April 1, 2010
Reflections by Chikako Shimomugi
It was my first time to observe Filipino public elementary school in local. I was very excited and also nervous at the same time. Here, let me write down what I felt there and also compare to Japanese public elementary school especially at my time there.
At first, what I realize about the school is very colorful. Especially, the one Krus Na Ligas elementary school is basically in yellow color and also on the walls, there are many paintings. I saw a big Ariel from Little Manmade in front of the steps. And also, one thing I was surprised is that there are quite many quotation from bible. In Japan, because of ratios of Christianities, we do not have theses sentences on a wall. Also there was a space in the middle and it looked like for having ceremonies and meetings with all students and teacher. However, there was a one things which is lacked comparing to Japanese school is play ground. Usually, I see it with almost of all schools in Japan. So I was wondering where and how you have PE class and also field days.
Secondly, there are so many desks and chairs in a room because usually 45 to 50 students are in a class. It is much over populated than Japanese class. It was around 35 students at my time, and mow, it is getting smaller because of the requests by parents. Actually the room is quite big so I did not look stiffed though, I could not believe that that view is with shifting schedule already. Even though they were cut out for their schedule morning class and afternoon class. Also I have never seen that Japanese school practice shifting class and also starting class from 6 o’clock in the morning. I also realize that there is only one recess in half day and I was very worried if they are not tired or stopped their concentrations.
Thirdly, many public elementary schools have uniforms in the Philippines. People say that it is not mandatory and people who cannot afford to buy them, people will borrow from neighbors. Also on Friday, at that school, it is not so strict about uniform and students can wear their own clothes. In Japan, we usually wear uniform from junior high school and elementary school where owns their uniform is mainly in private elementary school.
Also very interesting different points is the class time division. In Japan, it is consistently same at any subject. In elementary school, each class should have 50 minutes except for classes which was shortened because of some occasions. But in the Philippines, 3 components: HEKASHI, MSP, and EPP are only for 40 minutes. However for other subjects, they have class for 60 minutes. I think it is kinds of complicated because each class finishes in different time. So that they did not have any bells to inform their beginning of the classes and ending of the classes.
At the biggest thing I got culture shock is that students do not put many things on their desk, only a small notebook and pens. I knew lacking of textbook is big issue in the Philippines but still I thought this school is in Manila so it is not really worse. However, it is normal that students do not own their own textbook and the textbook which teacher hold is donated by some famous private schools. Teachers say that textbook in private school is very good because usually it is revised in 1 to 2 years and has latest information than textbooks which was published by Filipino national government. Also because of lack of text book, all teachers had Manila paper which was already written the question or equations on that. I guess it is used in repeatedly so the all sides of edge were covered by tape not to get damaged easily. In Japan, if you do not put anything on the desk, teachers will be angry because it will be evaluated as unmotivated on their studying.
However, because of lack of textbook, teachers are more paid attention toward students. They look at students longer time than Japanese teacher, because usually Japanese teachers are busy to wrote something on a board and looking at text book. Also in the Philippines, they make children to repeat the equations so many times. But because of the natural speaking speed, I think to answer this, children use more their brain. I think it is very effective than just looking at their textbook.
Also before I go to elementary school, I heard there are quite many students who drop out even in elementary school, also there are some students who cannot read by himself. So I interviewed some teachers about the fact at that school. The teacher said it is true that some students cannot come to school because of poverty. First, they go to house and see their parents. They discuss how they can solve the problem and let children to come to school. However, if especially the students are outstanding on their school, teachers can consider and sometimes give them grades even though their attendance is low. Also for the children who are not good at reading by himself and once teacher realize, the teacher give more attention when class read together. Also even outside of class, they have time to help children to practice reading together like tutorial but of course with no charge.
After I went to elementary school, I understand that seriously Filipino education has some issue which only government can fix. However, I also thought Japan and Philippines education which is better. In Japan, we almost never saw children who does not have textbook because they are usually provided by government to all children. However, Japanese schools and teachers use more board and we are quite busy to take notes. Filipino children do not have textbook but they use more brain, eyes, and mouth to understand. I think both of education has advantages and disadvantages. In the future, I hope I can combine both of positive factors for my teaching.
March 31, 2010
Comments on the lecture on MLE
Taking Educ 100 led me to discovering the term Multilingual Education (MLE) and how it works. When I heard the first lecture about it, done by Sir Agcaoili, I saw a big future and hope for our educational system. I was able to connect Educ 100 and my other class which is Intercultural Communication; and started to understand what is missing with the country’s system such as the education. We lack cultural awareness and we are afraid or we don’t know how to embrace our own culture. The colonial mentality is still embedded within us; and we are afraid that digging and making our ancestral identity part of us would only make us less than the western countries. I believe that MLE would serve as the guiding light that would give us a hint of hope… of something to look forward to. The idea was so inviting and it made me excited when I first heard it; this is the same feeling felt by the audience of every lecture I attended regarding the use of mother tongue as MOI. The founder must continue this crusade for better system and education and must make sure that this light won’t die. Push this because there are lots of people who would believe in this; who would support this. Just believe and keep fighting.
March 30, 2010
Numbers Speak
“The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
- Article XIV, Section 1
1987 Philippine Constitution
More than two decades ago, the so-called constitutionalists crafted a provision, giving ALL Filipino citizens access – oh, THE right – to QUALITY education. Every person might deem the words in Article XIV music to the ears as it gives each and every Juan dela Cruz the birthright to be properly educated.
Yet, 23 years after, our educational system is in disarray. Dropout rates are soaring, the lack of resources continues to hamper the delivery of quality education and the gap between Filipino students and the rest of the world widens by the minute.
Election season
It is election season and again, it is “high time” for politicians, especially presidential candidates, to make promises here and there in improving the quality of education for Filipinos.
One said that he will add another year in college for our students to be able to cope with other countries. The other stated that we should make pre-school compulsory, as it prepares children for life in grade school.
Whatever it is that they want to add or subtract, the first things that the next president of the Philippines should do are to multiply the budget allotted to education and divide the corruption that is the perennial impediment for the proper conduct of education in the country.
Budgetary concerns
While the United States has allotted around Php 2.1 trillion (which is, actually, way bigger than the Philippines’ total budget of Php 1.514 trillion) for its Department of Education alone, our country has reserved merely Php 159.28 billion for all levels of education.
Likewise, the “Pearl of the Orient” has used only 3.1% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education, mediocre even in Southeast Asian terms, surpassing only the similarly impoverished countries of Indonesia (1.2%), Cambodia (1.8%) and Laos (2.8%). Meanwhile, the small nation of Brunei spends 9.1% of its GDP on the intellectual development of its citizens.
This almost total neglect of Article XIV, Section 1 has led to the Philippines’ poor performance in academics compared to other countries.
In the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), our country ranked 42nd in 45 nations in the Science aptitude test while finishing 41st in Mathematics in the company of African states Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Morocco. On the other hand, our neighbors Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea topped the study.
Corrupted books, noodles
Actually, more than a hundred billion pesos for our education could somewhat suffice giving every Filipino student a decent education. The sad thing, however, is that the measly budget our government allots for education more often than not goes straight to the pocket of certain officials, who value self-ambition than national interest.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has been beset by corruption issues that have undoubtedly left a negative mark on the once-venerated institution. Yes, the DepEd was chosen the Least Corrupt Government Agency (with its former Secretary Jesli Lapus being selected as the Least Corrupt Cabinet Secretary) in a Pulse Asia survey last year. But until it gets rid of grumblings in topics like tainted text books, overpriced noodles, and red-tape, the department would definitely not be able to get out of the rut where it’s in.
Well, what do you expect from a country wherein government agencies are rated by its level of corruption?
Not too late
As HARD as it may seem right now, I believe that there is still hope for our dysfunctional educational system. Major tweaks in its organization and a leader with a clear vision of the future and an understanding of what is needed to be done would surely help this cause.
What we can do as students is to do our job, to study well and to inspire others to put education as their priority. It is true that education could be this planet’s greatest social equalizer.
As one presidential candidate has envisioned, “a college graduate in a family would be enough to lift one out of poverty.”
-Alyssah Mingo
When we went to Rizal High School, I was astonished to see the enormity and classy structural design of the school. It was far from what I expected when my groupmates told me that we would be doing the project in the world’s biggest High school in terms of student population. Images that entered my mind when I heard them say that were crowded and tight classrooms, inadequate chairs, unmaintained and disordered corridors, unhygienic toilets, outdated and old facilities and materials, and overworked and stressed teachers. Among all of those expectations, I was right about one thing—stressed teachers. Everything else in the school was a wow!
The entrance of the school looked like a government building or like an office with its class doors that looked like mall windows and doors. There are also pillars in front and a curve pathway for cars. It looked very classy for a public school. Entering the building brought us more amazement because we saw a beautiful garden in the center of the surrounding classrooms. The garden looks very much like that in resorts where there are classic garden benches, and wooden canopies entwined with vines and plants. Besides that, I could not actually miss the huge track and field oval, and I also remember seeing gymnastics equipments in the vacant area in the field. Near the field, I saw what I thought of a mansion because of its architectural design. I could not actually believe it when my groupmates told me that the building is just for classrooms. Aside from that, the computer room we used for the program contained about 30 PC’s all of them were in Windows XP. The room was also surrounded by various posters and printouts about educational websites. Each of these computers was accompanied by a comfortable grayish black computer chair.
After the program, we roamed around the school which, as we were informed, has lost the title of being the biggest high school because their annexes became independent entities. I think that would be better because I can not imagine the load of the principal who is managing 20,000 students. Going to the parking area, there was a wide avenue (wide as the university avenue but shorter) which I thought was an entrance road to a subdivision because at the end of the road there is a marbled wall with a sign on it. I was wrong because what I was seeing was still part of the school; they were the former annexes. They had annexes for the sciences and others. The place was like a compound, big enough to be a subdivision. Our jaws dropped and we felt really tiny amidst that school. Imagining it as a whole, we almost envy the students studying there because they are so fortunate compared to other public high schools. That is another thing that fascinated us—it is all free. Those students are even more fortunate than those in the private schools. I remember that the teacher told us that they even have free pair of school shoes for the students. Imagine that! It is my first time to hear such a great benefit for the students.
Indeed, it was right that we dedicated our program to the teachers instead of the students because they do not need anything. I even think that the teachers are also fortunate, because they look like they are paid well. They are sophisticatedly dressed. Their faculty office is air-conditioned. The classrooms are very tidy and not too compacted. The chairs are arranged in pairs, giving the classroom more available space. That school looks “perfect”, while other public schools look devastating. I almost doubt that perhaps this school is what Deped presents to authorities and proves as the product of their programs and stuff. But it is only one school. All attention and benefits centralized in one school—I think that is a problem also. It would be better if it’s equalized and even better if all other public schools will be improved like Rizal High School. When that happens, I think children and out of school youth would be very motivated to go to school. However, this end product will need lots of effort, time, and money. The question is if Deped has all of those and if they are willing to use all of those in improving our public schools. Or, perhaps they have other agendas. Nevertheless, this is not merely wishful thinking but a vision of what perhaps should be the case of the country’s pubic schools. If it can happen to one, then it can also happen to many.
-Chastine Moralizon
March 29, 2010
Gamitin ang Sariling Atin
“Hindi basehan ng talino ang kakayahang magsalita ng Inggles”. Sa totoo lamang, isa ako sa mga tao na nag-iisip na kapag ang isang tao ay magaling mag-Inggles, matalino na siya. Sa katunayan, kapag mayroon akong naririnig na nagkakamali-mali sa pagsasalita ng wikang Inggles, iniisip ko na hindi siya magaling..pero dati iyon. Napagtibay ang aking paniniwala na tayo ay mga Pilipino na may sariling wika. Hindi isang kapintasan kung hindi ka marunong mag-Inggles, ang malaking kahangalan ay kung isa kang Pilipino na hindi ka marunong magFilipino. Hindi naman natin masisisi ang ating mga sarili na maghangad na maging katulad ng mga taga-ibang bansa, lalo pa at nakikita natin ang kanilang pag-unlad habang tayo naman ay unti-unting sumasadsad…ngunit hindi tayo dapat sumuko…alam ko sa sarili ko na darating ang araw at tayo rin naman ay lilipad. Ipinagpapasalamat ko ang desisyon ng Departamento ng Edukasyon na ipatupad ang MLE Policy,sa ganoong paraan, hindi na mamimilipit ang mga guro na magturo gamit ang wikang hindi naman sila komportableng gamitin, mas nagpopokus sila sa pag-iisip kung paanong iingglisin ang kanilang sinasabi kesa sa pagbabahagi ng sapat na kaalaman sa mga estudyante, kung ang guro mismo hindi maintindihan ang kanyang sinasabi, ano pa ang aasahan mo sa mga estudyante? Kapag ako ay naging guro, hindi ko pahihirapan ang aking sarili at ang aking mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo gamit ang wikang naiintindihan naming lahat. Sa aking palagay, malaki ang maitutulong nito upang tayo ay magkamit ng kaunlaran at balang araw ay kamanghaan naman ng iba. Matibay ang aking paniniwala na ang edukasyon ng mga kabataan ang sagot sa ating kawalan ng pag-asa, oras na maging tunay na atin ang ating edukasyon, tayo ay susulong.”
-Angela Go
March 28, 2010
May pag-asa pa…
Matagal ng kasabihan na ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Lumang luma na ito at sa kasalukuyang panahon, wala na nga sigurong maniniwala dito. Tayo ay sanay ng marinig ang mga katagang ito. At sinasabi ng mga nakakatanda sa atin na mag-aral tayong mabuti upang umunlad ang ating bansa. Kailangan daw natin magsipag pumasok at mag-aral. Kailangan daw natin gawin ang ating makakaya upang makapagtapos tayo sa tamang panahon at maipagmalaki tayo ng ating mga magulang. Kailangan daw, kung pwede, ay magtapos tayo ng may matataas na marka upang makakuha tayo ng magandang trabaho at mapagsilbihan natin ang ating bansa. Sa lahat ng ito, meron nga bang nadudulot ng mabuti ang ating kasalukuyang pamamahala sa edukasyon sa lahat ng mga estudyanteng nakapagtapos na? Nabigyan ba kaya sila ng magandang trabaho? O hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa rin silang naghahanap ng trabaho? Napagsisilbihan na ba kaya nila sa kasalukuyan ang ating bansa? O dahil sa kawalan ng trabaho ay napagpasyahan na nilang iwan ang ating bansa upang humanap na ng trabaho sa Estados Unidos o sa Europa o kahit saan mang parte ng mundo sila dalhin? Ano nga ba ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit nag-aaral ang tao? Dahil ba gusto niyang matuto o dahil ba gusto niyang makakuha ng magandang trabaho upang maihaon niya ang kanyang sarili at ang kanyang pamilya sa kahirapan?
Sa kasalukuyang nangyayari sa ating bansa ngayon, ako ay napapatanong, may pag-asa pa ba tayo lalo na sa larangan ng edukasyon? Ang dami natin mga nararanansang kahirapan ngayon. Isa na dito ang walang humpay na pagdating ng mga iba’t ibang sakuna at kalamidad. Lalong nahihirapan at humihirap ang bansang Pilipinas, para bang unti-unti tayong naaalisan ng pag-asa. Isa pa dito ang walang pakundangang korupsyon na ginagawa ng ating mga opisyal sa gobyerno. Hindi na sila naawa. Imbis na tulungan nila ang ating bansa, walang tigil sila sa pagkamkam ng kayamanan na hindi naman sa kanila at lalong hindi naman nila pinaghirapan. Ito ang mga iilan sa mga problema na nararanasan natin sa kasalukuyan. Marami pa nga ito kung tutuusin, hindi lang ito.
Magandang marinig at malaman na may mga grupo na pilit ipinaglalaban ang karapatan ng bawat mamamayan sa hustong edukasyon. Nakakagalak na meron pa palang mga tao o grupo na naniniwalang meron pa tayong magagawa sa ating maliliit na paraan kahit na tayo’y dapang dapa na sa kahirapan. May iilan sa mga grupo ng sektor sa lipunan na naghahanda ng mga reporma at ginagawa nila ang lahat upang matupad ang mga ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Ako ay lubusang naniniwala sa mga ito. Ako ay lubusang sumusuporta sa kanilang mga proyekto at ipinaglalaban. Para sa akin, may pag-asa pa tayo. Habang may mga batang sumisilang at lumalaki, may batang gustong pumasok at matuto. Sabi nga nila, habang may buhay, may pag-asa.
by Krista Tayag
October 13, 2009
Jerome – Bugtungan
Bugtungan
jerome
Sa totoo lang nakakalito ang sistema ng edukasyon sa atin. Ewan ko kung sa Pilipinas lamang ba yun nangyayari.
Biruin nyo, ang mga nagdedesisyon ng polisiya sa edukasyon ay hindi man lang naging guro, supervisor o principal.
May “kasabihan” nga tayo na “The customer is always right.” Sino ba ang customer sa edukasyon? Hindi nga ba mga estudyante ang customer? Ang kanilang katuwang ay walang iba kungdi ang mga magulang nila’t guro.
Kung gayon, bakit natin hahayaang ang mga pulitikong ganid sa kapangyarihan ang magdesisyon sa kung anong wika, anong libro o anumang sistema ang gagamitin sa pag-aaral?
Oo, alam ko, may sasagot sa inyo na maalam ang mga pulitiko sa batas. Pero sino ang mas nakakaalam ng dapat gawin sa edukasyon, ang mga mag-aaral ba at guro sa loob ng eskwelahan o ang mga pulitikong nasa loob ng senado’t kongreso at nagsasagutan dahil sa kurapsyon na ginawa ng isa’t isa.
Sino ang mas dapat gumawa ng pananaliksik sa larangan ng edukasyon, ang mga gurong may hawak ng record ng “strengths” at “weaknesses” ng kanyang estudyante o ang mga pulitikong ang hawak ay survey ng kasikatan nila?
Sino ang mas dapat gumawa ng pagbabago sa sistema ng pag-aaral, ang mga estudyante na direktang nakikinabang sa edukasyon o ang mga trapong/pulitikong mas nakikinabang pag eleksyon?
Subalit paano tayo lilikha ng pagbabago kung hindi natin alam ang mali?
Paano natin malalaman ang mali kung hindi tayo nag-iisip?
At, paano tayo mag-iisip kung ayaw nating mag-isip?
Kaya naman pipilitin ko kayong mag-isip sa pamamagitan ng isang laro.
Ito ay tinarawag na Bugtungan. Alam nyo na yon. Malalaki na kayo.
Ang isang bugtong ay maaaring maraming sagot. Maaaring iba-iba ang kasagutan nyo. Ang clue lang, lahat ng sagot ay konektado sa edukasyon.
1A) Hindi pari, hindi hari, Nagdadamit ng sari-sari. (sampayan)
1B) Hindi titser, hindi estudyante, Sa edukasyon, syang nasusunod palagi. ( )
2A) Buto’t balat, lumilipad (saranggola)
2B) Buto’t balat, nag-aaral
3A) Dalawang batang itim, malayo ang nararating. (mata)
3B) May nunal na itim, ang edukasyo’y inililibing.
4A) Hindi sa akin, hindi sa iyo, pag-aari ng lahat ng tao. (mundo)
4B) Hindi sa mayaman, hindi sa pulitiko, karapatan ng lahat ng tao..
5A) Tag-ulan man at tag-araw, hanggang tuhod ang salawal (manok)
5B) Tag-ulan man at tag-araw, sa oras ng klase ay kulang.
6A) Malayo pa ang sibat, nakanganga na ang sugat (bibig)
6B) Malayo pa daw ang eleksyon, nakanganga’t walang paki sa edukasyon.
7A) Mataas pag nakaupo, mababa pag nakatayo. (aso)
7B) Mataas pag Filipino, mababa pag Ingles ang turo.
8A) Naligo si kaka, hindi nabasa (dahon ng gabi)
8B) Pumasok si kaka, hindi marunong magbasa.
9A) Napupuno’y di nasisidlan, nakukulangan ay di binabawasan (tubig ng niyog)
9B) May badyet di dinadagdagan, nkukulangan ay walang pinaggagamitan.
10A) Binili ko ng salapi, itinapon ko ang kalahati. (tulya)
10B) Binili ko ng salapi, wala akong matutunan kahit kalahati
September 9, 2009
Tippy – Mula sa Puso.
I wouldn’t say that I am a writer. Well in fact, this is one of my weaknesses. In the duration of the time given for us to make a simple blog about anything on education, almost everyday I stop and think what to write about. Writer’s block: this is what I have experience. Until today, this blessed rainy day……. I came to realize something….something that would be very essential to life.
In Educ 100, what have we been talking about?
We started off with the difference of schooling and education. Wherein we realized that we are all confined in the notion that a diploma is equal to your actual knowledge and is the basis of a man’s capacity to work. One fallacy we have to take out of our system.
Then we went on with the history of education. This is where we recalled the very messy systems of education injected in out society. From prohibiting acccess to education to the medium of instruction to the language used to the teachers, the shift from one system to another definitely gave the Filipinos back then confusion in what culture should they live with or abandon.
After which, we talked about reforms…..only in paper. We have a lot of reforms but sadly, they are not completely actualized.Even though the power is already decentralized, the system still clings on the tradition in where they can take advantage of the connections they have.
Through the discussion of the early childhood, elementary, secondary, and tertiary education, my sheltered past in a private school was opened to the harsh reality of the present. For the first fourteen years of education, I thought I was already living the hard way with all the requirements, assignments, projects, exams, papers, events, and the list goes on. And back then, I thought high school was going to go on for eternity. But what have I learned now? There are teachers who tamper on test results. There is a high acknowledgment of connections to those in higher positions. There are actually students who can’t last in school because of poverty or because they can’t understand the lesson taught in English. There is at most three shifts happening. Comfort rooms do not give comfort. Some teachers sell goods to the students. Students walk kilometers to school with an empty stomach. Incompetent students are produced because of incompetent teachers. And I could just go on and on. In the end, what we have in hand is a rotten system.
I have wanted to become a teacher since I was in grade school. The things a teacher does amazes me. I want to give and share the same magic that has been sparkled to me. I know in my heart that this is what I’ll do great in. This is where I can make my mark. But with the bold negativity the systems has, I can’t help but think to myself………….. “Gusto ko pa ba pasukin ang sistemang matagal nang nabubulok?”
I do want to make my mark in education. But will I not be a part of this system that is almost hopeless? Will I just contribute to the problems the system already has? Or can I ALONE make a difference?
Amidst all these fears, a leap of faith is what I will do.
TULOY PARIN AKO SA EDUC.
2007-27487
September 8, 2009
Jerome – Partnership of MLE & Education
“The Partnership of M. L. E. and English”
JEROME RELENTE “
Language is Practical Consciousness” - Karl Marx
Marx is only pointing out that since language is part of your consciousness, it affects our behavior and culture. Language has also its big impact to all social institutions which play a vital role in our practical lives. Being a product of society, education system is, therefore, affected by the use of language.
True enough, language use determine the students’ performance and learning process in school and in educational centers. It has been an argument that the reason for the student’s low performance in subjects such as Math and Science is the use of English in teaching these areas. Some scholars insist that learners learn more effectively through their mother tongue, thus, the Mother-Language Education (M. L. E.) policy in the Philippines is born.
However, M. L. E. should be only implemented in Grades 1 to 3 for the development of the Filipino Students’ Comprehension in subjects Math and Science. Macro skills such as speaking, writing, reading in English should be separately developed through the subject “English”. Starting Grade Four, students should have developed their English skills because Math and Science will now be taught in this language.
It should be noted that M. L. E. should only aim to help the students in the areas of Math and Science. This policy, sad to say, cannot eliminate English in our education system.
Butch Dalisay, in his essay “Notes on Contemporary Philippine Fiction in English” states that: “Despite our much-vaunted bilingual policy in the universities and the growth of Philippine writing in other language, the fact is that our English programs are growing. There is a continuing if not rising demand for English, especially in training for the professions.”
Dalisay is, indeed, true. Just observe the board exams and jobs requiring English proficiency. Some may even argue that countries such as Japan and Singapore are performing well in area such as Math and Science because students use native language. Their countries must be commended for their use of their mother-language. However, it should be pointed out that the M. L. E. policy cannot be implemented throughout the learning process. This policy will be more effective if it will be observed only in the start of education, a strategy used by the countries mentioned above.
As a conclusion, M. L. E. and English policy can be simultaneously used in education or better yet, start educating the students with their mother language. Once their skills and competencies in major areas are developed in a term of M. L. E., then that’s the time to use English as the medium of instructions only in Science and in Math, the subjects after used to assess student’s intelligence.
August 30, 2009
Alex – Alternatives
A diploma defines a person’s status in the society. Without it, a person can be considered as nothing more than a savage. Sad, but true. Who can apply for a decent job without, at least, a high school diploma? No one. But with only about less than 20% graduates in our Philipine records, how does the 80% of our “unschooled” people get work? There is one quick solution: fake the diploma and become an instant graduate of the school of our choice. It is a very despicable solution, and yet, when one is desperate and needs to feed his and his loved one’s stomachs, it might be the only way.
Poverty is a major problem and our government launches programs to create mor jobs for the Filipinos as a reaction to it. But, maybe, it is not the solution. There may be a lot of available job vacancies but there may not be a lot of “educated” people suitable for it. And I believe that the solution lies right there.
I am quite amazed to learn about non-formal and informal types of education, and I believe that it is the key to a more progresive country. We should not strongly rely on formal schooling to educate our people. There are many ways to learn, appropriate for one’s learning styles, and these could be used for the betterment of our educational system. TESDA’s programs are as such. Their alternative ways for education is much recommended for those who cannot afford or is unsuitable for normal schooling.
Just a few days ago, I saw a poster of TESDA’s programs and scholarships. It is a good start to publicize and let the public know about these alternatives, and yet it is not good enough since the poster involved politics. Nevertheless, Filipinos should know about them because it will greatly help them in their education status.
If I were to go back in time and had taken alternative path of education that is being introduced today, I believe that I had made use of my years more wisely. Quality education does not necessarily mean more years of education. It can be achieved with best resources, adoptability to learning techniques, love of knowledge and passion for learning.
Gene Alexis Vizcarra
updced
maraquino
cushevangelista
kbfranco
nicc12
jonibee
totoyguro
Aymin Landrito
stwepi
milet2003
Loreen Eslao
markleyvillarin
lalaoohlala
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