K to 12 needs self-motivated teachers

Stakeholders in the community agree that there’s nothing permanent in this world. The same is true in our educational system. Not only are those working in the academe and educational institutions aware of this. However, no matter what the changes are, the fact remains that “each child has the right to education” and it is the duty and responsibility of the parents and the local government to send/bring these children to school.

Starting school year 2012-2013, the K to 12 program has been implemented. One of the preeminent reasons of adapting and implementing K to 12 in the Philippines is to educate the learners to be globally competent. The challenge is in the hands of front liners, the teachers.

Despite their attendance to several seminars, trainings, and workshops, there are still many apprehensions in the mind of teachers. Understanding the change in the curriculum and its rationale is very easy. However, understanding one’s role in educating the learners is a gargantuan challenge in their part. The new curriculum requires that teachers should discern how he/she could be an effective and efficient teacher, educator and facilitator of learning.

Long before, the teachers would only prepare her lesson plans, instructional materials, activities and to execute her lessons as planned. But this time, it’s no longer the same. Teachers are dealing with learners who belong to the digital world. The questions could be, “How could I make my lesson a meaningful and powerful engagement to the learners?” Knowing their exposures to the cyber world i.e. face book, blogging, cell phones, instagram, etc. How does the teacher integrate these to daily lessons in the four walls of the classroom?

The world of teaching nowadays reveals that teachers are no longer the main source of information. Learning occurs in the places, too. That’s why the educators and the experts are finding ways to ensure that teachers are still the protagonist in the academe or in the educational arena. Taking into consideration that teachers are still needed to educate the learners holistically, and that teachers should understand the needs of the learners. To address the needs of these diverse learners with diverse learning styles, prior educational experience, readiness levels, personal experience and interest must be considered.

Hence, it but right for teachers  in this 21st century society, to be committed to her profession; competent in teaching the subject; creative in her techniques, methods and strategies; compassionate to her learners; and convincing model of positive virtues.  

These are only few of the facts and realities. But the challenge remains, teachers ought to increase the stimulation/strengthen the motivation and uphold their passion to teach nowadays.

by: Liza G. Balintongog
      Principal II
      MCCS