Readers speak on K+12

The plan to extend our current basic education cycle by two more years has encouraged a number of comments from our readers that are worth reprinting.

First one comes from Rosita Diaz-Lasco, a retired public school elementary teacher from San Pablo City. The following is what she has to say:

“I read your article on education (‘Not just the number of years,’ Oct. 18, 2010), and I would like to share my thoughts on the subject, drawing from my 35 years’ experience as a public elementary school teacher.

“In your article, you mentioned that Christopher and Ma. Victoria Bernido recommended the following changes: (1) Teacher problem – bypassing the need for qualified teachers, (2) Textbook – only one copy per class is needed, (3) Laboratory – no need for expensive lab equipment, (4) Teaching – only 1/4 of the allotted class period, and (5) Students – not given homework.

“First of all, I would like to clarify the meaning of the first point: Bypassing the need for qualified teachers. Does this entail reducing the qualifications of a teacher? I do believe that highly qualified professionals are needed to help fill in the education gap that we now see.

“The curriculum, however, can be modified in such a way that would concentrate on these core qualifications. Moreover, they must adapt to the learning conditions in the Philippines more than anything else.

“On the other hand, I agree with the recommendation that only one textbook per class can be permitted if necessary. In the same way that a preacher can expound on a passage from the Bible to the congregation, the teacher can likewise dissect the textbook and discuss it in class in a language that is understandable to the pupils. I used this method particularly in Math, Science and English.

“Regarding laboratory equipment, teaching in the province, we did not have expensive laboratory equipment but our elementary pupils were able to manage well. For elementary education, which deals with basic concepts, I do not think it is necessary to spend on expensive equipment at such an early level, especially if other basic needs are not met.

Computer literacy

“There is only exception I see, however: Computer literacy will emerge as a fundamental component of education and even in my old age (I am turning 80 next year) I am able to use computers daily.

“Finally, I also agree that learning is very much possible without giving homework. (Actually, I’ve become ‘positively and/or negatively notorious’ for not making homework that important and dared not talked about this practice.

“Efficiently managed, the allotted class time is more than enough time for the students to learn. Moreover, not encroaching on time out of school is recognition that growth and learning is not confined wit – and students need time to pursue extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, among others.

“And this homework even had become more of the times a burden to me as a teacher. Imagine correcting a composition made by somebody else in the pupil’s household!

“Thank you for reading my thoughts on this matter that is close to my heart.

More power to your column!”

Half-baked graduates

From the online version of The Philippine Star, we gathered a few worth printing. Here’s from koolkat:

“You hit the nail right on the head. The government should focus on first solving the present problems with education before adding complications. It’s not only the right textbooks that are needed but the reform the basic education curriculum as well.

“Many topics in class subjects are too repetitive and lacking progressive content from one grade level to the next. If some pupils cannot comprehend a topic in their level, they should be retained instead of repeating the same topic in the next level.

“When teacher quality, classroom shortage, textbook, curriculum and other current problems are remedied and they’re still producing half-baked graduates, that’s when we can consider adding more years to basic education.”

Private vs public

Another online reader, iganskie, posted a discussion in the vernacular. Below is a translation:

“We have no major problems about education in private schools because there are fewer students in one classroom, and each student has a complete set of books because they are capable of buying them. There is no problem with regards teaching quality because teachers are paid well.

“In public schools, however, there are more than 50 students in a classroom, and sometimes even half day sessions only to accommodate more students. Textbooks are shared. There are classrooms under trees. Teacher salaries are so low. It’s no wonder why the quality of learning is inferior.

“We have a poor system of education in our public schools, no wonder we reap poorly trained students. Our government has failed to build the needed classrooms and provide for enough books, and now it wants to add more years to the current basic education cycle.”

From t2_ekim: “Nice one on your K+12 Mr. Gamboa. Very few can still see the wisdom about his proposal. You are right that K+12 may bealright, but not now.

Do the infrastructures and facilities first before we go on with it.”

Finally, a view from another online reader, Efren Flores, which could be useful to others who want to pursue the discussion on the proposal to extend the number of school years: “The addition of Grades 11 and 12 will only happen in SY2016-17 which gives ample time to attend to the present problems in our educational system. Please see the DepEd Discussion Paper on the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program (DepEd.gov.ph).”

Collegiate basketball update

Cebu City will be the center of attention for collegiate basketball fans during the “Cebu Basketball Festival” which will be held from Nov. 14 to 19, 2010 at the Cebu Coliseum. The top collegiate teams in the Southern Islands and two popular teams from Manila – FEU Tamaraws, UAAP runner-up, and Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, NCAA third placer – are scheduled to compete in the ongoing PLDT-SMART sponsored Champions League (PCCL) 2010 Philippine Collegiate Championship games.

The South Western University Cobras, University of San Carlos Warriors, the University of Iloilo Wildcats, and the champion of Mindanao region (competitions still ongoing) are playing in the VisMin zonal qualifying games (Nove. 14 to 17) to earn the two seats at stake for the Sweet 16 Finals.

The highlight of the “Cebu Basketball Festival” is the opening of the Sweet 16 Finals on Nov. 18 with Cebu City Mayor Mike L. Rama as the guest of honor.

Local cultural dance numbers will be presented by CESAFI memberschools to add color to the event. The ABS-CBN network, PCCL’s media partner, will cover the games and activities of the “Cebu Basketball Festival” to be televised nationwide and globally thru the network’s overseas channels.

Visit www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net for more details of the 2010 Philippine Collegiate Championship games.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net