‘Millennial learners’ a challenge in making classes interesting, relevant

CEBU, Philippines — Amid the nationwide observance of the noble profession of teaching lies the challenges the education sector are facing.

Dr. Julieta Jeruta, regional director of the Department of Education (DepEd)-7, said the present times posed some challenges to the teaching force, especially with the emergence of the era of "millennial" learners.

"(Some of these challenges include) like how to match students of today's learning preferences with responsive teaching pedagogies and relevant instructional content," she told The FREEMAN.

She admitted the teachers' preparation of "yesteryears" were found inadequate and obsolete "with these millennial standards of relevance and liberation."

To address such, the DepEd-7 official said resources both from national and local are focused on capacity building trainings to strengthen human development and poverty alleviation programs.

"How to meet (the) teachers' physiological, esteem, social and self-actualization (that) need to sustain their enthusiasm for the teaching profession are also areas worth exploring for innovative strategies and responsive approaches," she added.

Local DepEd division offices joined the nationwide observance of the National Teacher's Day yesterday with different activities held simultaneously.

Jeruta shared that DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division held at the Hoops Dome its event dubbed "Teachers Got Talent."

She added DepEd division offices of Talisay City and Toledo City also organized significant activities honoring and rewarding teachers for the meritorious deeds that impact the schools and learners.

At the school, students took time in making letters and cards to give to their teachers or advisers while some brought some flowers and sweets.

Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan, for his part, sent his message to all the teachers despite the many challenges they have confronted.

"...my salute to all the teachers for being the master of all professionals and for being true to their passion and love for our learners. Without them, we will not be liberated from the bondage of ignorance," he said.

For him, the foremost challenge of every Filipino teacher is to provide the best quality basic education that each learner deserves.

"Quality basic education that is relevant and liberating," he said, adding that providing such quality is a dynamic and complex process.

But Dagatan is optimistic that the education sector is "moving forward."

"Our teachers now are facing new world of teaching- volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. What is relevant today may not be true tomorrow.  That is why teachers still need the support of all relevant stakeholders aside from the government," he said. (FREEMAN)