Values Integration in the 21st Century Teaching of Science

Charisma B. Santos

The K to 12 Basic Education Program is a major education reform implemented in2012 in the Philippines. It serves as a response to the urgent need to improve the quality of Philippine basic education. On top of the lengthening of the basic education cycle, the curricula of the subjects in this new program differ from those of the old one. As a whole, the Philippine K to 12 science curriculum is learner-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing the use of evidence in constructing explanations. Unlike in the old curriculum where learning tended to be more focused on fragmented and disintegrated content, K to 12 curriculum fosters the development of critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, team-work and informational literacy .

In this regard, teachers must take into considerations that skills and knowledge that are needed for 21st century learners should be spelled out, based on values like honesty, and cooperation. Creating value and differentiation is the key for 21st century learners such as teaching them on how to working on different projects in different groups and understanding the strength and weakness of others and self as individuals. Learning science in schools helps students develop problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. However, science curriculum needs to be strengthened so that it encourages students to explore their environment.

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The author is Teacher II at Natividad High School