Challenges Encountered By Returnees over-Aged Students of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Barangay171

Abstract

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. It only requires learners to attend learning sessions based on the agreed schedule between the learners and the learning facilitators. The program has two different schematics for conducting instruction: school-based and community-based. On the school-based program, instructions are conducted on school campuses while in the community-based program, formal instruction is conducted in community halls or private places. The ALS program follows uniform lesson modules for all academic subjects covering the sciences, mathematics, English, Filipino, social studies, and current events among others. Delivery of instructions is provided by government-paid instructors or by a private non-government organization. The study will use the historical and descriptive research method. The historical and descriptive methods are used because of their appropriateness to the problem since the study has to document the challenges encountered by over-aged student returnees of Alternative Learning System in Barangay 171, Bagumbong, Caloocan City. The majority of the Alternative Learning System Students find Mathematics as the hardest subject having a weighted mean of 3.29 followed by Science, TLE, Language and Araling Panlipunan. Most of the student returnees are coping with formal system instruction through their determination followed by maintaining good relations to the teacher, making friends, and managing time. The major reasons that led the student returnees in deciding to continue their education are ranked: to achieve life goals, to obtain a better work position, to be able to work abroad, and to improve life skills and obtain a diploma. These show that most of the student returnees are determined to achieve their goals. Teachers and other support systems should continue motivating them through constantly reminding them of the importance of education.