Contextualized Development Programs Essential to a Holistic Student Life

Learners are the most important entity in the teaching-learning process. The way learning opportunities are packaged affect the holistic development of learners. Programs for student development are crafted to address students’ needs. The needs assessment for student development was used to identify areas essential to student life. The needs assessment revealed the over-all experience on campus; draw from students’ suggestions/recommendations that will further strengthen the school’s programs for a holistic student life; and establish a data-based of information that served as guide in formulating programs and/or policies to support the curricular and extra-curricular offerings of the school. Descriptive research method was used in this study. The needs analysis questionnaire was employed. Open-ended questions were asked. There were 2559 participants starting from basic to higher education students. The demographic profile of the participants revealed that most of the participants aged 13 – 16 years old; more females than males; majority Roman Catholics and Filipinos; most are enrolled in secondary levels, and 27.97% were in their second year in the school. Participants expected the academic programs to be learner-centered; administrators, faculty and staff to be supportive to student growth and development; extra-curricular activities enhance learning; outreach opportunities promote respect for those in need; formation programs promote respect for others; teaching method is the most essential to address; recollection/retreat is the most important holistic experience; guidance and counseling is the most essential student service; and library is the most important facility. In conclusion, students expressed varied intellectual, emotional, and social needs for their holistic development. It is recommended that the proposed framework for student development be considered.