CAREER MATTERS

CAREER MATTERS
          By: Anabele Salibad

Career matters? This could be read as both “career issues” and “importance of career.” Either way, career is to be tackled not just because it is the Career Guidance Week (every third week of July) but more so because we recognize the fact that career is life per se.

Choosing a career is no easy task. It is a process of personal deliberation coupled with a careful and proper career guidance and education of a child. It is a serious business that should not be overlooked because it is not just simply a job or profession that is being paved; it is a person’s life at stake.

 A lawyer does not become one at an instant. And so with a police officer, a doctor, a teacher, a skilled- worker, a vendor for that matter. For sure, one has to go through a series of self- searching before becoming an accomplished professional. But this is just 10% of the career exploration process. The crucial 90% involves career guidance and counseling in schools.

Paint these in mind because these are the real scenarios. And these have been going on for decades---A lot of students would blindly choose a career based on their parents’ advice or their friends’ choices. A lot of students would jump into college without a real picture of the professionals they would someday become. They go for nursing or IT courses because it is trending. They go for engineering even if they do not really possess the skills. A lot would go for showbiz because it is one of the lucrative industries that promise easy fame and money. And these happen because there are no guidance counselors who guide our dear students in their career decisions. My high school did not have a guidance counselor. And so I have to admit I did not have the luxury of being guided in my career planning. And I am pretty sure not all public schools in the Philippines have one.

Looking at it then on the peripheral side, the heart of the matter for job problems in the Philippines is the lack of serious and intensified campaign or advocacy for career guidance and counseling, especially in the academic sector.

What has the government done so far? The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been feverish in its Career Guidance Advocacy Program. And the Department of Education (DepEd) has also come up with the controversial K to 12 Curriculum.

 The K to 12 Curriculum promises a solution. This total overhaul of the country’s current educational system aims to provide an opportunity for every learner to form possible career choices as early as kindergarten, since career exploration is already infused in the lessons. In a way, it presents a career academy for every learner through the different career tracks offered in Grades 11 and 12. The K to 12 Curriculum aims to provide students with activities, opportunities, and resources preparing them to make life long career choices and equipping them with 21st century skills to compete in the global economy. So instead of bickering about it, why not support it?

In addition and in line with the goal of the K to 12 Basic Education Program to produce graduates who are ready for higher education, middle level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, DepEd also issued DO 25, s. 2013, institutionalizing the Career Guidance Week for High School students every last week of July. (depedsagay.webs.com/issuances/central-office/order-index.html)

Yes, career matters and it should be tackled not just this Career Guidance Week. But it should be brought out by every household at the dining table. It should be addressed by our legislators in their sessions. It should be covered by media, in print or on air, if advocacy has to be intensified.

The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

            The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

By: Anabelle Salibad

A strong nation is built on the strong moral fiber of its citizenry. This is my realization after teaching Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) to my pupils for quite sometime now.

As a teacher, I have realized the importance of this subject to every pupil. It is a subject that should not be overlooked or taken for granted not only because it is part and parcel of the curriculum but more so because it is a subject that builds the character of every learner. And we all know that character is what is left when everything else is forgotten.

Putting your feet in the shoes of another: Real essence of  Pagpapakatao

ESP or otherwise known as Edukasyon ng Pagpapahalaga or Values Education is part of the core subjects that are being taught to both the elementary and secondary schools. It is given the same weight as that of the major subjects such as English, Science or Math. It is a subject that teaches values and virtues. And with the K to 12 Curriculum, this subject has been totally revamped to cover subject areas touching ethics and morality. It is a subject that equips individuals with the necessary prudence and moral responsibility, necessary to guide each individual in making life decisions. It is as important as Math, Science or English because it pertains to the practicality of life. It deals with attitude, of good morals and right conduct, of right values and virtues to live by. More importantly, it develops and instills the core values of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa in the hearts of every Filipino. (http://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/list/kto12/subject/849)

The government through the Department of Education recognizes the necessity of producing morally upright citizens. For what could be more important than raising responsible citizens who would not compromise their morals and ideals?

Morality is part and parcel of the education of the youth. It is imperative to build a nation with its citizens being morally grounded. For without a strong foundation on what is right and wrong, a student could grow up to be a corrupt political leader, a horrifying criminal, or an irresponsible and uncaring citizen.

With this subject on ESP, we envision every Filipino to be morally upright. If properly taught at school and reinforced at home, ESP would indeed produce citizens who are of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa. This is the utopia that we hope to achieve. It may seem an elusive vision of DepEd. But one life that is touched through ESP would mean a big, big difference.

WHY TEACHING IN THE EARLY GRADES IS FULFILLING

why TEACHING IN THE EARLY GRADES IS FULFILLING

By: elena p. fernandez

 

Thirty years ago, I ventured on a profession which I never really imagined to be a worthwhile one. All the while, I was in for the dough. I toiled for years thinking my job keeps me and my family alive. Until just recently when I began having grandchildren, I learn to really value and see the beauty in teaching early grades.

Teaching in the first- grade is no easy task. One would normally experience the spitting, the crying- spell, hair- tugging, chewing on pencils, thumping and jumping of cute little boys and girls. There are times of playing around, a time of fighting and then of course of real learning. You see, first graders have not yet really outgrown their kindergarten tantrums. Some would still come to school behind their mother’s skirts. Some would even pee or soil their uniform.

But then of course, first graders are a little bit mature. They come to school brimming with tons of energy. They are enthusiastic to learn and share their interests. They are also competitive. And at my age now, they would run me down. They would really drain my energy. In spite all these, I find it fulfilling to handle first graders.

As a first grade teacher, I am challenged to keep myself fit. Well, I have to be healthy so I could run after a child who would want to escape from class. I have to be fit to be able to carry a child back to his/ her seat.  I have to be quick to come to an aid if ever a child falls down on his/ her chair. I have to be on guard ‘less I want chaos in the classroom.

A first grade teacher must be quick to his/ her wits too, to entertain the intelligent questions of curious little boys and girls. And so, I keep abreast with what is new. Because as first grade teacher, I am aware of the fact that I should not run out of information, creativity and ideas. I load myself with fairy tales and fables. I invent stories and animate it to them to sustain their attention. I make colorful visual aids to rouse their interest. I play with them. At times, I scold them too to keep them from misbehaving. I mother them. I teach them.

Again, it is a fulfilling job for me because it is what keeps me young at heart. I am already fifty- four yet I do not have any grey hairs yet. It is because I am always with the young ones. Their energy recharges me. Their enthusiasm rekindles the youthfulness in my heart. Their unending questions keep me alert to my toes. There is no room for growing old if you are with the young ones. I could tell you, you would really be amazed at how you would marvel at the beauty of innocence and reverence. Innocence for their lack of knowledge. Reverence they shower upon you for your part as their teacher. They would respect you. They would love you. They would really appreciate your worth as a person.

So whenever somebody asks me why I stay in the First grade, I tell him/ her, “I stay because I feel more alive in the first grade.”

VALUES EVERY TEACHER MUST POSSESS

VALUES EVERY TEACHER MUST POSSESS

By: LORENZA TONGNAWA

The most important element in the learning environment is invisible. It is made up of the values, attitudes, and actions that we and our classes take part in every day. (http://www.unicef.org/teachers/environment/essence.htm)

I share the same hindsight with that of the UNICEF. The real things that matters are our values. And as a teacher, I am quite aware of the big role that I play in my students’ lives, especially in their values formation. 

As a teacher, I am always, on my guard because I know that in the classroom there are fifty pairs of eyes that scrutinize my every move. And I have to be cautious ‘less I want my flaws mirrored by my students. This is by far the biggest challenge to every teacher.  

The Civil Service Commission has been feverish in its campaign to rally government employees into becoming effective public servants who uphold the highest standards of morals. Every government employee is then governed by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.  Public teachers are part of this. 

In addition to the Code of Conduct, I also have in my list at least six values that I think are equally important and must be possessed by every teacher.

First is the value of accountability. Accountability not only to my profession but more so, accountability to the clients I serve- my students. Being accountable to my pupils entails a lot of prudence and patience. Teachers have the responsibility to exercise special parental authority and responsibility over the child, while under their care. And so, teachers are burdened with the duty to exercise due diligence in ensuring the safety of every pupil placed under their care.

Accountability would also pertain to my words and actions. I own every word I utter and actions I do. And I bear the consequences for such.

Second is the value of simplicity. Simplicity in the sense that I will not spend beyond my means. I shall not be a show- off. And I will strive hard to live a modest life. Materialism only leads to corruption. But with simplicity and modesty, there shall be no pains in the head. 

Third and fourth are the values of fairness and equality. With the fifty pupils I handle, I strive hard to be fair and square to everyone. I do not play favorites. No discriminations. Every student in the classroom must have his share on the plate. There should be no exclusion.

Last are the values of nationalism and patriotism. As a teacher, I really believe that these two virtues must be stressed upon our pupils. We need to constantly remind our students of their responsibility to give back to their country, to be a contribution to the society and not a liability.

Being a teacher is no easy job. It is not true that a teacher merely makes a living through his/ her saliva. A teacher is a molder of one’s future. And a teacher is a model to be emulated by his disciples. A teacher is not successful if he/ does not multiply. And what better way to do this than to let students embody our own principles and live- out the virtues we possess by setting a good example to them. After all, it is our values that would be left in the hearts of our students when all our other teachings are forgotten. 

The Perks of Being a Teacher

The Perks of Being a Teacher

By Yolanda Longan

I went to the public market just the other day and I have met a former student who joyfully greeted me with “Hello, Ma’am. Kumusta kan? Maysa ak nga estudyantem idi.” And the exchange of greetings was followed by some updating. I found out this former student is now a teacher just like me. My happiness to see her is worthless. Somehow, I told myself, “Being a teacher is still the noblest profession.”

My reflection led me to list some of the perks of being a teacher. And first in my note is the fact that teachers are recognized wherever they go. Be it in the public market, in the jeepney, at church or even in the most unexpected places, a teacher if met by a former student would always be acknowledged. My husband or my kids would in fact kid me that if I run for office during the election, I would surely win because of my popularity. What they do not know is that I owe my popularity to my profession. Yes, of course teaching is not just being popular but it is earning the trust and confidence of each of your students. So that when you meet your former student anywhere in the community, you would proudly say that somehow you were an instrument to his development as a person and to his success in life.

Another benefit of being a teacher is that one gets to socialize. There is no room for introversion once you are in the teaching profession. You’ll get to meet a lot of people from all walks in life. And if you are the type of a person who shun away from public, then perhaps teaching is not really the job for you. Or perhaps you started out shy but then eventually you would develop that sense of confidence to interact with different people. Teaching enhances one’s self- esteem plus of course it gives a different level of sense of worth, of usefulness. Especially so, that teachers really have the power to make and unmake students.

Next to my list is the reverence the community would give to teachers. I have enjoyed this and I would say I am blessed for being a teacher because I have a place in the society. I have my mark. I am respected. But of course, alongside this respect must be the responsibility to maintain a good image to the public. A teacher cannot afford to show any mar in his/ her personal life. He/ she must always display the highest moral standards in life and cannot show any signs doubt to his/ her character. This is the biggest challenge that a teacher has to live with.

Lastly, teaching is a dynamic process of learning. I am a teacher but I am also a student. I learn from every lesson that I would have to facilitate in class. I learn from every student I handle. Each day is a learning opportunity. I am not self- sufficient. I am aware of this. And I strive hard to continually empower myself through my learnings and realizations.

So for all the benefits that I enjoy as a teacher, whether monetary or abstract, I am thankful that I have chosen this profession. This is the mark that I want to leave in this earth and I am glad that some of my former students have valued this mark.

DEBUNKING TRADITIONAL WAYS OF TEACHING SCIENCE

DEBUNKING TRADITIONAL WAYS OF TEACHING SCIENCE

By: YOLANDA W. LONGAN

Albert Einstein once said, “Science is a wonderful thing, if one doesn’t have to earn one’s living at it.”

Apparently, Einstein was correct in saying this. Science could be a wonderful experience if one is not looking at it only as a means of bread and butter. In the academe, a lot of teachers teach science because they have no choice since they get paid to do it. They are forced to teach it. And they will teach it in how ever way they want to teach it. A lot would just treat this subject matter merely as a means of getting information transmitted to the learners. In doing so, there is a wide gap between knowledge and application. Pupils are taught the concepts and facts. They are asked to memorize not analyze, synthesize and apply. Science is diminished then to rote memory.

Many teachers would regard science difficult to teach. Yes, I agree to this. It is indeed difficult to teach science. And I found the reason why. It is because of lack of passion. I have noticed the waning flame to teach for some teachers. Maybe the love for the subject is either not there, right from the start or already weakening. And so these teachers would just go to their classroom and rant about the lesson for the day without careful preparation. Consequentially, learners would catch the same lack of interest. And so, they do not find meaning in the lesson. They are disinterested. The result is devastating because not only are our students disinterested on the subject but they have also developed a strong aversion to it. What is worst? They shrug- off any activity involving logical reasoning or analysis.  Our students have learned to loathe any activity that would require thinking. They detest analysis. They detest problem- solving. They detest computation. In fact, I often hear some pupils uttering this phrase, “Ayoko yan! Nakakadugo ng utak.”

This aversion toward science is actually the result of ineffective teaching strategies by some teachers. The effect of such teachers’ ineffectiveness is so great that it affects not only pupils’ academic performance but more so their attitude toward the subject itself. This attitude would go on up to high school years or even college years. And such would already be too hard to repair. 

Again, this dilemma would have its roots from the classroom because let’s face it, whatever happens in the classroom plays a big role in the students’ future. And so, with this dilemma, there is a need to re-evaluate the teaching and learning experience inside the classroom, especially with the way teachers teach science. Debunking the old school of thought of teaching science is essential. When I say “debunk,” I mean to set some things straight. We need to straighten up the traditional modes of teaching. Now, do not get me wrong here. There is nothing wrong with time- tested means of teaching like drill and lecture. We just need to limit them or package them anew and customize them to the level of our students.

No longer are students confined with memorization and drills. Students, nowadays, have evolved into diversified learners, with unique learning styles. They would find meaning in their lessons when their interests are tapped. Bringing science to them would mean they have to have hands-on experiences, real- life situations, and contextualized scenarios. Students learn by doing and so, teachers need to provide more opportunities for them to have meaningful experiences in science through various experimentations, field- trips and the like. Teachers face the challenge of preparing differentiated learning experiences to cater to the individual needs of their students. I personally face and take on the challenge to vary my teaching strategies. I have learned to integrate multi- media presentations in my lesson. I do my research. And the Internet is a wide source of information for a lot of learning resources that could be utilized for the students.  I prepare handouts and I cultivate applied science or science being put into action through little experimentations in class. After all, we learn best by doing.

And so debunking traditional modes of teaching science is quite easy. What is needed is only a heart to do it. First, have a heart for change. Second, have a heart for learning. Then third, have a heart for your students. Having these in mind, you would surely make every day of your class worth it for the students. And your students would find every reason to love science.

About the Author

Yolanda Longan is a teacher- contributor from Bulanao Central School, Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga. She teaches Science to Grade IV pupils.