EMBRACING THE CULTURE OF RESEARCH THROUGH PROJECT SALIKSIK

AMANDO C. YUTUC, Ph.D.

Charles Kettering, an American inventor once said, “A problem well stated is a problem half-solved.” If the root cause of the problem is identified, the rest depends on the formulation of appropriate solution.

A research should be evidence-based and data-driven. This will help the researchers identify the hindering factors which are the gaps in a particular improvement area or phenomenon. The task of a researcher is to determine the root cause of the problem supported by a reliable data in order to come up with a right intervention.

In the context of education, the Republic Act 9155, “Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001,” the school heads are expected to make a sound decision based on data and research. They are confronted with a variety of challenges that need to be addressed through the conduct of research. They are mandated to lead the school teachers in embracing the culture of resear ch.

School Heads are expected to provide technical assistance in research. The challenge is, how can a school head provide technical assistance if he/ she is not knowledgeable and proficient in research? In addition, if he/ she was not able to produce even one action or applied research?

It is believed that a research should begin with the leader/ head of the institution so as to provide source of inspiration and strength to their direct support, the teachers. Embracing the culture of research requires modelling. “I do and You watch; Together We do; and You do and I watch. This belief will surely encourage more teachers to conduct action researches in their schools.

This has led the author to initiate Project SALIKSIK to the school heads in the division. The Project SALIKSIK aims to promote the culture of research through the collaboration of school heads and their respective research coordinators. This project consists of eight (8) significant milestones namely: 1) Conduct Focus Group Discussion on the pressing needs of the school 2) Interface with the Senior Education Program Specialist in charge of Research for further technical assistance 3) Craft Research Question or Statement of the Objectives and Working Research Title 4) Assist researchers in selecting related literature and studies 5) Submit Research Proposal 6 Implement Research Proposal 7) Present Research Findings 8) Utilize Research Findings.

The author strongly believes that by providing a timely technical assistance and guidance on the eight significant milestones to school heads and teachers will make a big difference. This will greatly contribute toward the realization of research culture in the division.

It is important to note that we have become a part of the solution in school and not a problem. The author further emphasizes that in the spirit of research, before it was a problem and Now it is a SOLUTION!

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The author is Public Schools District Supervisor, SDO-Angeles City