TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

ROBERTO G. IGNACIO

A school is an establishment intended to offer learning space and environment for teaching of students under the direction or guidance of teachers. Teachers are meant to be the mentors, molders, protectors and probably the people behind the success of the students if they will just follow the right path. Unfortunately, a lot of changes now a days were observed from among our students. Their preferences in life, values, priorities and expectations in life are totally different from us. And so as a concern teacher, I just taught of something that could help them redirect their view in life. A great idea came out of my mind that I would want to fulfill and put into action.

Service learning action for students was premeditated at Bonifacio V. Romero High School. This project is also designed via collaboration between teachers and other stakeholders, such homeroom PTA officers, Alumni, LGUs particularly the Committee on Education and NGOs. The project asks students to apply course content to community-based activities. Students would have a chance for Life Group activity as they share God’s message of love, peer counseling while having their snacks, and clean up drive for their community involvement. This gives students practical opportunities to learn in real world contexts and develop skills of community engagement, while affording community partners opportunities to address significant needs. This service learning action is so vital having the context below:

“A form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students. . . seek to achieve real objectives for the community and deeper understanding and skills for themselves. In the process, students link personal and social development with academic and cognitive development. . . experience enhances understanding; understanding leads to more effective action.”Vanderbilt University’s Janet S. Eyler (winner of the 2003 Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service Learning) and Dwight E. Giles, Jr.

Expectations are such as positive effect on students’learning and the ability to apply what they have learned in “the real world” and a positive impression on academic outcomes such as demonstration of complex understanding, problem analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive development. The manifestation of good results are observed from our students like the sense of personal worth, personal identity, spiritual growth, and moral development. Smooth interpersonal relationship (SIR), particularly the ability to work well with others, and build leadership and communication skills. Most important, strong relationship with God and fellowmen.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Bonifacio V. Romero High School