MATTERS OF THE HEART

The teachers’behavior and general disposition in establishing a social environment conducive to learning is of great importance. But it has to be noted that, no matter how established the social environment for learning may be, the full advantage for learning will still be limited if the teacher fall short of the most appropriate teaching strategy for a particular teaching and learning activity.

Language teachers must learn to constantly adapt to your students’ needs. Although at times, this means dealing with a variety of problems in the classroom which are all too common occurrences. But a good language teacher must be able to recognize these common problems, and work to find solutions. Creating a more productive and casual environment for both you and your students. Teachers must be the prime movers in teaching and learning activities. More importantly, the whole spectrum of the educational activities that have to be brought into the teaching and learning process must be properly conceptualized and put in their proper perspective. One must not only teach, but inspire and empower. The goal is to excite the students about learning, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending English.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Betis High School

CHEYSERR FAJARDO-GARCIA

Philosophy is the window and compass of a teacher in her teaching profession for it can open doors of opportunity that could identify the existence of his learners in imparting wisdom toward them. Philosophy means love of wisdom. Philosophy goes beyond facts because it only depends on judgment and observation.

Some of the branches of philosophy are natural philosophy which deals with study of nature and the physical universe that was dominant before the development of modern science; moral philosophy that talks about the area of philosophy concerned with theories of ethics, with how we ought to live our lives; and metaphysical philosophy which tackles the things concerned with the nature of existence, being and the world. Aristotle also named it as the first philosophy.

A philosophy teacher is like an artist. One who devotes his heart, passion, emotion, values, and experience to his students in order to make a larger portion of a beautiful creation. One who sees his students as his own masterpieces that can someday illuminate the world with the knowledge he brought them. One who touches their souls to be able to promulgate competency and empower their visions in the context of their st or i es.

I consider my profession as a living document of what I have been, what I am, and what I could be. I honestly admit that I was reluctant when I decided to take the journey as a teacher in philosophy because I find it very complicated. As a philosophy teacher, one of the major roles for me is to facilitate learning thinking and environments by respecting and promoting intellectual diversity which enable students to tell their stories through these humanized teaching methods; encouraging them to take risks; supports them in their struggles; and cultivate their dreams and desires in learning more.

It is like creating bridges of understanding in order to perceive complex things into meaningful interpretation. In able for the learners to meet their need as an individual, I ought to make sure that they are geared up with everything that they need to grow and to have no limitation for them in their learning process.

Indeed, philosophy is the map which served as a guide in my teaching career. I will be the molder of the individuals that will become an effective people someday in the society. I will hone their abilities, skills and talents in order for them to make a huge impact in the insight of our race and our generation. A teacher who will perceive that everyone is unique and has distinction in their own choices and decisions. I will be the one who will encourage my learners to know that they exist and make their choices good to make a good life guided with great values that could develop them holistically.

It is a commitment for me to have each and every student leave my class with the ability to analyze a situation with their skeptical skills. Being confident that they can leave my classroom and become contributing members of society, regardless of their future endeavor. It is the role of a philosophy teacher to bring connection to all learners, to draw every detail of their experiences of each where possible. It is my job to make the process of learning worth challenging, rewarding and most of the times, entertaining.

Yes, it’s true, that purging your mind will create illusions of learning but the true essence of philosophy is digging the treasures that are engraved in our hearts, the true matters of the heart. The lives which has been altered by the imprint of our hands that could someday establish a picturesque to the future.

As the quotation of Robert Hutchins says, it must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of the student with facts, it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.

— oOo— The author is SHS teacher at Jose Feliciano College, Dau, Mabalacat City