Faith-Based Education and the Development of Civic Awareness Among College Students Through the REEXECO Course

This study examines student perceptions of faith-based learning within the Religious Experience and Spirituality Course (REEXECO) at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde and its relation to civic awareness and moral reflection. Despite the growing interest in religious education and values formation, limited research has specifically explored REEXECO within Philippine higher education and how students experience its structured pedagogical components. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey-based satisfaction ratings and qualitative reflection responses. A total of 141 college students aged 16–25 years participated during the second term of Academic Year (AY) 2024–2025. Quantitative data were analyzed using SmartSurvey™, while qualitative responses were interpreted through Packer’s interpretive methodology. The quantitative results represent self-reported satisfaction and perceived learning outcomes. Findings indicate high levels of student-reported satisfaction with faith-based learning experiences, particularly in religious understanding (94.68%), moral reflection (93.09%), civic engagement (90.25%), structured dialogue and reflection activities (93.26%), and collaborative learning practices (89.36%). These results reflect perceived learning outcomes rather than objectively measured competency gains. The study highlights that students generally view faith-based pedagogy as supportive of reflective thinking and civic awareness within a socially fragmented and digitally mediated context. The study contributes to the discussion on faith-based education in higher education by providing context-specific evidence from REEXECO. It suggests implications for curriculum enhancement and the professional development of Religious Educators in fostering reflective and civically aware learners.