Gateway to Horizon

Just a few weeks since the semester started, there are already a lot of things I have learned as an aspiring educator. As a teacher to be, Scaffolding, the idea of Zone Proximal Development, Principles in Designing a Literacy Program and Taxonomies of Reading Comprehension are those I find gravitating. In this introductory blog entry, I opt to share my point of view of what education is, how I regard it and how I see it shape our society. Though field observation in UPIS and demo of teachers from the same institution are the focal point of this write up, I intend to first elaborate my thoughts as it will help me lay out my key takeaways and insights about the central theme.

How do you regard education and being a teacher?

In a country whose proliferating economic system is capitalism, many regard education as the key to land a decent job. It is for this reason that parents work hard so they may send their children to prestigious schools. Likewise, Human Resource personnel are trained to examine applicants’ scholastic records in search for academic excellence and particular skill-set. Before anyone can become part of the workforce or be able to jumpstart a business, appropriate training and equipping is necessary. This reality was understood by the framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution therefore mandating the State to “uphold all citizens right to quality education at all levels and to take appropriate steps to make it accessible to all.”

I personally have a high regard for teaching. I see the profession not only as a mere vocation but as a calling. This appreciation I have for teaching in a way stirred my passion and made me decide to participate to U.P. College of Education’s CPE program. I am fascinated as to how one can be a vessel of knowledge, but what amazes me more is how the bearer of information can gain fresh ideas and even wider perspective from his or her students. Through dialogic learning, both parties benefit thus promoting dynamics. To be privileged to teach, play a role in a person’s cognitive development, and if possible become a catalyst for change are my visions awaiting fulfilment. Amid my admiration to teaching, I am also considering it as a fall back. Being passionate with something and at the same time thinking of it as such are contrasting ideas. I guess I have that notion because I once imagined myself as a writer and not really a teacher. Needless to say, I am headed towards this direction determined not only to acquaint but hopefully make myself adept to the field.

What is true education?

Education in its broad sense can be catered from formal and non-formal schools. Also, we acquire learning from our day to day experiences. The function of education according to Martin Luther King Jr. is “to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”. In my point of view, whether the knowledge or skill was gained through formal schooling or everyday experience, it may be used as a springboard in launching a career. More than profit-seeking activities nonetheless, education presents opportunities for one to become a productive member of the society. Learning is so vast covering almost all if not every aspect of life. It cannot be confined within the four corners of a classroom nor can be limited by a particular institution’s curriculum. Incidental learning for instance may well be drawn anywhere at any given time.

Understanding of education’s true function should widen our horizon. I believe that instilling sense of responsibility and accountability must be the core of structured learning. At the same time, schooling should not be too rigid and constrictive. Standard teaching methods as vital as they are must give way to inclusivity and liberalism. Lessons, after all, are best pick up by students if contextualized and individualized for by which learners are given the opportunity to realize their potential within their terms instead of someone else’s.

Let’s begin to dig in

Basing it from my observation, it is apparent that Teacher Vicka wholeheartedly embraced her role as an educator. Besides being creative and approachable, her classroom management skills were also manifested. One thing that evidently worked for Teacher Vicka is when she tapped to her students’ personal experiences. She made sure she has her students’ attention prior launching the lesson, and other than reading the story with a book facing the students, she also used varying tone, pitch and voice. Additionally, she asks occasional questions. This apparently is a very diligent way to keep the students’ attention in check. Still another effective technique displayed is task delegation. By partnering with her students’, she has lessened her duty’s burden while developing the children’s leadership skills at the same time. I highly commend Teacher Vicka’s dedication and effectiveness.

Similarly, the demonstrations conducted by Elementary Teachers Laura and Mia were also insightful. One characteristic I intend to imitate from them is being systematic. This can be done only if your lessons’ objectives are clear for by which desired outcomes and learning competencies are derived. Also, reading materials to be used must be selected intelligently. Both teachers made sure it is not too easy or too hard. I am actually familiar with the material presented by Teacher Laura. It is one of the pieces from Child Horizons Collections -The Story Hour. For some reason, I hated this story when I was child for the sole the reason that I do not find the illustrations eye-catching. Needless to say, these unreasonable and negative impressions I have against the story when I was a kid were all cleared out as I witness her demonstration. Only a great story teller can do that and she did, remarkably. The two elementary teachers, Laura and Mia showcased cleverness and solid understanding of the subjects they are teaching. I am captivated as to how their discussion questions gradually unfold the language lessons they have prepared. Both teachers displayed various techniques and methods, diligence, attention to details and passion for their vocation… qualities and examples I plan to mimic as a professional.

Students of UP Integrated School are naturally intelligent. I may not know the students screening process but I bet they will not be admitted in the first place if the school’s learning pace is not suited for them. This is very much noticeable during our observation in UPIS K-2. Students at an early age were able to express themselves in English. In addition, many of the students as young as they are displayed confidence and critical thinking. Moreover, they are sweet and cuddly. I even remember two kids embracing me just before leaving the school’s premise at the end of our first field observation. Who would not be passionate with such lovely kids, right?

Yet none can teach by pure zeal. There should be a systematic approach hence the importance of curriculum development, lesson planning and other related fields. Also, teachers should not just be passive implementers. Other than being acquainted to various teaching techniques and methodology, the aforementioned insights will both be the anchor and catalysts of my professional development. These are the takeaways I plan to integrate to my philosophies as an individual and as an aspiring educator.