TEACHING THE 21ST CENTURY LEARNERS

JOSEPH IAN TIZON QUIAMBAO

Change is the only constant thing in this world. We experience changes due to rapid development of technology. It affects all aspects of the society especially in the field of education; the use of technological infrastructures and teaching materials, the access to the vast information through the internet, and the new strategies and approaches that could cater the needs of the students. Who are the 21stcentury learners? How should teachers teach the 21stcentury learners?

The 21st century education aims to produce learners who are skilled and globally competitive. The holistic development of the learners through education will enhance their intellect, skills and talents. A classroom with 50 students will also have 50 different ideas, concepts, and opinions. The diversity of the learners is one of the important things to consider during the teaching and learning process. Today’s learners have different learning styles and intelligences. As stated in the Multiple Intelligence Theory of Howard Gardner, there are 9 intelligences that each learner could have. These are verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existential intelligence. As the facilitator of the learning process, teachers must use different teaching methods. Employing the differentiated-instruction can enhance and showcase the skills, talents, and intelligences of the learners. Integrating technology is one of the effective ways in teaching. The use of multimedia, particularly audio-visual media as teaching aid provides excitement and motivation to the learners. In addition, through these technologies used in teaching, the different skills and competencies of the learners are enhanced and developed. The teacher’s creativity and innovation in teaching promote quality learning for the students. It allows the learners to explore, share, and apply ideas in class. Through these myriad of activities, the three domains of a learner (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor) are developed. It’s not only the learner’s knowledge,skills, and competencies that are developed but also their life skills, logic, critical thinking, values and attitudes.

As 21st century teachers, the rapid changes in teaching challenge us to become adaptive, creative, and innovative. We can use technology as our new instrument for us to provide quality education. Let us continue our mission of producing competent, service-oriented, and skilled learners. Para sa Bata! Para sa Bayan! Para sa Diyos!

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The author is a graduating student of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino at Bulacan State University