My Thoughts on Education

I think what is lacking in the Philippines' educational system, most especially in primary and secondary levels, is the social engagement factor. Many teachers would teach their respective subjects as if their students are majors of those field. Everything taught is by the book. Everything taught is theoretical.

For example in Science, we were taught of the different organ systems and their functions. We were taught to memorize the three tiny bones in the ear (hammer, anvil, and stirrup, wow, I remember!) We were taught of velocity and trajectory and chemical balancing and a lot of other stuff that at the time I was learning them, I only studied for the sake of passing. But what is the relevance of knowing trajectories, could I measure that and ensure the winning of my team if I am in the middle of playing basketball championships? Perhaps I could, but trajectory was not taught in that manner.

We were taught about the Dangerous Drug Board, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other government agencies dedicated for the illegal drug problem in the country. We were taught about heroins, anti-depressants, and other types of drugs. I guess it was my lack of care that I did not appreciate what was taught to me. But maybe, just maybe, it was my teacher's lack of appreciation too in the subject s/he taught. Yes, we were taught about the effects of use of illegal drugs, but it did not hit home. It felt to me that it was just all theoretical.

That is until I was in college and more so recently, that I became socially aware of many things. When all I could do is revisit my memories of primary and secondary school, I realize the relevance of the stuff taught to me before.

Coming from a science class, we were taught that Science and Math are the most important subjects. We were e
xpected to become engineers and doctors and other 'brainy' professions. When I was in my first year of college, I felt I was a failure to my Alma mater because I was studying Mass Communication and not Mechanical Engineering or Bio Chem or Secondary Education major in Physics. But then I told myself "Duh, I don't want to eat numbers and symbols for breakfast and lunch and dinner!" I realized that Science and Math are not as important to the scientists and mathematicians out there than to, you know, regular people, for lack of a better word. I realized that the subjects I gave a little care, like Social Studies and Values Education, play a major role to giving a damn about my country.

In my primary and secondary education, I hated History. It was all about memorizing dates and places and names. But what I learned only while studying my masters degree is that History is the key for us to become a better country. It is indeed true that we must learn from our mistakes-we must learn from what happened before, do what our heroes did for the country, do not repeat the mistakes committed by our.  fellowmen.

Perhaps it was really my mistake that I studied just for the sake of passing. But I think teachers, and parents, play a major role in a kid's social engagement. I, for one, enjoyed studying Physics when I was in my fourth year high school. And it was because my teacher was engaging, she enjoyed what she was doing, and it felt to me that she was not just teaching to earn.

But what is more important than enjoyment while teaching is teaching with relevance. Teach why each organ is important, teach why History is essential, teach why Filipino should be learned, teach the essence, teach the relevance.


What kids should learned is that we should study to gain knowledge and not just to earn high grades. I know, that's hard, been there. But grades will only bring you as far as your first job. After that, it's all about what you know.

To my teachers and friends who are now teachers who are reading this, please know that I am not giving out a blind item, I am just sharing what I have observed and what I believe is needed in our country's educational system. Don't get me wrong, despite some of the negative things that happened before, I enjoyed studying-why else would I want to become a teacher myself? I just wish that students will see the "so what?" factor of learning. Because for me, that will spark the social change we all want.



PHOTOS IN THIS POST (except the one with me on it) ARE NOT MINE, JUST GOT THEM FROM GOOGLE.