Learning Mathematics with Alternative Learning System through a Lens: A Literature Review

Gilmore Yanoyan Velasco^1, and Laila S. Lomibao²

¹School of Teacher Education, J.H. Cerilles State College, Dumingag Campus, Philippines

²University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

Cite this paper:
Gilmore Yanoyan Velasco and Laila S. Lomibao. Learning Mathematics with Alternative Learning System through a Lens: A Literature Review. Journal of Innovations in Teaching and Learning. 2024; 4(1):61-65. doi: 10.12691/jitl-4-1-10

Abstract

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) has over 4 million enrollees from 2016 to 2021 [7]. It was established in 2004 to offer basic education opportunities to out-of-school children, youth, and adults, aiming to provide all Filipinos access to and completion of basic education tailored to their unique situations and needs. However, reports [12,19,28] indicate that ALS hasn't yielded significant results in addressing these needs, particularly in terms of students' performance in mathematics. Consequently, this study was done to conduct a systematic review and synthesis of mathematics learning among ALS students. It followed the PICo (Population, Interest, Context) framework to analyze published articles on mathematics education within the ALS context.Two prominent themes emerged to describe the individuals directly involved in ALS implementation: "the diverse backgrounds of ALS students" and "Teachers - The Heroes of the ALS program." These themes shed light on the wide-ranging backgrounds of both ALS teachers and students, highlighting the challenges they encountered due to their varied foundational skills and social backgrounds. The study also unveiled noteworthy aspects of the ALS program, summarized in themes like "Unconventional Teaching Approach" and "Limited Parental Influence."Given the diversity of student backgrounds, the challenging learning environment, and the varying qualifications of ALS teachers, it becomes imperative for educators to employ flexible and adaptive teaching strategies. Furthermore, comprehending these key themes holds significant importance in crafting effective strategies, resource materials, programs, and policies aimed at improving mathematics education for ALS students, while also recognizing the invaluable dedication of ALS teachers who play a pivotal role in their education.

Keywords:
Alternative Learning System ALS mathematics performance problem-solving

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]	Ozturk, I. (2008, May). The Role of Education in Economic Development: A Theoretical Perspective. SSRN.
[2]	Schwab, K., & Sala-i-Martín, X. (2015). Global Competitiveness Report. Retrieved from http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2015-2016/education/#view/fn-53.
[3]	International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. (2008, August). Economic Growth in Developing Countries: Education Proves Key. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https:// previous.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/resources/publications/IIASAPolicyBriefs/pb03-web.pdf.
[4]	Woessmann, L. (2014, December). The Economic Case for Education. European Expert Network on Economics of Education. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1086778.
[5]	Philippine News Agency. (2021, February). Growing number of out-of-school youth ‘cause of concern.’ Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https:// www.pna.gov.ph/ articles/ 1129909#: ~:text=Based%20on%202017%20Philippine%20Statistics,6%20to%2011%20years%20old.
[6]	Romero, P. (2021, February 8). Senators Alarmed over Increasing number of dropouts. The Philippine Star. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/02/08/2076087/senators-alarmed-over-increasing-number-dropouts.
[7]	Courses. (n.d.). Alternative Learning System. Retrieved from https://www.courses.com.ph/alternative-learning-system/.
[8]	Fakeye, D. (2012). Teachers’ Qualification and Subject Mastery as Predictors of Achievement in English Language in Ibarapapa Division of Oyo State. Global Journal of Human Social Science.
[9]	Kini, T. & Podolsky, A. (2016). Does Teaching Experience Increase Teacher Effectiveness? A Review of the Research (research brief). Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute.
[10]	Adegbile, J. A., & Adeyemi, B. A. (2008). Enhancing Quality Assurance through Teachers' Effectiveness. Educational Research and Reviews. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ893919.
[11]	Igarashi, T., Acosta, P., & Tenazas, N. (2020, June 11). Second-Chance Education Should Not Be Second-Class: The Philippines’ Alternative Learning System. East Asia & Pacific on the Rise. Retrieved from https:// blogs.worldbank.org/ eastasiapacific/ second-chance-education-should-not-be-second-class-philippines-alternative-learning.
[12]	Arzadon, M. M., & Nato, R. J. (2015, December). The Philippine Alternative Learning System: Expanding the Educational Future of the Deprived, Depressed, and Undeserved. The 9th International Conference on Researching Work and Learning (RWL9) on 9 – 12 December 2015. Philippines: Singapore: Institute for Adult Learning. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https:// www.researchgate.net/ publication/ 330881893_ THE_PHILIPPINE_ALTERNATIVE_ LEARNING_ SYSTEM_ EXPANDING_ THE_ EDUCATIONAL_ FUTURE_OF_THE_DEPRIVED_ DEPRESSED_AND_ UNDERSERVED.
[13]	Aguhayon, Tingson, & Pentang. (2023, April 3). Addressing Students Learning Gaps in Mathematics through Differentiated Instruction - IIARI. IIARI. https:// iiari.org/ journal_article/ addressing-students-learning-gaps-in-mathematics-through-differentiated-instruction/.
[14]	Bernardo, A. B., II, M. O., Lapinid, M. R., Teves, J. M., Yap, S. A., & Chua, U. C. (2022). Contrasting Profiles of Low-Performing Mathematics Students in Public and Private Schools in the Philippines: Insights from Machine Learning. Journal of Intelligence, 10(3), 3.
[15]	Aguhayon, H. G., Tingson, R. D., & Pentang, J. T. (2023, March 1). Addressing Students Learning Gaps in Mathematics through Differentiated Instruction. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 4(1), 69-87.
[16]	Smith, V., Devane, D., Begley, C. M., & Clarke, M. (2011, February 3). Methodology in Conducting a Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews of Healthcare Interventions. BMC Medical Research Methodology.
[17]	Pinca, E. (2015). The Mobile Teachers’ Profile, Competencies, Performance and Problems in the Department of Education, Division of Northern Samar, Philippines. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research.
[18]	Doronila, M. (1997, May). Research and Development Approach to the Delivery of Comprehensive Functional Education and Literacy in the Philippines. Paper Presented at the Asia Literacy Regional Forum. Manila, Philippines.
[19]	PACIFIC, E. A. (2016, May 10). Republic of the Philippines Alternative Learning System Study Alternative and Inclusive Learning in the Philippines.
[20]	Schenkel, B. D. (2009). The Impact of an Attitude Toward Mathematics on Mathematics Performance. Marietta College. Retrieved July 29, 2023, from http:// rave.ohiolink.edu/ etdc/view? acc_num=marietta1241710279.
[21]	Odogwu, A., & Benedicta, A. U. (2015, September 15). Attitude as Correlate of Students Academic Achievement in Mathematics at the Senior Secondary School Level in Delta State. Journal for Studies in Management and Planning, 1, 153-160. Retrieved from https:// www.semanticscholar.org/ paper/ Attitude-as-Correlate-of-Students-Academic-in-at-in-Odogwu-Benedicta/ 6b2019 cb7f67421e87eeeef2552efdb9d3cb061e.
[22]	Rosa, E. D., & Bernardo, A. (2013, October). Are Two Achievement Goals Better Than One? Filipino Students' Achievement Goals, Deep Learning Strategies and Affect. 27.
[23]	Arzadon, M. M., Abaya, E., Romerosa, P., & Resurreccion, A. (2023, June). “Teaching the ALS Way”: Lessons on Educational Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Asia-Pacific Social Science Review, 23.
[24]	Kearney, W. S., & Garfield, T. (2019). Student Readiness to Learn and Teacher Effectiveness: Two Key Factors in Middle Grades Mathematics Achievement. RMLE Online, 42(5), 1-12.
[25]	Pardimin, A., & Huda, M. (2018, June). Investigating Factors Influencing Mathematics Teaching Performance: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Instruction, 11(3), 391-399.
[26]	Polaki, M. (2006). Looking at the Mathematics Curriculum and Mathematics Textbooks to Identify Statistical Concepts that Lesotho’s High School Students Experience. International Association for Statistical Education. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https:// iase-web.org/ documents/ papers/ icots7/ 9B1_ POLA.pdf.
[27]	Wamala, R., Kizito, O., & Jjemba, E. (2013). Academic Achievement of Ugandan Sixth Grade Students: Influence of Parents Education Levels. Contemporary Issues In Education Research, 6(1), 133-139. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1073242.
[28]	Pascual, E. A., Virtudez, S. M., & Cambia, K. C. (2022). Lived-Experience of Former ALS (Alternative Learning System) Students of Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines. International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG).