A careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific

methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “Research is a systematic inquiry to
describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. Research involves inductive and
deductive methods.”

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investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted
theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.

-Merriam Webster

BENEFITS OF RESEARCH

Conducting research is an important part of the college experience, especially as an undergraduate. It

offers you many benefits that include:

Fostering critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on learning

Defining academic, career and personal interests

Expanding knowledge and understanding of a chosen field outside of the classroom

Developing one-on-one connections with distinguished faculty in their field

Building community with peers, faculty and organizations on- and off-campus.

-University of San Diego

Senior High School Curriculum in the Philippines, USA, and Japan

Article (PDF Available) · September 2016 with 

Danilo H. Sarmiento

Ronald Orale

Abstract

The study is a review of the literature on the basic education (k-12) curriculum specifically the senior
high school (SHS) of the Philippines, Japan, and the US. Results of the review show that the SHS
curriculum is intended to prepare students to enter into college/university or to work in the industry or
be an entrepreneur. The SHS program is the last level in all basic education programs of the countries
reviewed. The Philippines has a clearer model with at least four tracks (academics, tech-voc, sports, arts
& design) and at least ten strands. Japan has two tracks in academics and tech-voc. The US basic
education system varies from state to state, similar to its SHS curriculum. There is no definite track as this
is left to individual state and their school districts to decide. There are purely academic, tech-voc and
other types of schools. The majority of those who choose academic track are students who plans to
proceed to college. There are still a stigma in selecting tech-voc and other courses as this are seen by
many as the course for poor performing/problematic students. The enrollment in tech-voc schools in the
US is declining despite the surge of demand for skilled workers. In the three countries, the availability of
qualified teachers is still an issue. This situation is very real in the Philippines as it started the SHS
program in June 2016. Other problems includes the need to construct a huge number of classrooms and
facilities. All of these are currently being addressed too by the government.

The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education,
four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for
mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education,
middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students may choose a
specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The choice of career track will define the
content of the subjects a student will take in Grades 11 and 12. SHS subjects fall under either the Core
Curriculum or specific Tracks.

CORE CURRICULUM
There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages, Literature,
Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Current content from
some General Education subjects are embedded in the SHS curriculum.

TRACKS

Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic; Technical-Vocational-
Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands: Business, Accountancy,
Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to provide them
relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.

TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a National Certificate
Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track in Grade 12, a student may obtain a
National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics, and Trade.

MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high schools, and higher
education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This is a Research and Design (R&D)
program to simulate different aspects of Senior High School in preparation for full nationwide
implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling programs offered by these schools are based on students’
interests, community needs, and their respective capacities.
NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND LIVELIHOOD READINESS, 21ST
CENTURY SKILLS)

After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum, and a
specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into different paths – may it
be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Every graduate will be equipped with:

Information, media and technology skills,

Learning and innovation skills,

Effective communication skills, and

Life and career skills.

SENIOR HIGH (GRADES 11-12)

Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students may choose a
specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The choice of career track will define the
content of the subjects a student will take in Grades 11 and 12. Each student in Senior High School can
choose among three tracks: Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The
Academic track includes three strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities,
Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

APPLIED TRACK SUBJECTS

English for academic and professional purposes

Practical research 1

Practical research 2

Filipino sa piling larangan

Akademik

Isports

Sining

Tech-voc

Empowerment technologies (for the strand)

Entrepreneurship

Inquiries, investigatories, and immersion

GOVPH

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/k-12/