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Before embarking on my 3-week international field placement in the

Philippines, I had to generate a research question to guide my study. The


research question I decided to pursue is: How does the value of education in
the Philippines impact student performance? Every single day of my trip, I
was fortunate enough to have been rewarded with an answer to that
question.
I observed classrooms and watched in amazement to see 50 students in one
normal-sized classroom, each one taking notes and being highly attentive to
the teacher in the front of the room. I watched students, from all grade
levels, follow classroom rules with little to no misbehaviors or disruptions.
When I brought up this surprised and shocked observation to one of the
Filipino staff members, his response was a perfect summary of the Filipino
value of education. He said to me, Education is a privilege, not a right.
When you work hard for something, you want it more. At first, I marveled at
how concise and profound his words sound. I shook my head in admiration
and respect of his philosophy. However, at that moment, they were only just
words. As I reflected on those words, and aligned my experiences in the
Philippines to that philosophy, I realized and witnessed the truth and value
behind them. From my experiences, I noticed that student performance is
impacted by grit, loved ones from home and community, and the countrys
centralized approach to education.
I remember conversing with my host teacher, Rufo, who worked at Jose Rizal
University. He was telling me stories of how many of the children traveled to
school. He said that some students rode public transportation, and it took
them up to 2 hours of travel time. Thats a mild case and common for the
school in which he teaches. Rufo then began to tell me other scenarios of
students who walked 5 miles, crossed hilly mountains and unfriendly rivers,
just to wait another hour or so in the scorching sun to make it on time for
their first 7am class. Despite the treacherous and lengthy journeys, students
still found the resiliency and grit within themselves to be prepared, engaged,
and attentive in class. What a better way to emphasize the philosophy,
education is a privilege. Not a right. When you work hard for something, you
want it more. These children saw education as a bridge to better
opportunities.
In addition to travel to and from school, the push from loved ones (ie family
and community) has a tremendous impact on student performance. As a

first-time visitor to the Philippines, I was greeted all over the city of
Mandaluyong with large banners, bouquets of flowers, orchestrated welcome
bands, traditional food, cultural performances, and even a key to the city
from Mayor Ben Abalos. Why? Simply because I was a teacher. The respect
and value of educators and education is held high, and the standard is met
from all members of the community. When their children accomplish an
academic success, parents display proud banners in their neighborhoods,
letting the community know what their son or daughter has accomplished in
school. Children want to do well and succeed in school to make their loved
ones proud. They are focused and work hard in school not only because they
want to do well, but because it comes with automatic respect and admiration
from the community.
Finally, the Filipino educational system also contributes to student success
and performance. Unlike the United States, where the standards and yearly
performance assessments are up to the discretion of each state, the
Philippines has adopted a centralized approach to education. In other words,
the whole country operates as 1 big public school system. Each city, region,
and community, regardless of its economic and geographical background,
adopts the same model for education. Some may view this as, strength in
unity, and argue that this has positive effects on student performance.
Everyone is on the same page. Everyone knows whats expected of children
academically. Every school has the same values and standards. Therefore,
every child should be on the same page with the expectations for
educational performance.
On the other hand, some may argue that the centralized approach to
education doesnt meet students where they are socially and academically,
and can limit student creativity; thus, having a negative impact on student
performance. From my brief observation in the Philippines, I can say that
despite the differing of opinions with regards to the Filipino educational
system, students still see education as a privilege, and not a right.
In conclusion, I found that the Filipino value of education has a positive
impact on student performance. Students want to succeed. They want to do
well. They see education as an avenue for success. The centralized approach
to education further reinforces their behavioral and academic expectations.

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