Authors
Kyle Jay Padilla, RChT, LPT, M.Ed.*
Advancing Academic Achievement (3A) Program Network
for the Advancement of Black Communities
Toronto, Canada
Email: kpadill7@my.centennialcollege.ca
Dr. Regina P. Galigao
Cebu Technological University-Main Campus
Cebu City, Philippines
Email: reginpgaligao@gmail.com
Abstract
This study explores the similarities and differences among education systems across countries and cultures, with an emphasis on the Philippines’ Enhanced K–12 Curriculum. Using a qualitative comparative approach, the research analyzes how global education systems such as those in the United States, Finland, Japan, South Korea, and Australia implement curriculum frameworks that promote 21st-century competencies, digital literacy, and global citizenship. Findings indicate that while the Enhanced K–12 Curriculum in the Philippines shares global goals of lifelong learning and holistic development, its implementation faces challenges related to equity, teacher training, and resource adequacy. The study concludes that successful educational reform depends on cultural relevance, consistent policy support, and the integration of global best practices within local contexts.
Keywords: Enhanced K–12 Curriculum, qualitative comparative approach, equity, teacher training, resource adequacy, data mining
* Corresponding author
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404525
Recommended citation: Padilla, K. J., & Galigao, R. P. (2025). A comparative study of education systems across different countries and cultures: Emphasizing the Enhanced K–12 Curriculum. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (4), 5684-5690. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404525
Read the full text
References
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Utilizing thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Bray, M., Adamson, B., & Mason, M. (2020). Comparative education research: Approaches and methods (3rd ed.). Springer.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Darling-Hammond, L., Schachner, A., & Edgerton, A. K. (2020). Restarting and reinventing school: Learning in the time of COVID and beyond. Learning Policy Institute.
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). (2022). Australian curriculum framework. Government of Australia.
Department of Education (DepEd). (2016). K to 12 curriculum guide. Republic of the Philippines.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). (2020). Course of study for elementary schools. Japan.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2019). Education policy outlook 2019: Working together to help students achieve their potential. OECD Publishing.
Sahlberg, P. (2019). FinnishED leadership: Four big, inexpensive ideas to transform education. Corwin Press.
Statista. (n.d.). Gender equality in South Korea. https://www.statista.com/topics/10884/gender-equality-in-south-korea/
Tria, J. Z. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of education in the Philippines: The new normal. International Journal of Pedagogical Development and Lifelong Learning, 1(1), ep2001. https://doi.org/10.30935/ijpdll/8311
UNESCO. (2022). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.