The document compares alternative learning systems (ALS) and formal education in the Philippines. ALS programs include basic literacy and accreditation and equivalency, while formal education has elementary and secondary levels. ALS can take place anywhere while formal education is in schools. ALS uses adult learning principles and modules with pre- and post-tests, while formal education uses pedagogy and has achievement tests. The ALS curriculum focuses on skills like problem-solving while formal education uses the basic education curriculum.

1. MAJOR ASPECTS OF
COMPARISON
BETWEEN ALS AND
FORMAL EDUCATION

2. Learning
Program

3. Alternative Learning
System
Basic Literacy Program (BLP)
-For Illiterates
-Accreditation & Equivalency Program
(A&E)
--for drop-outs of elementary &
secondary levels

4. Formal Education
•Elementary Program
-Grades 1 to 6
•Secondary Program
-1st to 4th yr.

6. Formal Education- learning is
conducted primarily in the school.
ALS - It can be a community
learning center, a multipurpose
hall, house, street corner or any
place where the learner chooses
to study the learning materials

8. The Instructional Manager
 a four-year degree holder preferably with
education units and with experience in NFE
or in community organizing
 Believe in the goals and objectives of the NFE
A&E System
 Share and understand the immediate
concerns of the learners;
 Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in
both English and Filipino;
A public school Formal Education Teacher
must be a BS Education Graduate with a valid license
from The Professional Regulations Commission.

9. A public school Formal
Education Teacher must
be a BS Education Graduate
with a valid license
from The Professional
Regulations Commission.

11. In Formal Education, the
age of the learner is
prescribed.
Thus, age of entry in
Grade1, is 6-years and the
exit age at 4h year high
school is 15 years.

13. The ALS Five Learning Strands
 Communication Skills
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
(scientific literacy and numeracy)
Sustainable Use of Resources and
Productivity
 Development of Self and a Sense of
Community
 Expanding One’s World Vision

14. Formal Education has the
Basic Education
Curriculum (BEC) while
the ALS has the ALS
curriculum

16. The ALS utilizes learning modules.
Contains the objectives and
description of the module, learning
activities, pre and post test.
Modules for the basic and lower
elementary learners come with a
facilitators guide.

18. Formal Education utilizes the
principles of Pedagogy or the
Science of learning among
children while the ALS utilizes
the principles of Andragogy,
the science of adult

20. • Formal education generally
makes use of end-of-school year
achievement tests for all learning
levels starting in Grade 1 to 4th
year High School.

21. • The ALS generally makes use of end-of-
program tests which may be given at any
time that a learner completes the
program.
• For the Basic Literacy level, this test is
called the Assessment of Basic Literacy
(ABL Test) and it measures basic reading
writing and numeracy skills.

22. • For the A&E test, the elementary
level learner takes the A&E
Elementary level test and the
Secondary level learners takes
the A&E Secondary level test.