TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION

ARLENE D. TOLENTINO

With the new curriculum now in the Philippines, the focus in schools is not only in the academic excellence of the learners but also in the acquisition or enhancement of skills.

This is made possible through the application of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences when it comes to the evaluation of learning. Explicit instruction is also introduced to facilitate learning, and students’performances are divided based on the area where they excel the most.

In the previous curriculum, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) was being introduced for the first time to the 1st year high school students. Now, TLE is presented to Grade 6 pupils, replacing its prerequisite subject Edukasyon Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP).

But just like any other projects in their pilot years of implementation, submitting to the new curriculum guides in TLE paved way to some difficulties. One is the lack of modules, outdated modules, lack of actual tools, appropriate workplace for workshops, and even the time allotted for the activities, which is 45 minutes, is not enough.

Fortunately, the Department of Education (DepEd) continues hiring competitive and capable teachers who find way to cope with this shortcoming. Some even initiate to provide materials and tools that can be used during workshops.

TLE, though not a major subject, is a major basis by the students on their desired strand when they reach Grade 11. And through the activities and skills that one can learn from TLE, it can also be a major root on their desired career path in the near future.

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The author is Teacher III at Diosdado Macapagal High School, Mexico Pampanga