Research Studies

The Center conducts research studies with research report outputs such as evaluation research, policy research, case studies, survey research, rapid appraisals/ assessment, and others.

Activities:

• IR4 Policy Research on Access to Educatino for Muslim Learners

This policy research, a component of the ELSA (Educational Livelihood Skills Alliance) Project, being funded by the USAID, EQuALLS Project aimed to look at issues prevailing (education and other education-related issues) in the field as these affect the attainment of quality basic education of Muslim learners. The study came up with the review of existing educational policies and literature, documents and other secondary data on access to quality education, particularly for Muslim learners.  The qualitative research made use of semi-structured interviews, round table forum and face to face interview with key informants. It also utilized case study method of two schools to determine if Muslim learners are affected by particular policies.  A constant comparative method was undertaken to identify recurring patterns on problems and issues affecting access to education. To substantiate the findings from the literature and the focused group discussions (FGDs), a validation process was done through a round table discussion with experts and key government officials.   As a policy recommendation, the center will come up with a roadmap to accessible quality education for Muslim learners utilizing multi-models of access and highlighting accreditation and equivalency as a policy option.

• Access to and Demand for Secondary Education in the Philippines

This policy research, analysis, and assessment study is undertaken with funding support from the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI), as the regional coordinator of the World Bank/Global Development Network (GDN) for the Educational Policy Research Initiative. The study intended to ultimately analyze the various policies and programs supporting access to and demand for secondary education. More specifically, it would: (1) determine the factors that have contributed to the problems of access in and demand for secondary education; (2) analyze their implications to policy and program reforms; and (3) recommend policy reformulation and program implementation. The major research methodology was documentary review and analysis using national primary-source materials, such as longitudinal study, crude statistical data and research and policy reports. The study also made use of quantitative approach utilizing statistical analysis of secondary education effectiveness indicators such as participation rates, cohort survival rates, completion rates, dropout rates, transition rates, and other related data collected from the Department of Education for the last two decades. These data will be related with policies formulated and programs implemented addressing the issues on supply and demand to secondary education. It also made use of qualitative approach by analyzing the strengths and limitations of formulated/ reformulated policies and implemented programs.

• Action Research on Life Skills through Non-formal Education

UNESCO APPEAL has supported six countries (Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Uzbekistan and Vietnam) to implement pilot projects on life skills through Non-formal Education. SEAMEO INNOTECH has undertaken an action research to identify effective strategies for integrating the 3 components: contextual, generic and literacy skills in life skills. The pilot study on the  Life Skills Learning Through NFE Program was undertaken  with  the Department of Education’s Bureau of Alternative Learning Systems (DepEd BALS), formerly the Bureau of Non-formal Education (BNFE), in cooperation with the  various local governments. The pilot sites are the following: a) Sitio Tabacco Lipat-Lipat, Barangay Hulo and Matagbak Barangay Bagumbayan, both in Pillilia, Rizal, and b) Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City. The primary objective of the project is to educate and empower Filipino youth by teaching them literacy and life skills. It also looked at how they can develop their ability to think and reason, learn self-respect and respect for others, think ahead and plan for their future, as well as consider the implications and consequences of their attitudes on themselves and others. It responds to the goal of alleviating poverty. The project also recognized that promoting skills involving adaptability, creativity, self-reliance and survival are becoming more important than mere accumulation of knowledge.

• Compilation of Country Analyses and Cross-Country Analysis in Mathematics and Science of Ten Asia Pacific Countries Using the TIMSS Data of 1999 IEA Study

The Asian Development Bank funded this study conducted by SEAMEO INNOTECH to determine factors that affected the performance of Ten Asia Pacific countries in Mathematics and Science using the TIMSS Data in 1999. The study also looked at the student profiles  and determined what among the individual  and family related variables could have affected student’s achievement in math and science. The data came from TIMSS database and country files were extracted and set up separate data files. Initial runs on the data included frequencies, cross tabulations, and breakdown to determine which among the variables would have significant effects on science and math scores. The standardized math and science raw scores were used as dependent variables in the analysis. Country profiles obtained were Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Turkey. Part II is a cross-country analysis of the ten countries mentioned.