Community-Based Learning Outreach and Educational Inclusion Practices in Alternative Learning Systems

Authors

  • Romel R. Payas Northeastern College Author
  • Michelle S. Morales Northeastern College Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21398525

Keywords:

Alternative Learning System, community outreach, educational inclusion, flexible learning, learner support, stakeholder partnership

Abstract

This study explored how community-based learning outreach corresponded with educational inclusion practices in the Alternative Learning System in Buguey, Cagayan. A cross-sectional multivariate relational design was employed, with participants selected through stratified time-location sampling across community learning sites. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire that obtained scale-level content validity of .94 and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .92 for community-based learning outreach, .94 for educational inclusion practices, and .95 for the full instrument. Descriptive statistics and regularized canonical correlation analysis with permutation testing and bootstrap validation were used. Results showed that community-based learning outreach was implemented at a high level, with information dissemination and learner identification emerging as the strongest practices. Stakeholder mobilization and referral coordination received moderate assessments, indicating limitations in sustained interagency and community support. Educational inclusion practices were also rated high, particularly respectful treatment, flexible delivery, and access to learning opportunities. Continuity support received the lowest assessment, showing difficulty in sustaining assistance for learners experiencing repeated absence, work demands, family responsibilities, and other participation barriers. The first canonical function was significant, with a canonical correlation of .768, a permutation probability of .001, and 59.00 percent shared variance between the two variable sets. Follow-up communication and continuity support contributed most strongly to the relationship. The findings indicated that ALS outreach should extend beyond learner recruitment through structured monitoring, coordinated referrals, and sustained community partnerships that support learner participation, persistence, and completion.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abad, G. R., & Galleto, P. G. (2020). Alternative Learning System program’s implementation landscape of a division in the Philippines. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 15(5), 1078–1088. doi:10.18844/cjes.v15i5.5173

Ainscow, M. (2020). Promoting inclusion and equity in education: Lessons from international experiences. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 6(1), 7–16. doi:10.1080/20020317.2020.1729587

Albert, J. R. G., Mendoza, R. U., Cabalfin, D. L. D., Mahmoud, M. A., & Muñoz, M. S. (2024). A process evaluation of the Philippine Alternative Learning System (PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2024-31). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. doi:10.62986/dp2024.31

Bateson, M., & Casley, M. (2025). Young people’s experiences with flexible and inclusive education in Australia: A review of the literature. The Australian Educational Researcher, 52(2), 1281–1314. doi:10.1007/s13384-024-00763-8

Cayabas, J. P., Jr., Codod, C. L. C., Sumeg-ang, D. A., & Lacaben, E. (2023). Contributions and partnership strategies of external stakeholders in the implementation of the Alternative Learning System in Bontoc District: Insights from teachers. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(7), 454–472. doi:10.26803/ijlter.22.7.24

Daza-Pérez, L., Llanes-Ordóñez, J., & Figuera-Gazo, P. (2024). Exploring the persistence of adults on secondary education courses: Occupational status, satisfaction and self-efficacy as key factors. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research, 13, Article 6. doi:10.1007/s44322-023-00005-2

Department of Education. (2026, January 19). DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026: Implementing guidelines of the Enhanced Alternative Learning System.

Igarashi, T. (2018). A second chance to develop the human capital of out-of-school youth and adults: The Philippines Alternative Learning System (Philippines Education Note No. 1). World Bank.

Joseph, C., & Said, R. (2020). Community-based education: A participatory approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal. In W. Leal Filho, A. M. Azul, L. Brandli, P. G. Özuyar, and T. Wall (Eds.), Quality education (pp. 101–111). Springer. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-95870-5_67

Lang, S. (2025). Adults’ participation in non-formal literacy programmes in Cambodia: A mixed-methods study of motivational factors and barriers. International Review of Education, 71(1), 55–79. doi:10.1007/s11159-024-10093-7

Osawa, A. (2021). Analysis of barriers to access and complete the Alternative Learning System among adolescents: A study from seven regions in the Philippines [Research brief]. UNICEF Philippines.

Republic Act No. 11510. (2020, December 23). An act institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System in basic education for out-of-school children in special cases and adults and appropriating funds therefor.

Rotar, O. (2022). Online student support: A framework for embedding support interventions into the online learning cycle. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 17, Article 2. doi:10.1186/s41039-021-00178-4

Rüber, I. E., Rees, S. L., & Schmidt-Hertha, B. (2018). Lifelong learning, lifelong returns? A new theoretical framework for the analysis of civic returns on adult learning. International Review of Education, 64(5), 543–562. doi:10.1007/s11159-018-9738-6

UNESCO. (2020). Global education monitoring report 2020: Inclusion and education: All means all.

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2022a). 5th global report on adult learning and education: Citizenship education: Empowering adults for change.

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2022b). Making lifelong learning a reality: A handbook.

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2023, December 6). Case study: Alternative Learning Systems as a community-based grassroots form of access to basic education.

Downloads

Published

2026-07-16

How to Cite

Payas, R., & Morales, M. (2026). Community-Based Learning Outreach and Educational Inclusion Practices in Alternative Learning Systems. International Journal of Education, Research, and Innovation Perspectives, 2(7), 840-853. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21398525

Similar Articles

11-20 of 529

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.