Last December 2, 2008, the forum Pagbabago sa Silid Aralan: Kung Hindi Ngayon, Kailan? was held at the Benitez Theater, College of Education, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. This forum was organized by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development and the College of Education to report on the latest findings of the research “Systems Approach to Teacher Mentoring and Urban Poor Student Achievement” conducted by a group of researchers led by the Dean of the College, Dr. Vivien M. Talisayon. Six reactors were invited: Sec. Corazon Alma G. De Leon, Secretary General of the Philippine National Red Cross; Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, critic, playwright, columnist in The Philippine Star, and former Undersecretary of Education; Atty. Emerico O. De Guzman, Champion for the Private Sector of the Competitive Human Resource Working Group, National Competitiveness Council; Hon. Del R. De Guzman, Representative of the 2nd District, Marikina City, and Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture; Ms. Josefina B. Mariano, Supervising Adminstrative Officer and Curriculum Specialist at the Department of Education; and Mr. Chito Gascon, Representative of Senator Mar Roxas.
The objective of the research is to effect a twenty-five percent increase in student achievement through the systems approach to teacher mentoring. The study subjected two low-ranking schools in Quezon City to achievement tests, psychological tests, teacher mentoring, and interventions such as counseling, seminars, and community mobilization. The tests were given to gain knowledge on the existing level of student achievement in both schools. Interventions were later implemented to observe whether improvements in the students’ and teachers’ performances would occur. Results of the study showed significant increase in the students’ performance in both schools. Distinct improvements were also observed with regard to teaching strategies. The research group, however, recommended action plans that may help further increase student achievement. These plans include the reduction of class size in each school, greater participation from the teachers and the principal in educational interventions, and increased student counseling.
Ms. Josefina Mariano expressed similar views as those of the study by asserting that change should start from the core values of the teachers and the students. She added that teachers and principals should devise an action plan that they will commit to accomplish in their school’s educational system. Dr. Isagani Cruz, however, found the goals and recommendations of the study too ambitious. He suggested that instead of looking into ways to change the school settings through various interventions, the focus should be in the development of an educational system that is appropriate to the current status and condition of the schools and the Filipino families. Hon. Del R. De Guzman and Mr. Chito Gascon both expressed the importance of the use of the mother tongue in Philippine education. Mr. Gascon also explained the needed changes in the current educational system as proposed in Senate Bill 2294 introduced by Sen. Mar Roxas. The Senate Bill 2294 or the “Omnibus Education Reform Act of 2008” focuses on a responsive system of education that will ensure quality education for students. This bill mandates the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction, the implementation of curriculums that will harness the special skills of students relevant to their future careers, and the hiring of teachers based on their qualifications and expertise.
The team of researchers that conducted the study is composed of Prof. Aurora Zuniga, Dr. Merle Tan, Prof. Lourdes Baetiong, Prof. Lawrence Orillos, Prof. Celinia Balonso, Prof. Ligaya de Guzman, Prof. Jeremias Leones, and Dr. Leticia Tojos. The research project is funded through the Open Grant of the Office of the Chancellor of UP Diliman and is expected to be completed on May 2009.
By MMRParreño
