Challenges and opportunities on educational reforms
The transition brought about by the implementation of K to 12 is felt by teachers and workers in the academe as well as parents, students and other stakeholders.
New subjects are being taught in senior high school that used to be offered in college. Changes and challenges entail patience, hard work and reflective thinking, among others. Seasoned teachers focus to meet the rapid changes in the education paradigm.
Along with these trends, many higher education institutions offer seminars and workshops on the teaching of new general education courses. These seminars explain methodologies and approaches in teaching the subjects.
Teachers will get the opportunity to absorb relevant and timely principles and insights that they can use for their classes.
On the other hand, seasoned teachers need to revisit their strategies and techniques, gain ideas through further reading and conduct researches in line with their specialization.
Through these simple steps, they can cope with the effects of globalization, modernity and innovation. Education is now aided by technology. In the sudden rise of modernity, teachers have to be receptive. They should not be left behind in the evolution of ideas since they control and manage knowledge in classrooms.
Indeed, the present time raises and elicits many questions on how teachers could effectively provide instruction to their students, knowing that everything arrived and appeared swiftly.
Being classified as a seasoned teacher, I believe teachers can do it. We can always be flexible when we have the willingness and initiative to accept changes around us.
We need to update and upgrade our knowledge on the realities of teaching-learning processes. Let us not forget that even if many of the facts we get from our books remain the same, there is a huge body of knowledge that has changed tremendously, influenced by the transition and globalization.
Tension arises when a new system is to be followed and adopted by those used to the old system. This tension can be converted into positive thought and welcomed as an opportunity.
When new rules are introduced and set, teachers and other academicians may benefit in the form of growth and development. Their personality becomes flexible. They welcome changes and opportunities to make them the best practitioners and leaders in their field.
Teachers, students and other stakeholders have high hopes for 2018. When we do our responsibilities in congruence with the visionmission of the institution, we could ensure excellence in the working environment.
We can do it! We can make a difference!
A flexible, reflective teacher can collect ideas from his experiences then blend these ideas with the actualities of daily classroom encounters. Quality learning outcomes are only a matter of planning.
One-time training may not fully change the aptitude of the teacher; it takes a lifetime and life-long process because every day gives us lessons in life.
Reading and research are among the tools that can help teachers achieve excellence in teaching and curriculum. Those who research are equipped and prepared for bigger tasks in the academic journey.
As the digital age and transition come, reflective teachers can be steadfast and receptive. They can always find ways to catch up and blend in the whirlwind of changes and innovations.
Teachers can grab many opportunities for professional advancement. There are online courses available where they could register and learn with other teachers and experts. There are generous schol- arships and sponsorships offered by government agencies. Indeed, it is only a matter of patience, determination, and dedication that can make teachers succeed.
The last value that must be practiced by teachers is time management. They can creatively design their tasks and activities if they have ample time to do so. They should not be in a hurry since “haste is waste.” What is conveyed from the lines is making most out of time by pondering on priorities, issues and perspectives in educational planning. Next year, many changes and challenges would come but whatever happens, the teacher who is prepared and equipped would never be left behind.
Luisito Nanquil teaches language and literature courses at Bulacan State University’s Department of English. He is a double-doctorate holder, obtaining his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from The National Teachers College and Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Studies from Bulacan State University.