The Advantages and Disadvantage of being a Student in Private School

inside MSU Main Campus

A Term Paper
presented to
Norshidah B. Tonganay
Faculty, Al-Biruni International Academy, Inc. (ALBIA)
Upper Commercial Center, Dimalna, Marawi City

In partial fulfilment
of the requirements in Reading

Presented by
Lailah L. Macadaya
Sittie Hannah G. Pangandag

April 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the study…………………………………………… 1

B. Statement of the problem……………………………………………

C. Significance of the study

D. Scope and limitation
E. Conceptual framework
F. Definition of terms

II. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS FINDINGS/ DATA

A. Private school
B. Advantages of being a private school student.
a. Enriched academic opportunities
b. Smaller class sizes
c. Parental involvement
d. Dedicated teachers
e. Safe environment
f. Community environment
g. Extracurricular activities
h. Shared educational philosophy
i. Development for today’s and tomorrow’s world
C. Disadvantages of being a private school student.
a. Cost
b. Campus commitments
c. Admissions
d. Educational standards

III. METHODOLOGY
A. Statistical treatment and analysis data
B. Ethical considerations

IV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Summary
B. Conclusion
C. Recommendations

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY/ REFERENCES
VI. APPENDICES
A. Documentations
B. Questionnaire
 ABSTRACT

Lailah L. Macadaya and Sittie Hannah G. Pangandag “The Advantage and

Disadvantage of being a Student in Private School inside Mindanao State University
Main Campus”. Grade 10 students, Al-Biruni International Academy, Inc. (ALBIA).

Adviser: Norshidah B. Tonganay

This study aimed to examine the advantages and disadvantages of being a student
in private school within Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus. Through a
quantitative-survey approach, including survey questionnaire and observation, data was
collected from a sample of students enrolled in private schools within the university.

The findings revealed several advantages of private school education, including

smaller class sizes, personalized attention from teachers, and access to better facilities
and resources. Additionally, private schools offer a more focused and rigorous academic
environment, fostering a competitive edge among students.

However, the study also identifies certain disadvantages, such as higher tuition
fees, limited diversity, and potential elitism within private school communities. The
findings suggest that private school education within MSU main campus offers unique
benefits but also presents challenges that need to be considered.

This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on educational choices and

provides valuable insights for students, parents, and educational policymakers in the
region.
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus, located in Marawi City, is the

flagship campus of the Mindanao State University System. It is the first state university

in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically in Mindanao, and is considered one of

the premier state-sponsored institutions of higher education in the country. It’s founded in

1962, the main campus of Mindanao State University started with 282 students and 12

faculty members in its pioneering classes. Over the years, it has grown into a multi-

campus supra-regional university system, serving over 69,000 students in all levels of

education, with nearly 3,100 faculty members. The main campus in Marawi City offers a

wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including programs in the

fields of sciences, environmental studies, and other disciplines. It is known for its

academic excellence and commitment to providing quality education to its students.

Private schools, also known as independent school, are educational institutions

that operates independently of government funding and administration. Private schools

are typically funded and supported by non- governmental entities such as for-profit

companies, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, or other private entities. These

schools offer educational programs and services to students, often charging tuition fees to

cover operational costs and investments in facilities, faculty, and curriculum

development. Also private schools provide an alternative to public education, offering

families and students a choice in their educational experience. They often have more

flexibility in curriculum design and teaching methodologies, allowing for specialized

programs and approaches tailored to the needs and interests of students. Private schools

may focus on specific educational philosophies, religious or cultural values, or academic

disciplines, providing a diverse range of educational options. ([Link]’s blog, Private

schools vs. independent schools, 2021)

The study aimed to explore the distinctive characteristics of private schools within

MSU main campus, including their teaching methodologies and curricular activities. It

will also investigate how these factors influence students’ academic performance,

personal development, and future prospects. Additionally, the study will examine the

financial implications of attending a private school within MSU campus, such as tuition

fees, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid options. It will also address the potential

challenges faced by students and their families in meeting these financial obligations.

Statement of the problem

The study aimed to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of being a

student at private schools within the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus.

This study was intended to address following research questions:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of attending a private school inside

Mindanao State University compared to attending a public school?

2. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities unique to being a student at

private school inside MSU?

 3. What are the distinct advantages and disadavantges of being a student at private

school within the MSU main campus?

Significance of the study

The significance of this study lies in its examination of the advantages and

disadvantages of being a student at private school within MSU campus. As private

schools continue to emerge within university campuses, it is essential to understand the

impact they have on students’ educational experiences. By exploring the benefits and

drawbacks of attending a private school within university setting, this research aims to

provide valuable insights for students, parents, educators, and policymakers.

STUDENTS. This study as it can help them make informed decisions, understand

the educational environment, maximize opportunities, manage expectations, and

contribute to the improvement of their educational experiences within the MSU campus.

PARENTS. This study as it can help them make informed decisions, understand

the educational environment, support their child’s academic performance, manage

expectations, and actively engage in their child’s educational journey within MSU

campus.

EDUCATORS. This study as it can inform their teaching strategies, curriculum

development, student support services, collaboration with colleagues, and advocacy

efforts within the MSU campus.

 POLICYMAKERS. This study as it can inform evidence- based decision

making, resource allocation, accreditation and quality assurance measures, policy

improvement, and collaboration efforts within the MSU campus.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of this study is to explore the experiences of students enrolled in

private schools within a specific geographic area. The research will specifically

investigate factors such as the school environment, teaching and learning approaches,

class size, and socioeconomic background. The study will utilize both quantitative

research methods to gather data and provide a comprehensive understanding of the

advantages and disadvantages of being a student at private school within the MSU

campus.

The limitations of this study may not be applicable to other universities or

educational institutions outside of MSU Main Campus as the research in focused solely

on the context of private schools within MSU Main Campus.

However, it is important to note that the findings of this study may be limited to

the selected sample and geographic area. The experiences and outcomes of students in

private schools within other regions or universities may differ. Therefore, caution should

be exercised when generalizing the results to a broader population.

Conceptual framework
 By utilizing this conceptual framework, researchers can systematically explore

and analyze the various dimensions of being a student at private school inside MSU

campus, shedding light on the advantages and disadvantages and the private schools here

in MSU campus. This conceptual framework made to the readers to easily understand and

give them some knowledge about this study.

Disadvantages

Private schools inside MSU

main campus

Advantages

Figure 1. Conceptual Model of the study

Definition of Terms

This section presents some important terms used in the study. The terms are

defined operationally for the purposes of clarity and providing clearer understanding to

the readers.
 Socioeconomic Background. It refers to an individual’s social and economic

status, which includes factors such as income, occupation, education level, and social

class.

Class size- refers to the number of students in a classroom.

Education institutions. These are organization that provide formal education and

training.

Cater. It is used to refer to the act of providing information or explanations that

meet your specific needs or preferences.

Nuances. It’s been used to describe the subtle variations or details in the

meanings or interpretations of words or concepts.

Quantitative. It refers to data or research that involves the use of numbers and

measurements to analyze and draw conclusions.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter contains reviews of related literature and studies. The literature and

studies cited have an impact on the investigation's methodology or narrative techniques.

Related Literature

The review of related literature consists of policies, history and theoretical or

methodological of instruction, and importance to the study.

Private School

The private school is characterized by several factors and characteristics,

admittedly associated with efficiency, they belong to different sectors of the market and

policy controls, they vary in terms of a social control method: state schools represent a

hierarchical system of subordination that is structured by democratic politics, while

private schools have a wider degree of autonomy, controlled by the market demand and

delivery mechanism (Chubb and Moe, 1988).

Research has consistently shown that private school students tend to perform

better on standardized tests. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is

often referred to as “the nation’s report card,” assesses both public and private school

students in subjects such as math, reading, science and writing. The most recent NAEP

data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost

all subjects.
 For example, eight grade private school students averaged about 20 points higher

than public school or charter students on the NAEP reading test in 2022. Fourth grade

private school students had nearly the same advantage in average scores.

On college entry tests such as the SAT, NAIS found that students in private

schools consistently outperformed their public school peers in all subject areas.

While private schools appear on paper to promise better educational outcomes for

their students, some scholars have attempted to dig deeper than just test scores to find out

if private schools actually increase student success (Pierce and Claybourn, 2023).

An early attempt to assess the school quality by Govinda et al. (1993) showed that

achievement levels of primary school students in private unaided schools were

considerably higher than those of pupils in either aided or government schools. Bashir

(1997) found that, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu (a state with better performing

government schools), private primary school students performed significantly better than

government school students. The study by Kingdon (1994) in Uttar Pradesh revealed that

students attending private schools outperformed their aided and government school

counterparts. The PROBE report findings show that private schools are generally more

effective than public schools in India and provide better quality education (PROBE

Team, 1999). Singh (2015) finds a substantial positive effect (>0.5 SD) of private schools

on English test score in rural India. Singhal and Das (2019) find that children attending

private schools perform significantly better than those from public schools, and this

difference is evident among ‘low-fee’ private schools as well. Overall, several studies on

measuring school quality tend to find a private school premium in India.

Advantages of being a Private School Student

 Enriched academic opportunities

One of the accepted benefits of private schools is that they provide exceptional

and challenging educational experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced

Placement courses, the International Baccalaureate programme (and the IB diploma

program), and gifted programs, just to name a few. "The IB programme focuses on

school work and on developing you as a whole person," explains Myriam Choma, a

Grade 12 student at Ashbury College, in Ottawa, Ontario, "I didn’t find that in any of my

other schools." Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized

tests and college entrance exams, and many schools have close to a 100% rate of students

attending their university of choice.

Smaller classes

A comprehensive study on class size made by educational researchers Bruce

Biddler and David Berliner in 2002 showed that the smaller the class size, the better the

average student performs on academic achievement tests. Eric Vosko reflects on his

experience as a student at The Rosedale Day School, in Toronto, Ontario. “It was weird

for me because the school was so small. It was the right decision for sure, it has been a

great school.” And the gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the longer a child is

exposed to them. Private schools vary greatly in size, but depending on their teaching

style, almost all focus on the importance of small class sizes to individually help

students’ weak areas and advance their strengths.

Parental involvement

Private schools are built around open communication between parents and

administration, and they make it a priority to involve parents in the community. From
frequent parent-teacher meetings, social events such as parent breakfasts and family

camping weekends, and the participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives,

families become an integral part of the child’s education. This common ground also helps

strengthen parent-child relationships.

Dedicated teachers

In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91% of parents surveyed said

the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing private school.

Instructors are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding advanced

degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close

relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. "That involves most

of my life," says Blake Gage about teaching, coaching basketball and being a house

parent to 50 boarders at Brentwood College School, in Mill Bay, British Columbia. In

addition, small class sizes make staff members more readily available for extra help or to

further challenge individual students.

A safe environment

Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards for discipline and

respect. Lower staff-to-student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of

school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages

dangerous behavior. In the Fraser Institute study, around 72% of parents surveyed with

children in the private school system strongly agreed that their school was safe, which

greatly improves the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. The

discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education,

when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.

 Community environment

According to a Fraser Institute survey, 62% of parents with children in the private

school system believe their school’s environment is motivating, supportive and nurturing.

Taranvir Sandhu, a Grade 10 student at MPS Etobicoke, says “I made friends right

away,” he says. “I really like how it’s a big family here.” Former students repeatedly

report that the friendships they formed in private school have lasted post-graduation. A

strong sense of pride is often instilled in private school alumni, creating rich networking

opportunities upon entering the workforce. This is sometimes especially true at faith-

based schools, such as Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic schools.

At private schools, you'll find incredible resources to support student learning in

the classroom, sports field, art studio, and beyond. Quality resources and extracurriculars

provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents.

Extracurricular activities

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a

strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular

activities, such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students

in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford University that found that students

involved in the arts are more motivated to learn and are three times more likely to win a

school attendance award. Grant MacDonald, whose two daughters attend Newbridge

Academy, in South Surrey, BC, says that sport “has become part of their daily life. It has

made them more focused. They’re both doing very well academically.” Extracurricular

activities can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while

developing skills and engaging in valuable social situations.

 Shared educational philosophy

There are innumerable approaches to education, and finding a school

or preschool that matches one’s own perspective can create a positive, productive

academic experience for your child. Whether you prefer the student-directed learning

method of Montessori, or the arts-based curriculum of a Waldorf or Reggio Emilia-

inspired school, choosing the right private school will not only allow students to thrive in

a supportive environment and build independence, but also gain unique skills that fit their

learning style. Parent Erin Craig states of her experience, "Montessori seems to be able to

individualize the focus so it pulls out of them what it needs too."

Development for today's and tomorrow's world

Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects required by provincial

curriculum; they can offer students a wide range of specializations including arts

programs, athletics, math, science. Private schools are responsible for producing many

leaders in politics, business and society, with a history of adapting quickly to changes in

technology and culture. And today, they are also sought by parents of kids with special

needs such as behaviour (including troubled teen behaviour), learning, developmental,

or physical disabilities. ([Link]

Singh (2013) concludes that much of the variation between school sectors seems

to be a reflection of greater home investment and higher socioeconomic background.

Similarly, Ashley et al. (2014) conclude, based on 21 studies, that “pupils attending

private school tend to achieve better learning outcomes than pupils in state schools.

However, it is important to note that most studies did not adequately account for social
background differences of pupils, making it difficult to ascertain whether the

achievement advantage may be attributed to the private schools or the social background

of pupils.”

Moreover, where low-fee private schools yield better learning outcomes, it does

not mean they are better per se: often, their students face far fewer disadvantages than

students in government schools (UNESCO, EFA, 2013) due to substantial

underinvestment by the state in the education sector as well as lower salaries in private

schools, which enable them to hire more teachers and keep the pupil/teacher ratios low,

unlike in public schools. Besides, the private school effect is often calculated relative to

extremely low achievement levels in state schools, so that a possible advantage does not

hint at the education quality in these schools, where many pupils barely reach expected

competency levels.

Disadvantages of being a Private School Student

Cost

A disadvantage of private schooling is that it comes at a cost and many families

will not be able to access it as a result. The school offers means-tested Bursaries to

candidates who display merit and drive to benefit from a High School education.

Campus Commitments

If your child attends a private school, you may find they have to stay on the

school campus for longer. A pupil's day at a private school can be longer due to the

length of time classes are taught, an extended lunch break and because of co-curricular

activities after school such as a range of different clubs and societies.

Admissions
 Some private schools, especially those which are known to provide a good, well-

rounded education for pupils, often have waiting lists since they only have limited

capacities. Therefore, if you want to send your child to a highly rated private school, you

might have to wait to do so, and start the admissions process earlier than if you're opting

to send your child to a state school. While the majority of children are able to attend state

schools, private schools have higher admissions standards, making it more difficult to be

accepted.

Educational Standards

Private schools that are known for academic excellence will try to maintain their

reputation by encouraging pupils to achieve the best grades possible. Academic pressure

can sometimes have a negative impact on pupils if they feel that they have failed to live

up to their full potential. However many private schools provide excellent pastoral care to

give support and advice to pupils, and many place emphasis on the importance of

wellbeing. At the High School we firmly believe that to do well, one must first be well.

([Link]

Several studies in India question the breadth and robustness of the private school

advantage (Goyal & Pandey, 2009; Johnson & Bowles, 2010; Chudgar & Quin, 2012),

showing that low-fee private schools do not always perform better than their government

school counterparts. Singh (2013) finds that the raw differences in test scores between

Indian children in private and government schools are substantially in favour of private

school students in rural, but not urban, areas. Likewise, Chudgar & Quin (2012) find a

larger private school advantage in rural than urban areas across India.
 Chapter III

This chapter presents the research design and methodology of the study in

gathering and analyzing data such as; researches design, research locale, respondents of

the study, instruments used, and the statistical tools.

Research Design

This study used the descriptive-survey type of research. It is descriptivsurvey

research because it involved collecting data to test or answer questions examining the

advantages and disadvantages of being a student in a private school inside MSU Marawi,

and their personal profile.

Locale of the Study

This study was conducted inside Mindanao State University Marawi Campus. The

subject participants are grade 10 students in private schools inside MSU Marawi campus.

The private schools are Philippine Engineering and Agro-Industrial College (PEACI-

Junior High department), Miftahus Salam Academy, Inc.(MSIA) and MSU ILS (Private

school department).

Respondents of the Study

The subject participants are grade 10 students in private schools inside MSU

Marawi campus who officially enrolled during the school year 2023-2024.

Table 3.1
Respondents of the Study

Name of Private School Population Sample

PEACI 40 5
 MSIA 30 5
MSU ILS 40 5
Total 110 15

Instrumentation

A questionnaire was used as the research instrument of the study, consisting of

two parts: Part I which gathered information on the demographic profile of the

respondents, Part II were questions on the respondents’ responses to the advantages and

disadvantages of being a student in their respective schools. It is a self-made

questionnaire which was validated by our adviser.

Data Gathering Procedures

The test was constructed by the researchers first in the preparation for the possible

response of the school principal as well as the respondents on the request that will be

asked to them. The researchers then prepared a permission letter to the principals of the

three private schools and another permission letter for the respondents. The said letters

were given to the principal and participants respectively. After their approval, the

researchers immediately conducted a survey. After gathering needed data, it was

analyzed and interpreted with which generalizations were derived.

Statistical Tools Used

To arrive at an accurate interpretation of the gathered data, the following

statistical tools were used in interpreting and analyzing the data of this study, these are

frequency and percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation and Cramer’s V

correlation.

1. Frequency and percentage distribution– it was used to describe the profile

distribution of the respondents and their academic performance. It was used to

 describe the respondents answer. To solve the percentage, the following

formula will use:

P=f / N × 100

Where:

P= percentage

F= frequency

N= number of respondents

Ethical Consideration

The researchers did not force anyone to answer the questionnaire and also

measure that all the personal information of the respondents will be confidential. The

researchers have given an inform consent to its respondents to be aware of his/ her rights

in the participation of the study. This researcher is for academic purpose and a partial

fulfilment of the requirements in Reading.