Reeflection - 4

A Reflection Paper on the 4th Meeting of the
EDAD 207 Class of Dr. Olga Alonsabe

DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2002 provided for the implementation of the Basic Education Curriculum. This curriculum “decongests the overcrowded curriculum”. Some subjects were integrated like MSEP, EPP, Character Education and HEKASI are fused into MAKABAYAN as one subject whereby only five (5) major subjects are offered in most of the elementary schools in the Philippines. The high school English teachers are required to integrate Values Education in their lesson plans; and linear, sequential approach is introduced for all Math teachers. There are two approaches as to the implementation of the curriculum in the classroom: laissez-faire and authoritarian. Laissez-faire approach means that the teacher has the absolute authority to teach only the lessons he believes to be most beneficial to the kind of class he has; whereas, authoritarian approach means that the teacher follows the direct instruction of his principal who has the dictatorial authority over the subjects.

I understand that the Department of Education is doing whatever it takes to upgrade the quality of the Philippine education. Crafting a curriculum entails collaborative effort from different agencies of the government. Financial aspect is greatly involved in the planning process because massive hiring of teachers is anticipated. Implementation of the curriculum is more challenging because the teachers have to be trained and oriented regarding the changes in the curriculum especially those who are directly affected by the modifications. I appreciate the goal of this curriculum which is: to prepare the Filipino school pupils and students for lifelong learning which, I believe, is the very essence of educating them.

When I will get the chance to take the highest position in the Department of Education, I will impose a close-monitoring scheme on the implementation of the Basic Education Curriculum. This will result to producing productive Filipino citizens by their own rights. I will advocate for the inclusion of educational technology and advancement of knowledge through the manipulation of modern gadgets and means to the curriculum. I will also be open to further modifications on the existing curriculum whenever necessary to meet the demands of the fast-changing society. I will invite some local and even foreign experts to conduct biennial assessment to the quality of the Philippine education in order to uphold global standards of education worth emulating for our posterity in the years to come.