance should be
strengthened to maximize the participation of stakeholders to
bring the out-of-school youths and out-of-school adults to school
and let them finish their studies thereby increase literacy. The
strong support and collaboration of the stakeholders, the
commitment of both the learners and mobile teachers are
necessary in the effective implementation of the program.
VII. Baywong, et al. (2011), the general objective of this study is to
define, describe and explain existing stakeholders’ perception of
the strengths and weaknesses of the social services offered by
the government to the Out-of-school Youth. The study aims to
identify the problems or challenges experienced by the learners
while enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program
and lastly, to identify self-discoveries of the learners that lead to
self-realizations for the betterment of their economic, social and
cultural conditions. The results of the study intend to contribute to
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L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the instructional
delivery system of the Alternative Learning System towardsthe
students; to promote learning opportunities for the students; and
to improve instruction qualities for the students. Results reveal
the respondents perception of minimal support for the entire
implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS)
Program. The ALS program is perceived to have provided full
support to the learners in its main objective on the instruction and
education of the respondents. Moderate support from
government was perceived to be received for facilities, equipment
and the publishing and printing of bulletins. Slight support was
received for social integration of the learners and facilitation of
parent’s forum. According to the learners, they received no
support for income generation, medical health and provisions for
day care centers that are not the major components of the ALS
implementation. The challenge and problem encountered by the
learners while enrolled at the Alternative Learning System Center
that is moderately severe is the financial problems of the learners
and the implementers. Slightly severe problems encountered by
the learners are their personal, family and peer relations
problems, the lack of government supplementary support and
methods of teaching in the school. Generally, all of the learners
believe that the ALS education shall aid them in their competency
for a college education or for employment opportunities in the
future. Most of the respondents agree that the knowledge
acquired from the ALS education is functional in their home and
for survival in the society. Majority of the respondents believe that
their education shall improve the quality of their life. More than
half of the respondents reveal that they seldom think of regretting
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L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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their being part of the ALS program. In this area of objective of
the non formal education or alternative learning, it has, in part,
complied with its aim in the development of the individual to
become self-reliant, self-sufficient, and self-disciplined to
participate in all activities and become productive citizens in their
national development efforts not only their lives but the state as a
whole.

VI. Definition of terms

 Alternative Learning System - It is a parallel learning system

in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing

formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access

formal education in schools, ALS is an alternate or substitute.

ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of

knowledge and skills.

 Basic Literacy Program (BLP) - is a program aimed at

eradicating illiteracy among out-of-schools youth and adults (in

extreme cases school-aged children) by developing basic

literacy skills of reading, writing and numeracy.

 Conceptualization - the action or process of forming a

concept or idea of something.

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L. Gomez Subd. San Matias, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga

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 Implementation - the process of putting a decision or plan into

effect; execution.

 Kinesthetic - relating to a person's awareness of the position

and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory

organs (proprioceptor) in the muscles and joints.

 Linguistic - relating to language or linguistics.

 Methodology - a system of methods used in a particular area

of study or activity.

 Spatial - relating to or occupying space.

 Thematize - present or select (a subject) as a theme.