HOME ECONOMICS CURRICULAR REFORMS IN THE PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES, 1900-1980

The purpose of this study was to trace the historical development of Home Economics taught in the public elementary schools in the Philippines from 1900 to 1980. Specifically, it sought to determine: (a)the general educational aims and policies that affected the elementary Home Economics instruction, (b)the reforms and changes made in the elementary Home Economics curriculum, and (c)the influence of the prevailing national political ideology and focus of governmental control in the elementary Home Economics curriculum.;The study indicated that the prevailing national political ideology during a particular historical period had a direct influence on the philosophy and aims of Philippine education. Consequently, it effected changes not only on the general educational system, but also on specific subjects included in the curriculum. In the Home Economics taught in the public elementary schools, it affected the objectives, time allotment, subject content, teaching procedures, instructional materials, and forms of evaluation.;Other findings showed that: (1)The Philippine educational system has supported the nation's commitment to a democratic form of government. (2)The nation's economic development appeared to be the most outstanding concern or focus of governmental control throughout the period under study. (3)The public educational system has continuously evolved, with pressures coming mainly from the influential writings of scholars and from critical institutions like the Department of Education or the Ministry of Education and Culture, including, but not limited, to the strong impact created by the changing political climate. (4)In formulating educational policies, elements from the different historical periods were selectively drawn. The elements of democracy, liberty and labor, together with religious faith reappeared in many official statements which had direct bearing on education. (5)The public elementary school system has undergone various changes since its organization; however, the fundamental aims and objectives have remained essentially the same: universal literacy, citizenship, and nationalism, character education, and development of vocational efficiency. (6)The goals and objectives of the elementary Home Economics curriculum introduced during the American Regime, had the most significant or far-reaching influence on the present curriculum. Despite the changes in terminology and program, the goal has remained basically the same: the development of the individual for better family and community living, and for national development. (7)The specific objectives of the elementary Home Economics instruction which were translated into tasks, were drawn from the general educational aims and policies that prevailed during certain historical periods. The general educational objectives that affected the elementary Home Economics curriculum the most were: (a)development of enlightened, patriotic, useful, and upright citizenry in a democratic society, (b)development of vocational efficiency, (c)maintenance of family solidarity and desirable Filipino family pattern, and (d)improvement of community life.;Historical research methods were followed. Data were gathered from documents, curricula in Home Economics, directives to teachers, memoranda, bulletins, circulars, Annual Reports of the Director of Education, census reports, Survey Reports of Educational Commissions, Reports of the Philippine Commission, books, periodicals, theses, and dissertations. Information was critically examined, gathered, and organized.