LOCALIZATION/LOCALIZED MATERIALS

KRISTINE BERNADETTE F. DIMACALI

We are now living in a day, wherein we can google search almost all the information that we need all throughout the world, through the world wide web you can search a certain topic that can provide you the most relevant and accurate information that a researcher, a student, teacher, doctor, engineers, architects, lawyers, other professionals need.

The point is, the more the information is specific, the more it is real and visible around us, the more it is being understood by most people. And since, the goal of teaching is for the students to learn it is highly needed to have localized materials that will widen the understanding and knowledge of our students.

There are great advantages of having localized materials implemented or adopted on our educational system;

First, it gives awareness of what is really the current happenings or status about a certain topic being discussed, second, since it’s more specific and it’s very closely related to us, it will give the students an aggressive mind to really learn more about it since it became familiar with them. And because of this, if the topic is something to deal with an issue, they can easily relate and can be a great way for the students to participate in solving issues of our nation. Every students will be highly encouraged to participate during discussion and there will be a meaningful discussion for each and every one students.

Localized Materials Defined

Localization has been defined as “freedom for schools or local education authorities to adapt this curriculum to local conditions,” and relating the content curriculum and the processes of teaching and learning to the local environment”. This flexibility in adapting the program of education for students to local conditions, often away from the capital city and the urban population centers is a direct response to traditional curriculum design, which was described as “too full, rigid, inflexible and irrelevant to lives of learners”. This idea of relevance is critical to the understanding of localization and the policy planners who have been active promoters. Taking into account the “cultural and socio-economic realities, of local populations when designing education; content is critical in engaging these students in the learning process. A crucial failing of educational systems, worldwide has been their lack of relevance weakens the mentioned connection and bond between communities, learners, and schools; and thus damages educational outcomes through decreased student, community and teacher engagement in the learning process. Accdg. To Taylor.

And here in the Philippines, wherein most of our cultures and traditions were influenced by foreign people, the outcome is “hybrid”, meaning we have a diverse culture and traditions. And as time passes by, in our modern education system, it is imperative to give an example which is relevant for the student’s life, which will help them understand their attitude, actions, traits, values and customs. This is just one of the example on how we as teachers can provide a more meaningful discussion using the localized materials.

The Importance of this localized materials, is creating an effective and efficient future for the students who can build this Nation stronger and better.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Alauli Elementary School, Apalit District