PHILIPPINE EDUCATION: A LIGHT VIEW OF THE PRESENT AND THE YESTERYEARS
JENNIFER M. ULEP
The way education works has been fairly constant over the previous decades. With the new innovations, advances in technology, as well as the everchanging demands of the society, there are some innumerable alterations in educations since the implementation of the K-12 curriculum in the Philippi nes.
The new K-12 curriculum requires all Filipino students to have a one year of kindergarten, six years of elementary schooling ( grades 1-6), four years of junior high school ( grades 7-10), and two years of senior high school ( grades 11-12). This was adapted so that we could be at par with other countries in terms of quality education, which is viewed as any country’s pillar of success. Whereas, during the previous curriculum. It is not mandatory for a child to take kindergarten level. Therefore, a Filipino student can jump to grade 1 as long as he is at the right age, and this was seen as a disadvantage for our students who are competing in the global job market.
Since the advent of modern technology, the way of teaching has also changed. From conventional, making use of chalk and chalkboard most of the time: to modern, utilization of overhead projectors and computers, and other contemporary devices. Yet, there are still educators who still practice the conventional way or sometimes, application of both conventional and modern. Also students before are being spoon-fed and bombarded of pieces of information by the teachers. The definition of “teacher” is changing now. The limelight has shifted from educators to students since, the present curriculum is student-centered and teachers only act as facilitators who guide students as they ask their own queries and explore ideas.
Today, students are able to seize the higher ideas because of the many present resources. Being able to find these ideas is useful, but knowing how to evaluate it, apply it, and even add to it is what makes it essential.
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The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School