Philippine E-Journals

LEARNING DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAMA DILAUT LEARNERS

Resley C. Ferrer | Mohammad Alfami A. Abdul

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to determine the learning development of the Sama Dilaut learners in Bajao Village Learning Center as sponsored and enrolled in different schools in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Specifically, it sought to determine the factors that influence the Junior High School Sama Dilaut learners to go to school, areas of learning they profoundly developed, and how culture and language affect them in their social interaction with others to raise awareness to other people about their skills and competencies. This study utilized an ethnographic-qualitative research design conducted to 10 Sama Dilaut learners enrolled in different Grade levels. It was conducted at Bajao Village Learning Center, located at Luuk Bangka, Barangay Pag-asa, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, where they cater to the educational needs of the Sama Dilaut learners. It utilized Interview Guide questions prepared by the researchers and validated by the panel of experts. The data collected through interviews were transcribed, thematically analyzed, and presented in a matrix form. Based on the findings of the study, the factors that influenced the Junior High School Sama Dilaut learners to go to school were their scholarship; happiness; the equal opportunity is given; peer influence and professional influence. They profoundly developed in areas of learning such as English and Filipino; writing and speaking skills; and joining extracurricular activities in school. Their culture and language positively affect them in their interaction with other people by adapting and adjusting to others’ culture and language, hence, positive and meaningful learning occurs. It is therefore concluded that the said learners manifested a positive outlook towards their studies, hence, they became competitive and performing in school. Further, they received equal opportunity to learn despite being labeled as Bajao. Moreover, they established a strong appreciation and devoid discrimination towards their identity as Bajao, thus, changed the perception of others towards them as illiterate and inferior.