Lost in Learning

ARTICLE: KATE ANN JAVIER | FEBRUARY 23, 2024.

Chances are high that nine out of ten ten-year-old Filipino students from public schools might encounter difficulty in comprehending a simple paragraph appropriate for their age—a harsh reality revealed by statistics.

The gravity of the situation becomes evident when we look at how the country ranked in international assessments of ‎skills and knowledge. Unfortunately, in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, the Philippines ended up last in reading and second to last in both science and math among 79 countries. This isn't just numbers; it's a genuine concern for our students trying to navigate a tough and competitive world. Addressing this issue is of utmost importance as it signifies a serious crisis in learning.

Being lost in learning is evident in the day-to-day experiences of Filipino students. Difficulty grasping fundamental concepts might result in lower grades, diminished confidence, and increased frustration.

The immediate impact extends beyond the classroom, affecting students' self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning. Struggling with basic comprehension at an early age may lead to a cycle of academic challenges, affecting the overall learning outcomes of Filipino students.

Lack of quality education not only hinders the individual growth of students but also raises questions about the effectiveness of teaching methods and curriculum. The dismal performance of Filipino students in global assessments reflects a critical concern for the nation's education system.

‘Learning poverty,’ according to the World Bank and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, is the inability to read and comprehend short, age-appropriate texts by the age of ten, corresponding to Grade 4 to Grade 5 in a country's K-12 system.

In high-income countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, this rate is remarkably low at 3% to 4%. However, in Vietnam, it stands at 18%, the lowest among the Southeast Asian nations surveyed. This concerning situation cannot just be accepted, especially given the substantial financial investments made annually in the public basic education sector.

The significant challenge lies in the lack of access to quality education affecting millions of students. Disparities in resources and infrastructure create barriers, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reporting that around 20% of Filipino youth are out of school.

The absence of concrete plans in the education system contributes to the crisis. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in widening the learning gap. Studies reveal that children from low-income families face a higher risk of dropping out.

In 2012, the Philippine government undertook significant initiatives to enhance the education system, with a particular focus on the K-12 program. The K-12 program, introduced to align the country's educational system with global standards, has expanded the curriculum to include senior high school, preparing students for higher education and the workforce.

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of the K-12 program requires a thorough assessment of its impact on student outcomes and the adaptability of graduates in a rapidly evolving job market. The implementation of policies under the Department of Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte's oversight warrants scrutiny, focusing on transparency, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of policies with the diverse needs of the Filipino population.

Confronting the learning crisis requires targeted efforts, addressing the root causes with strategic plans, increased resources, and policies that bridge the gaps. The road to resolving this crisis starts with understanding and acting upon these fundamental challenges.

The crisis is clear—the youth is missing out on learning. This is an urgent call to action we all need to come together to find an effective solution to this.

Let's imagine a future where every Filipino child gets the chance to learn and grow.

It's time for us to change things and make sure no child gets left behind in their education. Our youth, the hope of the nation, should not be lost in learning.