INSET: THE IMPACT TO 21ST CENTURY TEACHERS!

JANET ALLADO- DALUSUNG

Teachers play an important role in the curriculum. They are the most important and reliable people that students expect to see in the classroom every day. Teachers must be responsible and knowledgeable in all aspects of the learning process, particularly in the 21st century classroom. The teacher’s ability has something to do with his/her competence such as the skill to plan, to teach, to asses and to evaluate. A teacher is also prepared to function as a writer, a reader, a speaker and a listener to cater the needs of the 21st century learners. Every teacher has different learning needs that need to be addressed to achieve an effective learning process. On the other hand, a 21st century teacher should be a tech-savvy. Someone who to continually enhances and improves hi/her skills in the latest development of technology, specifically the interactive learning materials.

To address these needs, the professional development of teachers should be enhanced continuously to cater to the needs of the 21st century learners. To heighten the teachers with 21st century competence and other skills, in-service education, and training (INSET) is essential. In-Service training is a school-based seminar workshop given to teachers to enhance their teaching skills, classroom management, professional development and growth, skills development, and knowledge to attain effective student-centered learning. In line with this, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued the DepEd Memorandum No. 42, s. 2017 that entails the “Adoption of Philippine Professional Standard for Teachers (PPST) and IPPD (Individual Plan for Professional Development). These are tools used to assess the needed competency of teachers. The results may dictate the learning targets of every teacher. The learning targets will be used to propose and to plan the INSET.

Furthermore, the impact of INSET training depends on the teachers’ responsiveness, willingness to participate and embrace all their learnings particularly INSETS that discuss topics about embracing the new trend of education parallel to the learning needs of the 21st century learners. Based on the research by Msamba, Msuya and Anangisye in 2023, INSET education has both positive and negative effects where in some of the in-service trainings are not aligned and anchored to address the needs due to poor planning and implementation. The effective participation from this training may result in a positive change of teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.

Thus, still majority of the INSETs are still contributing significantly to enhance and to improve teachers’ characteristics in facilitating the learning process, includes the following:

1.Professional growth is more relevant.

2.Strengthen the existing level of teachers’ knowledge and skills target areas

3.Curriculum and instructional improvement

4.Improve teacher’s teaching morals and work ethics

5.Increase quality education through integrating technology

6.Make teachers more effective 21st century teachers

Finally, teachers need to be highly qualified and competent to produce quality 21st century learners.

-oOoThe author is Secondary School Teacher II AT School: Dr. Clemente N. Dayrit Sr. Memorial High School