Learning math amid the pandemic

Perla S. Malit

The Department of Education has collaborated with the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to improve the academic performance of learners, especially in Science, Innovative Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

The CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) seeks to bring improvement to the Philippine educational landscape by strengthening the implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

CVIF-DLP, a Smart-backed teaching methodology that promotes independent student learning,was first established in 2002 at CVIF in Jagna, Bohol by world-renowned Theoretical Physicists and Ramon Magsaysay awardees for education, Dr. Christopher Bernido, and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido.

The independent learning strategy works in all primary and secondary academic levels, as well as in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), and targets the entire spectrum of learners, including Special Education students.

In partnership with social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) of parent company PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Smart has been helping CVIF roll out trainings on the innovative teaching method for over a decade.

CVIF-DLP was developed to be low budget, because it can work even without internet access, devices, books, and notebooks. It applies to any or a combination of DepEd modalities – print-based, online, or even TV and radio, according to Smart Communications.

DepEd announced its endorsement of the CVIF-DLP independent learning strategy as a Flexible Learning Option (FLO), in time for education’s new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department is happy that CVIF-DLP will be available as a supplemental learning resource that teachers can use.

A key component of CVIF-DLP is its self-directed Learning Activity Sheets, which are aligned with learners’ most essential learning competencies (MELC). The pre-developed Learning Activity Sheets for junior to senior high school will be made available for free in the DepEd Commons, an e-platform providing Open Educational Resources (OER), to continue learning without compromising the health and safety of learners during a health crisis.

Parent or guardian intervention is only minimal in CVIF-DLP. Adult companions only need to make the program’s activity learning sheets available to their children and provide them enough space and time to do the activities assigned by teachers.

Officials said it is important to develop more independent learning during this time because teachers cannot be physically present in students’ homes. They also cannot lecture as extensively and in prolonged hours like before, they explained.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

III at Pulung Santol National High School