Exploring Educational Systems: A Comparative Systematic Review of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore


Authors : Catherine E. Semila; Gladys S. Escarlos

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4872dme8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2300

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Abstract : This study systematically reviews the educational systems of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore, focusing on governance and management, curriculum development, learner development, teacher development, pedagogical approaches, community engagement, support systems, and the role of private schools. Utilizing a qualitative thematic approach, the paper synthesizes scholarly research, government publications, and policy reports to evaluate how these nations manage structural challenges and educational reforms. Findings indicate that while Costa Rica demonstrates relatively stable governance and proactive policy responses, the Philippines faces systemic constraints, and Singapore exemplifies how strategic investments and coherent policy alignment produce world-class outcomes. Comparative PISA scores from 2018 and 2022 reveal significant disparities in student achievement, with Singapore consistently excelling, Costa Rica achieving moderate results, and the Philippines demonstrating critical challenges. These insights contribute to the development of equity-driven and resilient education policy frameworks for developing and middle-income countries.

Keywords : Costa Rica, Philippines, Singapore, Educational Systems, Governance, Curriculum, Learner Development, Teacher Development, Pedagogical Approaches, Support Systems, Community Engagement, Pisa Performance.

References :

  1. Arroyo, R., & Yamagata, K. (2021). Education reform in Costa Rica: Governance and challenges. Journal of Latin American Education, 29(3), 214–228.
  2. Barrios, L. (2022). The impact of decentralized education in the Philippines: A review of the K-12 system. Asian Journal of Educational Policy, 5(1), 48–60.
  3. Lim, D. (2020). Curriculum innovation and its impact on student outcomes: A comparative study of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore. Educational Development International, 15(2), 101–113.
  4. World Bank. (2021). Education Systems in Middle-Income Countries: A Comparative Study. World Bank Group.
  5. OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education. OECD Publishing.
  6. OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II) - Country Notes: Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2022-results-volume-i-and-ii-country-notes_ed6fbcc5-en/philippines_a0882a2d-en.html
  7. OECD. (2023). Education GPS - Singapore - Student performance (PISA 2022). Retrieved from https://gpseducation.oecd.org/CountryProfile?primaryCountry=SGP&topic=PI&treshold=10
  8. OECD. (2023). Education GPS - Costa Rica - Student performance (PISA 2022). Retrieved from https://gpseducation.oecd.org/CountryProfile?primaryCountry=CRI&topic=PI&treshold=10

This study systematically reviews the educational systems of Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Singapore, focusing on governance and management, curriculum development, learner development, teacher development, pedagogical approaches, community engagement, support systems, and the role of private schools. Utilizing a qualitative thematic approach, the paper synthesizes scholarly research, government publications, and policy reports to evaluate how these nations manage structural challenges and educational reforms. Findings indicate that while Costa Rica demonstrates relatively stable governance and proactive policy responses, the Philippines faces systemic constraints, and Singapore exemplifies how strategic investments and coherent policy alignment produce world-class outcomes. Comparative PISA scores from 2018 and 2022 reveal significant disparities in student achievement, with Singapore consistently excelling, Costa Rica achieving moderate results, and the Philippines demonstrating critical challenges. These insights contribute to the development of equity-driven and resilient education policy frameworks for developing and middle-income countries.

Keywords : Costa Rica, Philippines, Singapore, Educational Systems, Governance, Curriculum, Learner Development, Teacher Development, Pedagogical Approaches, Support Systems, Community Engagement, Pisa Performance.

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