Unit

The Self: Its Nature and

Significance
 Unit 1
The Self: Its Nature and Significance
OVERVIEW

This unit contains three modules describing the self through its definition,
nature and significance. It starts with a module on introduction to the course
followed by self-exploration where you will have an opportunity to know more
about yourself. You will also learn about the different definitions of the self, its
nature and significance. The unit ends with a module on the need and the process of
understanding the self.

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this unit, the learner is expected to:

1. Get oriented on the Vision, Mission and Core Values of SPAMAST as well as
the course guide;
2. Conduct self-exploration;
3. Define self, and identify its nature and importance; and
4. Discuss the need and the process of understanding the self

LESSONS TO LEARN

1. Introduction to the Course

2. Getting to Know Yourself
3. The Self: Definition, Nature and Importance

INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This unit can be done within one (1) hour and a half (1/2) with 30-minute
time allotment for each module. Pages on something to do, analysis, applying what
you learn, learning enhancement, research in a bottle, time for reflection and test
yourself have perforated lines. You cut these pages and compile them on your
portfolio. Turn over your accomplished pages of this unit after one week so you can
proceed to the next unit. HAVE FUN LEARNING THIS UNIT!
 MODULE 1
Introduction to the Course

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

 get oriented on and appreciate the importance of the
Vision, Mission and Core Values of SPAMAST; and
 Be oriented on the course guide with policies and the
grading system.

Welcome to the first module of this unit!

This is your first step of the learning journey to know and understand yourself
better.

Let’s start with knowing the vision, mission and core values of the school you
chose to enroll, the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic
School of Technology or better known as SPAMAST and how this vision, mission and
core values guide and develop you into a better person.

You will be oriented on the Course Guide/Syllabus of this course. This will
guide you on your learning journey in order to obtain life skills and a better grade of
this course. Details of the learning activities, the lessons to learn and schedule to
accomplish the learning tasks are describe in this course guide. This also includes the
policies and grading system.

Are you ready for your learning journey?

Let’s move to the next page.

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

Below are questions related to your decision of choosing SPAMAST as your

new home for higher learning. Write your answers on the space provided.

1. What/Who influence you to study in SPAMAST?

2. Why did you choose to enroll here?

3. What is your impression of SPAMAST as an institution of higher learning, its

facilities and faculty members?

SPAMAST as an institution of higher learning

School Facilities

Faculty Members

4. What are your expectations about the teacher, your classmates and the
subject, GEH 111 – Understanding the Self?

Teacher

Your classmates

Subject (GEH 111)

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

After doing the activity in Something to do, below are some follow-up
questions in getting to know more about SPAMAST and the subject you enrolled.

1. Do you think that studying in SPAMAST will help you achieve your dream in
getting a college degree? Why?

2. How can SPAMAST help you?

3. At the end of the semester, do you think that this subject, GEH 111, with your
teacher and your classmates, will help you to know and understand yourself
better?

CONGRATULATIONS!

For taking time in doing the activity and answering the follow-up questions.

Now, it’s time to know more about SPAMAST…..

A. VISION-MISSION STATEMENT, GOAL AND CORE VALUES OF SPAMAST

In learning more about SPAMAST as an institution of higher learning,

familiarize its Vision-Mission Statement as well as its goal and core values.

VISION 1

“A premier competitive institution of higher learning providing professional training

in Education, Agri-Fisheries, Science and Technology, Agri-Business, Information
Technology and other related disciplines geared towards inclusive
growth and development in the ASEAN Region and beyond.”

The global network and the steadfast pace of technological changes purge
boundaries between and among countries in the ASEAN region and the world.
Coping with change is a challenge for higher educational institutions to sustain the
global standards of knowledge management to achieve high quality and academic
excellence.

Dynamic leadership and management of HEIs are significant and vital in

achieving educational aims through the employment of systems thinking to discover
opportunities for innovation and creative development in instruction, research,
extension, and production to produce quality and productive individuals.

SPAMAST is vibrant in the delivery of quality and excellent education

necessary in achieving inclusive growth by providing sustained and equal
opportunities for decent jobs, raise productivity, and continuously foster quality life
to all resulting to integrated development in the ASEAN region and beyond.

MISSION 1

“Creating a rich culture of academic excellence and integrity through innovative

instruction, adaptive researches and sustainable extension and enhanced resource
generation while promoting environmental resilience, equity and harmony in
diversity.”

SPAMAST shall take pride on pursuing an organizational context to develop

a culture that would further excellent outcomes in all facets of educational processes
through employment of innovative teaching in order to challenge student
engagement and motivation, foster industry-driven and collaborative researches
and transfer of sustainable, focused, and high-impact extension projects and
programs, and through diversified and enhanced resource generation and efficient
resource utilization.
 Amidst diversity, the College shall promote environmental resilience through
innovative researches to enhance and protect managed and natural ecosystems,
ecosystem services, and human well-being to adapt to changing climate and reduce
vulnerability. Equal opportunity and access to affordable but quality education
help curtail the incidence of poverty in the country as well as in the ASEAN region.
Education is believed to be an efficient and effective catalyst to eradicate poverty.

GOAL
Improved capacity to provide equal opportunity to quality education.

CORE VALUES

F – unctionality S – teadfastness and

A – ccountability P – assion to attain goals guided by
I – ntegrity TO A – ffinity and
T – ransparency M – otivation to face adversity imbued with the
H - armony A – ptitude to
S – erve with compassion and
T – eamwork

SPAMAST shall be guided with the unwavering organization’s fundamental

beliefs that would guide in fulfilling the goals of the College. Officials and employees
shall manifest strong FAITH to SPAMAST where they exhibit robust Functionality,
acknowledge Accountability, show the essence of Integrity, Transparency, and
Harmony. They appreciate Steadfastness and have Passion to attain goals guided
by Affinity and Motivation to face adversity imbued with the Aptitude to Serve with
compassion and Teamwork.

Tagline: “Above and beyond in achieving Excellence”

SPAMAST shall be promoted in a catchphrase or slogan to better promote

and advertise the College to its stakeholders. SPAMAST values EXCELLENCE in
everything that it does and will do, particularly in raising the quality of instruction,
research, extension, and production.1

B. COURSE GUIDE FOR GEH 111 – UNDERSTANDING THE SELF 2

After getting a glimpse of the vision-mission of SPAMAST, let’s proceed to

knowing the course you enrolled, GEH 111 – Understanding the Self. Go to Appendix
A of this module. It is the Course Guide of this course. Read and understand it
carefully.

When you are done reading the Course Guide, please answer the next
learning activities.
Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction

Answer the following questions briefly. Write your answers neatly on the
space provided below:

1. As a student, what activity can you contribute to help SPAMAST achieve its
vision and mission?

2. After reading the Course Guide, what specific activities are you going to do in
order to complete your learning experience with this module if you have the
following situations:

No or Low internet connectivity

No cellphone

Location is very far from the drop off area

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

As part of the learning process, do the following activities:

A. Make your own design of the logo of SPAMAST in relation to its vision and
mission. Utilize the space below.

Describe your design

B. After reading the course guide, illustrate through a diagram what will you be
learning from this course about yourself in each unit (from Unit 2 to Unit 3)?
Use the space below.

Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

Search in the internet or research journals for samples of research abstracts on

studies related to any of the following:
A. impact of vision and mission of a school in the lives of the students or the
community; or
B. understanding the self.

Select one research abstract for any of the two topics above. Identify the
problem, the research methodology, the findings, conclusion and source of the study.
Write your answers on the matrix given below.

PROBLEM METHODOLOGY

FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS

SOURCE (Bibliographical entry format)

How are the findings of this research useful to you?

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:
Make a reflection of what you learn from the lesson using the Content, Experience,
Realization and Action (CERA) Format. Write your answers briefly.

CONTENT – What did you learn in this Subject?

EXPERIENCE – Cite situation that you experience what you learned in the subject

REALIZATION – With what you learned and experienced, what did you realize?

ACTION – From your realization, what should you do to LEARN more?

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

After completing all the learning activities in this module, it’s now time to test
yourself about what you learn. Write your answers on the space provided.

1. SPAMAST stands for

2. SPAMAST envisioned to become a

institution of higher learning.

3. What is the acronym of the Core Values of SPAMAST?

4. The tagline, “Above and beyond in achieving Excellence”, means that in

everything SPAMAST does and will do, particularly in raising the quality of
instruction, research, extension, and production, it values

5. What is the course title for GEH 111?

6. Give at least five of the learning activities in the module that you need to
complete and compile in a Portfolio in order to Pass this course. Enumerate
them on the space provided.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

WOW! You made it!

You have completed the learning activities in of Unit 1 – Module 1.

You are now ready to take another learning journey in Module 2.
 In this Module you were oriented on the Vision-Mission statement of
SPAMAST as well as its Goal and Core Values.

Indeed, SPAMAST envisioned to be a premiere competitive institution of

higher learning values EXCELLENCE in everything that it does and will do,
particularly in raising the quality of instruction, research, extension, and production.

In order to fulfill its goal, officials and employees shall manifest strong FAITH
to SPAMAST.

You were also introduced to the Course Guide of this course, GEH 111 –
Understanding the Self, one of the General Education subjects in the tertiary level.
Reading and understanding the course guide will help you complete your learning
journey towards knowing and understanding yourself better. The course started with
the views of the self from different perspectives. After learning the different
perspectives, you were directed to explore the different aspects of the self. The course
ends in identifying ways on how to be a better person and manage yourself.

This is just an introductory part of the course. There is a lot to learn.

1
Office of the President. (2019). SPAMAST Vision and Mission. Strategic
Plan 2018-2023.
2
CHED. (2017). Syllabus for Understanding the Self. Date Retrieved July 30,
2019 from: https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Understanding-the-
Self.pdf.
 MODULE 2
Getting to Know Yourself

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

 Conduct self-exploration to realize that knowing oneself
can aid in accepting one’s strength ;
 Recognize and analyze one’s unique characteristics, habits
and experiences; and
 Understand oneself in order to develop the capacity to
interact with others better .

Welcome back to your learning journey of knowing yourself!

At the start of every school year, most of the class begins with an activity on
introducing oneself to everyone or conduct a “Getting to Know You” activity
involving everyone in the class. You will be asked to state your name and give a
brief description of yourself, or provide three positive characteristics, or choose an
object that best describe yourself.

Maybe you have experienced this kind of situation where finding words that
describe yourself is difficult. Often times you will just choose words that come to your
mind at the moment without realizing that it does not really describe who you are.

In this module, you are going to conduct self-exploration by doing self-

awareness activities.

Are you ready for your next learning journey?

Let’s move to the next page.

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

Let’s begin your self-exploration activity by taking time to read each item in
the Personal Inventory Worksheet below and answer each question truthfully 2.

Personal Inventory Worksheet

Describe yourself as honestly as possible – as you generally are now and not as you wish to
be in the future. Analyze yourself in relation to other people of the same sex and of roughly
the same age. Rate yourself in the following areas to help you identify your strengths and
weaknesses.

Personal Characteristics Yes No Uncertain

I am a worrier
I make friends easily
I have a vivid imagination
I trust others
I complete tasks successfully
I get angry easily
I really enjoy large parties
I think art is important
I like to take charge of situations
I don’t like being messy
I love to help others
I can solve my problems
I keep my promises
I find it difficult to approach others
I am always busy
I prefer variety to routine
I work hard
I overindulge
I love excitement
I enjoy reading challenging books
I believe that I am better than others
I am always prepared
I panic easily
I am a really cheerful person
I act without thinking
I get irritated easily
I always chat to different people

Well done!
Thank you for taking time answering the statements above about yourself. Let’s find
out if those statements really describe you. Please turn to the next page.
Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

After doing the activity in Something to do, please answer the following
questions as honestly as you can.

1. Did the statements in the Personal Inventory Worksheet describe you? Did it
tells more like you or less like you? Why?

2. Can you identify statements that describe your strengths?

3. Can you identify statements that describe your weakness?

4. How are you different from others of the same sex and age?3

5. What do you wish to change in your traits? Why?

6. What do you want to achieve for yourself?

CONGRATULATIONS!

For taking time in doing the activity and answering the follow-up questions.

It’s time to learn more about yourself.

 Knowing oneself can assist you in achieving total development. It will help
you identify and analyze your strengths and weaknesses through the process of Self-
awareness. Self-awareness is the start of self-improvement3 and happens when one
recognizes his/her traits as something very important to one’s ability to place
importance on continuous learning to improve oneself 2. Self-awareness activities
provide you with a venue to value spending time in knowing more about yourself. It
will give you an opportunity to understand yourself more and find ways to make
your strengths as your motivation to strive better and turn your weaknesses to
positive traits. First step that you need to do to start self-awareness is to choose to
recognize not just your gifts but your flaws as well because when you do, you will
begin to live a happy and stable life.2

Having self-awareness means that you have a clear recognition of your

overall personality. This includes your strengths and weaknesses, thoughts and beliefs,
emotions, and sources of motivation. Having self-awareness helps you understand
other people and how they view you and your actions.

Recognizing your inner strengths and weaknesses gives you the capability to
empower yourself.2 The journey to self-empowerment is not always going towards
the easy way. Just like any of the trips you have taken, the road you have travelled
is sometimes bumpy. In life, one may experience difficult situations. People have
different reactions. Some may feel frustrated and disappointed, others may take the
situation as a challenge to improve one’s life.

Therefore, self-awareness or self-empowerment2 provides you with the ability

to take control of your actions to life’s situations and to others. Knowing and
understanding oneself is a lifelong journey and is made difficult by several hindrances
that come along the way or brought about by your fear of changes. When there is
change in our life, we often resist to it. Making yourself into a better version of you is
a challenge that pursues you throughout your entire life2.

To continue with your self-exploration, do the next learning activities on self-

awareness.
Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction

Draw an object that would best describe yourself. Use the space provided
below. Make sure that the object you have chosen possesses the qualities that you
also have.
My Own Personal Inventory2

Compare your own strengths and weaknesses to that of the object you have
drawn. Complete each sentence to describe yourself and the object you have chosen.

I compare myself to a/an (name of the object)

My strength
One strong point of the (name of the object) is
that it is (adjective about the object). Like this
object, I am (adjective about you).

My weakness
One weak point of the (name of the object) is
that it is (adjective about the object). Like this
object, I am (adjective about you).
Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

Choose five (5) traits that you consider as your strengths. Make a creative
advertisement below to promote yourself.

Promote Yourself

Describe your design

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

Search in the internet or research journals for samples of research abstracts on

studies related to self-awareness. Select one research abstract and identify the
problem, the research methodology, the findings, conclusion and source of the study.
Write your answers on the matrix given below.

PROBLEM METHODOLOGY

FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS

SOURCE (Bibliographical entry format)

How are the findings of this research useful to you?

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:
Make a reflection of what you learn from the lesson using the Content, Experience,
Realization and Action (CERA) Format. Write your answers briefly.

CONTENT – What did you learn in this Subject?

EXPERIENCE – Cite situation that you experience what you learned in the subject

REALIZATION – With what you learned and experienced, what did you realize?

ACTION – From your realization, what should you do to LEARN more?

Name : Date:
Course & Year: School ID:

Instruction:

After completing all the learning activities in this module, it’s now time to test
yourself about what you learn. Write your answers on the space provided.

How can self-awareness or self-empowerment help you in the following:

understanding yourself

improving yourself

Do you think that self-awareness or self-empowerment is important? Why?

WOW! You made it!

You have completed the learning activities in of Unit 1 – Module 2.

You are now ready to take another learning journey in Module 3.
 In this Module you were able to explore yourself through engaging in self-
awareness activities.

Self-awareness or self-empowerment is an opportunity to know oneself by

recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. This will lead you to use your strengths to
improve yourself. Your weaknesses can be turn into positive traits.

Knowing oneself is a lifelong journey. There are obstacles along the way. With
enough knowledge about yourself can help you take more steps in life.

So, let’s journey together to the next Module on Self: Its definition, nature and
significance.

1
ARIOLA, M. M. (2018). Understanding the Self. ISBN: 978-621-427-018-7.
Unlimited Books Library Services & Publishing, Inc. Intramuros, Manila,
Philippines. (Personal Copy). Pp.
2
CRUZ, M.T.M. and E.B. CRUZ II. (2016). Personal Development. ISBN: 978-
621-409-062-4. Books Atbp. Publishing Corporation. Barangka Drive,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines. Pp. 1-20
3
FABREGA, M. (2020). 12 Self-Awareness Exercises: Know Thyself! Live the length
and width of your life. Date retrieved: Sept. 4, 2020.
https://daringtolivefully.com/self-awareness.
4
MAGALONA, E.D., E.S. SADSAD AND E.R.M. CRUZ. (2018). Understanding
the Self. ISBN: 978-621-406-146-4. Mindshapers Co., Inc. Intramuros, Manila,
Philippines. Pp.

GOEKE, N. (2019). 33 Self-Awareness Activities for Adults and Students. In

Scott, S. (2019). Develop Good Habits. A better life one habit at a time. Date
retrieved: Sept. 4, 2020. https://www.developgoodhabits.com/self-awareness-
activities/.