Interest and Approval Rate of CNSHS Students SY 2017-2018 on the inclusion of Korean Language in the K-12 Curriculum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The inclusion of the Korean language in the Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) was formalized in June 2017 under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Philippines and South Korea. Before and amid its implementation, controversies and dichotomies emerged among Filipinos especially in the broad spectrum of learners and educators. In response, this study sought to determine the interest and approval rate of Cavite National Science High School students on the inclusion of Korean language in the K-12 curriculum through survey method in order to aid future researchers in conducting thorough related studies.

METHODS

This study utilized survey method. Group-administered questionnaire (pencil and paper type) was employed among CNSHS students. The researchers used the SPFL Korean Interest Survey Form provided by the Korean Cultural Center in partnership with the Department of Education to specify the least and the most feasible interests that fueled students' approval with the inclusion of Korean language in the K-12 curriculum. It also scrutinized their approval rating on the program's implementation. The results were derived through cross-tabulation and percentage ranking method.

RESULTS

The approval rate of CNSHS students in this program was 96.08% or 825 students. Grade 7 reached the highest approval rating of 97.79% out of 136 students while Grade 11 achieved the lowest with 91% out of 146 students. In terms of interest rate, Statement A and I attained the highest which were selected by 97.90% or 841 students. The succeeding rank of interest rate from highest to lowest with the equivalent total number of students were as follows: C (97.56%), J (96.97%), B (96.62%), E (96.51%), H (95.58%), D (95.34%), G (95.23%), and F (90.69%).

DISCUSSIONS

The Grade 7 students of CNSHS highly accepted the program while Grade 11 students showed the least approval. Appreciation of other culture and friendly relationship and good camaraderie to other race were the topmost interests of students in the program implementation. These were succeeded by interests about global competitiveness, future employment abroad, deeper respect and understanding of other nation, helping tourism and business opportunities, social connection, bright future of their families, self-confidence and communication skill building, scholarship grants in the future, and promoting a culture of peace. The results of this study strived to shed light in the assessment tool preparation of the future researchers of related studies.