LEARNING DELIVERY

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Learning Delivery

A LS-EST operates under the framework of lifelong learning, which refers to

“all learning activities whether formal, non-formal or informal, undertaken
throughout life, which results in improving knowledge, know-how, skills,
competencies and/or qualifications” (PQF Law IRR).

Learning delivery comprises means and resources used to structure the learning
experience. Under ALS-EST, the learning delivery modalities used as they
are customized according to each learner: individual learning level, personal
characteristics, learning needs, and learning styles.

Key Elements of ALS-EST Learning Delivery

ALS-EST adopts the elements of learning delivery prescribed in ALS and enhances
them with additional elements relevant to the integration of skills training with the
education component.

Self-directed Learning: Recognizing Learners as Partners

Learners are not mere receivers of ALS-EST intervention but have a central role as
partners in their own learning journey.

As the main clients of the ALS-EST program, the Program offerings are designed
to be responsive to the needs of the Learners. The Program:

• Respects the Learners’ views in terms of what, how, and where they learn.

• Provides Learners with ample opportunities to reflect on their own learning

and their central role in it.

• Empowers Learners as key ALS-EST stakeholders.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL refers to the “acknowledgement of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired

through various training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant
status or credit” (PQF Law IRR).

According to Smith and Clayton (2009), learners benefit from RPL.

• They are better able to appreciate personal skills and knowledge gained from
various experiences and contexts.

• It helps create ‘an approach to learning and doing.’ By contextualizing the

knowledge and skills offered, learners will have greater success in the program
of study and on the job.

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Collaborating with the Learner: Individual Learning Agreement

The ILA is an agreement between the Learning Facilitator and the Learner to
guide them through the learning process.
The ILA is based on the Learner’s:
• Broad learning goals
• Specific learning objectives
• Plans or strategies to reach his/her learning objectives
• Time frame
The ILA is a planning and assessment tool.
• After enrollment, the Learner
sits down with a Learning
At the moment, the ILA mostly covers the
Facilitator for a counselling basic ed component. ALS-EST hopes to
session to develop an ILA. eventually include specific skills training
competencies, fitted to the learner’s intended exit
• The ILA is based on a in the ILA.
Learner’s prior learning, past For ALS-EST, it may not always be possible for
experiences, and current a learner to curate competencies for skills
and future needs. training, especially those that follow the TESDA
TRs (see Chapter 8, Assessment, Certification
•
The ILA determines the and Recognition).
support a Learner receives:
selection of learning modules and supplementary learning materials,
scheduling, and other learning support strategies like study groups
• The Learner and Learning Facilitator regularly review and update the ILA.
(ALS Manual, forthcoming)

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Adult Learning and Constructivism

Adult learning and constructivism encourage active learning, independent

learning, experiential learning, and cooperative learning.

The 4As of adult learning: Activity, Analysis, Abstraction, and Application is

illustrated in Figure 6-1.

Figure 6-1. 4As of Adult Learning

Practical application
of new knowledge and skills
The final stage in the learning
model is the practical Learning Experience
application and trying out Through a learning activity,
of new skills and learning. learners experience and
Successful application acquire new knowledge
leads to learners beginning and skills.
a new activity and
beginning a new 4A cycle.
Linking new knowledge
Demonstrating/ and skills to existing
generalizing new skills experience
Through processing or Learners need time to
analyzing their new experiences process or analyze their
and linking them with existing experiences. New knowledge
experiences, learners begin to and skills have to be linked to
demonstrate new understandings what they already know and can do.
and apply new skills. This is a process of They have to think about how they can
generalization or abstraction. use their new knowledge and skills.

Adopted from: ALS Manual (Forthcoming)

The constructivist approach to teaching asserts that a Learner gains and builds
knowledge through experience.

• It recognizes that life experiences are rich resources for continued learning.
Learning Facilitators are expected to analyze the Learner’s past experiences
and relate these to current lessons.

Ideally, Learning Facilitators do not only hold lectures or drills, but also
facilitate group discussions, simulations and role-playing, and other
activities that build on what Learners already know or have experienced.
Learning Facilitators assess which modules/lessons could be learned
independently, and which ones require more scaffolding and facilitator-led
learning support.

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Based on Learners’ age and experience, Learning Facilitators can organize

small collaborative groups, including for project-based work, study groups,
buddy systems for learning and counselling.

• Experiential learning is crucial for skills training.

A Learner should be able to practice the competencies s/he is trying to acquire.
For instance, for carpentry training, a Learner imbibes the skills best when s/he
builds an actual table or chair using appropriate equipment and tools. A Learner
benefits from immediate feedback, correcting errors or improving the way s/he
designs, and consequently builds the table or chair.

Contextualized Teaching-Learning Process

Contextualization refers to the educational process of relating the curriculum to

a particular setting, situation or area of application to make the competencies
relevant, meaningful, and useful to all Learners (D.O. 32, s. 2015).
Contextualization is done by referring to local culture, history, and everyday
reality in lessons. Activities that connect strongly with the community and practice
beyond the classroom are important. For example, the Learning Facilitator can
make use of local traditions and practices as lesson themes. S/he can invite local
leaders and elders to talk about community concerns, or entrepreneurs to discuss
emerging business opportunities.
The learning environment also needs to be contextualized (Oyasu, 2002).
• A good learning environment is suitable and conducive to teaching-learning,
welcoming to everyone, and a source of pride for its users.
• As a variant of ALS, which has great flexibility when it comes to where
teaching-learning happens, ALS-EST has access to a broad range of learning
environments (schools, barangay centers, workshops, farms).
• ALS-EST recognizes the importance of a school or learning center. It serves as
a link between formal and NFE, and is a tangible symbol for lifelong learning
and community participation.
Project-Based Learning
Projects and portfolios are opportunities that allow learners to study an area more
thoroughly, develop new skills and understanding, and demonstrate to others
what they know and can do. A project covers various competencies from multiple
learning strands. (A Teacher’s Guide, forthcoming) (See Chapter 8, Assessment.)

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• Having project-based learning (PBL) as a core methodology, with the use of

portfolios for both reflection and assessment, helps provide “evidence of
learners’ skills of collecting, analyzing, and reporting information in a practical
way.”

• A project should cover competencies from multiple learning strands in the

Curriculum. The learner is encouraged to focus on topics that they find
interesting and relevant, and useful for their school and community.

• A learner working towards the employment exit will be encouraged to

develop a career and employment plan for their project, while those working
towards the entrepreneurship exit can create a business plan.

Seamless Integration of Learning

ALS-EST recognizes that learning becomes more meaningful when Learners are
able to use and apply what they learn. As such, learning sessions are designed
with subject areas that are integrated with the six ALS learning strands, skills
training, work readiness, and learning-to-learn skills.

Lessons are holistic, practical, and current. Ideally, they are also problem-centered
or project-centered rather than subject-centered.

Integration is achieved when Learning Facilitators and Skills Trainers coordinate

and collaborate. For instance, they can plan lessons together, exchange teaching-
learning materials, do curriculum mapping, and practice team teaching – to
integrate basic ed and skills training (see Chapter 7, Learning Facilitators and Tech-
Voc Teachers).

Competency-Based Framework for Learning/Skills Training and Immersion

The ALS-EST skills training component is anchored on a competency-based

approach to teaching, learning, and assessment. This is aligned with TESDA’s
competency standards for middle-level skilled workers.

The implementing schools identify the units of competency for each skill area.
These are structured around descriptors for acceptable work performance and
are packaged into qualifications corresponding to critical jobs and occupations
in the industry sectors.

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The Program recognizes that immersion is a powerful learning delivery strategy as

it gives Learners opportunities to practice his/her skills in real work environments.

Both DepEd and DOLE have issued guidelines on implementing work immersion
programs (especially for Learners of minor age), which ALS-EST implementers
and stakeholders should refer to (D.O. 30 s. 2017, D.O. 39 s. 2018 and DOLE Labor
Advisory no. 9).

Matching Skills Training/s to Local Industry Needs

Ideally, ALS-EST implementing schools assess the demand of industries in
the community to guide them on what skills training to offer. This will help
them determine the teaching capacity, and tools and equipment needed
for such skills training. (Source: D.O. 40, s. 2015 and Memo 76, s. 2016)

Medium of Instruction

ALS-EST follows existing policies on medium of instruction, and will develop

refinements, as needed. Learning Facilitators can use a Learners’ mother
tongue, Filipino, English, or a combination, as long as learning sessions are
able to prepare Learners to take the assessment/s for the exit/s they choose.

The use of Learners’ mother tongue/s in the teaching-learning process is

part of inclusive education and contextualization that DepEd espouses.

Delivery Modes and Teaching-Learning Strategies

ALS-EST implementing schools and Learning Facilitators are encouraged to
innovate and try new ways of teaching and learning. They can choose which mode
or combination of modes is most appropriate for their target Learners. Table 6-1
describes some of the most common delivery modes that can be employed in
ALS-EST.

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Table 6-1. Common Modes of Learning Delivery and Teaching-Learning Strategies

Mode or Strategy Description Advantage

Face to Face (F2F) The whole learning session takes It provides one-on-one instructional
place between the facilitator and support and direct instructional
the learner/s in one place in real supervision and feedback.
time, in a group learning session or
individualized tutorial.
Independent The learner learns by himself/ It allows learner more control of his/
herself using learning tools and her learning in time, pace, and style.
self-instructional materials/modules.
It may involve interactive /computer-
based instruction.
Peer Learning It is a broad sweep of activities Provides opportunities to connect
ranging from discussions, study with peers and learn from each other,
groups, tutoring or mentoring using thereby adding a social dimension
a buddy system, collaborating on to the learning process. This
a project and community activities social dimension can be an added
(Boud, 2002). motivation for learning.
It allows learners to take
responsibility for their own learning
and, more generally, practice learning
how to learn (Boud, 2002).
Blended It is a teaching-learning combination It combines the advantages of face-
involving: computer/internet-based to-face and independent learning.
instruction, face-to-face facilitator- It provides a variety of learning
aided learning, and independent resources and modalities of learning.
study.
eSkwela A&E learning modules, converted into It combines the advantages of
digital format are being used by the independent learning and distance
learners. The digitized modules are learning.
stored in CDs and local servers of the
eSkwela center. To date, there are 143
digitized A&E core modules.
Radio- Based The main objective of this program It reaches a wider audience.
Instruction (RBI) is to provide learning opportunities
to radio listeners through broadcasts
of ALS lessons in a local community
radio station. This is managed by
the radio station with the Learning
Facilitators.
Immersion It is a simulated workplace experience It provides students “real workplace”
for the students to develop industry- experience, enabling them to make
based competencies (The Asia more informed career choices and
Foundation, 2018). improve their employment prospects
(The Asia Foundation, 2018).

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Organization of Learner Groups and Scheduling

An advantage of ALS and ALS-EST is that it has the flexibility to vary the program
schedules and timeframe of Learners, and organize Learners into groups or batches.

Many programs have a 10-month duration, but the phasing and/or integration
of the education and skills training varies within those 10 months. Some may be
shorter or longer than 10 months. Table 6-2 shows several examples.

• The length and schedule of the program depends on the skill area and the
minimum required training hours for NC.

• The Learners’ basic ed levels also matter, with learners at the JHS level having
a longer program than those in the basic literacy level.

• The schedule of the skills training depends on the availability of tech-voc

laboratories and workshops. ALS-EST allows for flexibility as long as the
Program’s objectives and key elements are met.

Table 6-2. Sample ALS-EST Timeframe and Schedule

Education and Skills Training

Program Duration Phasing or Integration Weekly Schedule
10 months 3 months of basic ed followed MWF, 8 hours a day or 24
by 4 months of skills training hours a week
and another 3 months of
basic ed
10 months basic ed and skills training 2x a week, 8 hours a day, or
integrated throughout the 10 16 hours a week
months
4 months 3 months of basic ed followed 3x a week
by one month of skills training

Learner Support Mechanisms

Implementing schools and Learning Facilitators can also extend other forms of
support to Learners as outlined in Table 6-3.

ALS-EST implementing schools and Learning Facilitators are encouraged to link

the Learners with community and industry partners.

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When learning is integrated, relevant, and properly supported, the Learner is

motivated to participate and meet target learning outcomes. By having more
positive experiences, s/he becomes even more prepared to continue learning.
This will help make the ALS-EST program succeed.

Table 6-3. Examples of Learner Support Mechanisms

Description Benefits
Home or Teacher visits the Learner’s home / • Learning Facilitator provides
community community to know him/her better individualized tutorial to the
visits and encourages parents (if Learner is Learner who missed classes
a minor) and other family/community or needs additional learning
members to be more involved in the support.
ALS-EST program and school/learning • Learning Facilitator gains a
center. better idea of the Learner’s
home environment and
community.
• Message is sent that the
Learning Facilitator cares for
the Learner and his/her home
context, and school values the
family and community.
Parent-teacher These are occasions when parents (of • They update and reassure
conferences or minors) visit the school/learning center, parents about the Learners’
meetings and learn about the school/learning progress.
center, and teachers learn about the • Learning Facilitators are
Learners’ home background. able to inform parents about
the Learners’ needs and/or
difficulties, and solicit their
support in motivating and
educating the children (Okeke,
2014).
Remediation Remedial education programs are • Adequate academic support
specific educational interventions is given to Learners who
to address learning needs of a are lagging behind and/or
target group who are lagging behind considered at-risk of dropping
academically or not mastering specific out (Schwartz, 2012).
competencies (Schwartz, 2012). • It benefits Learners who can
not follow the lessons before
Remedial education might be especially they lose interest.
important for ALS-EST Learners
going into skills trainings requiring a
certain level of numeracy and literacy.
Remediation can be one-on-one or
in small groups, and may be done by
volunteers or ALS-EST peers.

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Table 6-3 continuation

Description Benefits
Mentoring Mentoring is the provision of guidance • This type of support can cover
and support in a variety of ways to a broad areas.
young person or someone joining a
new learning community or organization • ALS-EST Learners develop
by an experienced person who acts their learning-to-learn
as a role model, guide, tutor, coach or skills, soft skills necessary
confidante (CEDEFOP, 2008). In ALS- for employment, and
EST, this can be done by the Learning entrepreneurship skills.
Facilitator, Skills Trainer, industry or
community leader.
Review sessions Review sessions are done before • They help Learners prepare for
for A&E the A&E exam and/or other formal formal assessments such as
assessments. This can be done the A&E.
in classroom-type review classes,
using pairs or small study groups • They boost Learner’s
(Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and confidence in taking tests.
Learning, 2018). • They enhance Learner’s
learning-to-learn skills.
• They build camaraderie,
appreciation, and support
among peers.
• They are done before, during,
and after the program, through
a meeting between Learner and
Learning Facilitator, to discuss
the Learner’s progress.

References
• BOUD, DAVID. “What is Peer Learning and Why is it Important?”
Tomorrow’s Teaching and Learning. Stanford University, 2002. Retrieved
March 2019. Available at tomprof.stanford.edu/posting/418
• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT. Labor Advisory no. 9.
Guidance to Host Establishments in Ensuring Safe Workplace for Senior High
School Students under Work Immersion Program. 14 July 2017.
• EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOCATIONAL
TRAINING (CEDEFOP). “Mentoring.” Glossary. 2008. Retrieved March 2019.
Available at europass.cedefop.europa.eu/education-and-training-glossary/m
• OKEKE, CHINEDU. “Effective home-school partnership: Some strategies to
help strengthen parental involvement.” South African Journal of Education.
August 2014. Retrieved March 2019. Available at DOI: 10.15700/201409161044

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Learning Delivery

• OYASU, KIICHI. “Promoting Community-Based Learning Centers in Asia-

Pacific” Integrating Lifelong Perspectives (ed. Medel-Añonuevo). UNESCO
Institute for Education. 2002.
• REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. Implementing Rules and Regulations
of Republic Act No. 10968. An Act Institutionalizing the Philippine
Qualifications Framework (PQF), Establishing the PQF-National Coordinating
Council (NCC) and Appropriating Funds Thereof. 16 January 2018.
• SCHWARTZ, ANALICE. “Remedial Education Programs to Accelerate
Learning for All.” Global Partnership for Education Working Paper
Series Learning. The World Bank, May 2012. Retrieved March 2019.
Available at documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/564671468151507990/
pdf/797830WP0Anali0Box0379789B00PUBLIC0.pdf
• SMITH, LARRY & CLAYTON, BERWYN. “Recognising non-formal and
informal learning: Participant insights and perspectives.” National Vocational
Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program Report. Australian
Government, 2009.
• THE ASIA FOUNDATION. “Work Immersion: Real World Experience at
Senior High.”Coalitions For Change Reform Story. 2018. Retrieved March
2019. Available at asiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CfC-
Reform-Story-8-Work-Immersion-Real-World-Experience.pdf
• UNIVERSITY OF YALE. “Review Sessions.” Poorvu Center for Teaching and
Learning. 2018. Retrieved March 2019. Available at poorvucenter.yale.edu/
teaching/teaching-how/chapter-3-languages-labs-and-review-sections/
review-sessions

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
• Alternative Learning System Manual of Operations. Forthcoming.
• A Teacher’s Guide in the Preparation of Portfolio for Alternative Learning.
Forthcoming.
• D.O. 32, s. 2015. Adopting the Indigenous Peoples Education Curriculum
Framework. 29 July 2015.
• D.O. 40, s. 2015. Guidelines on K to 12 Partnerships. 28 August 2015.
• D.O. 46, s. 2017. Framework for the Pilot of Inplementation of the Alternative
Learning System-Education and Skills Training. 15 August 2017.
• D.O. 30, s. 2017. Guidelines for Work Immersion. 5 June 2017.
• D.O. 39, s. 2018. Clarification and Additional Information to D.O. 30, s. 2017
(Guidelines on Work Immersion). 21 September 2018.
• Memorandum 76, s. 2016. Senior High School Manual of Operations Manual
One. 6 May 2016.

70 ALS-EST Handbook for Implementers