THE KEYSTONE OF TEACHING

CORNELE L. TAYAG

It has been the desire of every teacher to provide a learning environment that will make every learner comfortable, happy and at ease and an environment that should be allowed to explore by the learners. Having said that, an approach that focuses on connecting multiple subjects, where students are allowed to freely move in and out of classrooms as they pursue their interests and construct their own paths for acquiring and applying knowledge must be integrated in learning process.

To transfer knowledge, skills and values among learners through learning approach will make an impact in providing quality and competitive education to the 21st century learners. It implies that the role of the teacher in this setting is to serve more as a facilitator, helps to bring out learning than an instructor who teaches the subject and delivers the information. Therefore, it is necessary to influence students’ perceptions of the learning environment and, subsequently, their study approach and learning outcomes. It is thus expected that there is a significant relationship between blended learning, student learning experiences, and ultimate achievement.

For a particular teaching approach to be appropriate and efficient it has to be in relation with the characteristics of the learner and the type of learning it is supposed to bring out. This can be made possible by various approaches in teaching.

Teaching approach is an important part of the learning process. It comprises the principles and methods used for instruction to be implemented by teachers to achieve the desired learning. This approach is determined partly on subject matter to be taught and partly by the nature of the learner.

The education society is finding its way to make student-centered learning approach as the cornerstone of the technology education curriculum. This will address and satisfy the needs of every learner in order for the teaching and learning process to take place. Further, this approach will enhance students to develop their skills and methods of doing things in the way best suited to their interests.

Student-centered learning is currently reshaping the playing field of education. It refers to different varieties of educational methodologies, learning strategies, instructional approaches and academic support programs that are envisioned to address the distinct learning needs, welfares, aspirations, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and group of students.

The student-centered teaching is the preparation of the teaching experience focusing on the students’responsibilities and actions in the learning process which takes into consideration the students’interests, demands and needs. Through this approach, teaching experiences are planned, prepared, and different learning strategies and styles of students are taken into account. All of this will not be possible without the heart of the teacher to teach and inspire learners because students do not care about the teaching and learning not until they know you care about them. That’s why the best teaching approach is the approach that touches the hearts of every learner and the desire of the teacher to put joy in learning. An environment that is full of love, affection and concern will always be my favorite learning environment.

— oOoâ—

The author is Principal III of Sto. Rosario National High School