ASSESSING THE RESPONSIVENESS OF LOWER SECONDARY EXPERIENTIAL AND CAREER GUIDANCE ACTIVITIES TO THE GOAL OF DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Abstract

Experiential and Career Guidance Activities (ECGA) in the 2018 General Education Curriculum play a pivotal role in shaping students’ practical competencies. This study evaluates the extent to which the ECGA program at the lower secondary level meets the objective of developing three specific competencies: adaptability to life, activity design and organization, and career orientation. Using content analysis and a comparative matrix, the study reviews the system of learning outcomes from Grade 6 to Grade 9 to clarify the developmental trajectory of each competency. The findings indicate that the program has a logical and linear structure, ensuring progressive and cumulative development across grade levels. Based on these results, the paper proposes several recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Training, including issuing guidelines for assessment, developing learning materials, and strengthening school–community partnerships.