Vice President and the Education Secretary Sara have recently said that the Philippines education system is still very much dependent on the traditional teaching method like paper and pencil activities. She also explained that many schools are very slow in adapting to the new ways of learning such as modern technology and digital tools.
The education system of Philippines is facing many problems because students are not performing well in the global assessment like PISA, which is Program for International Student Assessment. Many of these students even lack basic reading, writing, and math skills. After the COVID-19 pandemic, which made things even worse as schools were closed for long period and many students fail behind.
Major Problems in Current Education System
1. Outdated Method of teaching – Most of the classrooms even today are focusing on memorizing and writing rather than focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving approach.
2. Lack of digital tools- Many schools do not have access to enough computer internet or even updated learning material.
3. Teacher training gaps- Not all the teachers in the Philippines are trained to use modern teaching methods and technology, which is creating a great gap in the education.
4. Large class size – Classes are overcrowded, making it hard for teachers to give attention to each and every student.
5. Low budget for education- Rgardkess of the efforts that are being made to spend higher in education, still the education sector often tends to receive limited funds by the government.
What are the Plans of Philippines Government
VP Sara also said that the Department of Education is working on several projects right now so that they can improve the education situation. They are introducing more digital learning tools for the classroom. They are working towards training teachers to use technology and modern teaching strategies so they can teach students even better. They are working on updating the curriculum so that the curriculum can match today’s skill and job needs. Our education system is also partnering with private companies and organizing to support schools.
Programs which are Already in Place in Philippine Education
1. Alternative Learning System (ALS)
DepEdis offering ALS as a flexible alternative for those who cannot access formal schools like someone who is a dropout, a youth who are working, or a senior citizen. This is offered both in schools and in community settings with modular lessons provided for elementary and secondary subjects. ALS was officially institutionalized through the 2020 Alternative Learning System Act.
2. Starbooks – “Library in a Box”
Starbucks was developed by DOSD. It is a stand-alone digital library which is loaded with SDEM multimedia material like text, audio, and video. This does not need any kind of internet access as it has been deployed across the Philippines since the year 2011. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Starbucks added mobile and online app version as well.
3. DepEd–Microsoft AI Literacy Tools
DepEdpartnered with Microsoft on certain tools like Reading Program and Reading Coach. With the use of AI technology to access and improve literacy, many pilot programs in places like showed a stronger result.
5. MATATAG Curriculum & Last Mile Support
DepEd’s MATATAG agenda includes many key point few of them are :
It consists of an overhaul of curriculum that decongest K-12 by 70% and it mainly focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy.
Last Mile School Program This was made for building classroom and health facilities in remote areas.
And this also employed satellite connections and computer lab on wheels. Launch of National Landing Camp for Pandemic Recoveries New Student Protection Unit Learner Right Offices and Tennessee Helplines were built.
6. Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) & AI Tools
ECAIR was established by DepEd to employ AI in teaching, planning, and school management. ECAIR key innovations include
SIGLA, which is a learning growth monitoring by a mobile app.
TALINO is made for mapping of school adoption programs.
DUNONG is a dashboard for leadership planning.
SALIK-Seek is a chatbot for internal data access.
Certain tools were created for screening of early risk like SABAY. Open Data Projects like Project Bukas also updated to SHS curriculum to include TVET and new civil service pathways.
8. Math Enrichment an initiative of Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge
A long-running, nationwide math contest for grades 6-10 is organized with Metrobank and MTAP. It almost drew 5 lakh participants across these divisions and regions, and its main aim is to boost math skills across basic education.
What changes need to be made
Experts have suggested that to truely fix the system, for the Philippines government must:
1. Budget should increase for education so that we can upgrade facilities and technologies.
2. Improve salaries for teachers and training programs.
3. Making learning more practical while keep focus less on memorization and more on the real world skill.
4. Ensure that students in rural area get equal access to the resources.
Philippines is not the only country who is facing education challenges, but many other countries are moving faster when in adapting digital tools and modern teaching methods. If the Philippines does not act soon then the gap in skills and knowledge between Filipino students and those from other nations may grow wider with time.
Source
● Department of Education Philippines