Effectiveness of Holding Functioning Literacy Class for Senior Citizens of Nagcarlan, Laguna through Alternative Learning System

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

With its noble effort to bring a highly affordable educational completion program closer, not only to the out-of-school youths but also to the interested and aspiring senior citizens, the Alternative Learning System of Nagcarlan, Laguna, pioneered the holding of Functional Literacy class for Senior Citizens in 2015. Proving that it is never too late to learn, a good number of pioneering respondents availed of the program. The program was first in Laguna and in Region IV as well. The senior citizens come from the six barangays of the municipality; their ages range from 60-80 years old.

METHODS

This study made use of the descriptive correlative method, which describes respondents' personal attributes. This also employed the face-to-face mode of learning a delivery system which helped maximize the learning proficiency of every senior citizen.

RESULTS

The functional literacy classes of the succeeding batches of learners intend to affect the process of andragogy to them. English is the medium of instruction for Communication Skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and Filipino for the rest of the learning strands. Basic communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing, simple critical thinking and problem-solving are the main focus of their twice-a-week literacy session being conducted in the now considered a very significant landmark in the town of Nagcarlan, Province of Laguna, Nagcarlan Senior Citizen Center. This is a project-offering of the 7th Anniversary of FAILON NGAYON in line with his advocacy for senior citizens.

DISCUSSIONS

The holding of the Functional Literacy class for Senior Citizen paves the way for further community development, where the least expected serviceable sector, the senior citizens can further render service to the community through their association in the capacity of chairman, secretary, treasurer and other similar position in the barangay where qualification of literacy is required. Enhancing these skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing, simple critical thinking and problem-solving enable them to develop a deeper sense of confidence, "AGE DOES NOT MATTER" as far as learning and barangay community service is concerned. Likewise, the competencies of ALS implementers and their versatility in handling a special group of learners are being improved. An exercise of a high degree of tolerance and patience is being practiced to establish a good teaching-learning rapport between the teacher and senior citizen learners.