TASK: In not less than 300 words, explain how we can achieve quality science education through the framework presented.
- We can achieve quality science through empowering the students learning. The presented frameworks mainly focus on improving the skills of the students to comprehend information through different methods of learning. Presenting different approaches to the students promotes effective learning for them which soon makes the students acquire critical thinking skills, they can become effective communicator, responsible steward of nature, and an informed decision maker. It is important that every educator must present students a different approach which creates different environment for them so they can know what method they preferred. It also important to bear in mind that students have a lot of things to be developed especially in terms of academic matters, that is why the framework stated when different approaches are presented the students can freely demonstrate their scientific inquiry skills, they can understand and apply scientific knowledge, and they will develop scientific attitudes and values. This kind of things that every learner may acquire if the educator follows the framework presented. We all know that science education especially our country Philippines is so hard to achieve the word ‘quality” because of the needed materials for science experiments are so limited in the schools, teachers aren’t well trained and most especially students have a wrong perception about the subject of science. The framework mainly focusses on the students and the approach of the educator. All lot of problems in our country that I stated earlier is about external things, but this framework focuses on the internal things that you can do as an educator for your learners for them to acquire quality science education. Our country is still on the developing stage of achieving the quality education that is why it is important for us to firstly have a good behavior towards the science subject before proceeding to the second part which is the external things just like improving the facilities and providing trainings to the educators for more efficient learning, and by that it is surely that we can achieve quality science education with a strong foundation.
Activity 2.2
TASK: Do you believe that the spiral approach is one of the keys to the quality science education that we hope for? Why? Why not?
- I do not personally believe that spiral approach is quite effective for students in achieving quality science education. First factor why I don’t believe that spiral progression is one of the key factors for achieving quality science education, because a lot of students stops then go return to their schools, if they go back, they might be some changes on their previous curriculum that they are learning and when they are back, they will be on a different curriculum, this is chaotic for learners. Second factor is the offering of ALS or any programs that helps students skip grade level. This is a good opportunity for the learner to avail this kind of program especially if their age is not appropriate with their grade level, but if we look on bigger scale how the students will be affected with this is the spiral progression because they will miss the continuous process of learning, they will jump a grade level which is not recommendable for all since the students will miss lesson which soon they will use on their future grade levels especially on college levels. That is why DEPED and CHED must think of a better alternative other than the spiral progression because this type of learning is for only privileged enough to sustain their education (I am not generalizing the power of the poor because I know there are a lot of people that are poor but still able to graduate). This spiral progression is widely used by the teachers especially in the Philippines, but have we asked ourselves that is that effective? Not all the teachers are well committed in reviewing/refreshing the minds of the students, not all teachers are effective teacher to the students that is why it is best to implement a learning process wherein there will be at least no left behind.
Activity 2.3
TASK: Answer the following questions:
1. Which of these educational philosophies would you describe as authoritarian? Which as non -authoritarian? Why?
-Both the Perennialism and Essentialism are in line with authoritarian since this kind of teaching philosophies are centered on the educator, The teacher will only hold the content of their teaching since it is said that truths must be taught to the students well since it is constant. The students here is mostly passive since the educators must focus on teaching things that they think that children must know. I consider it as an authoritarian since it this kind of teaching controls the mind of the learners, they are not free to think only the educator has the power to create and lead the content of their teaching.
Both Progressivism and Reconstructionism are in line with the non-authoritarian since this kind of teaching are centered on the possibilities of what the students can do. This kind of teaching challenges every learner to think actively and use their knowledge as a power. Learners in this kind of teaching philosophies are active unlike on the Essentialism and Perennialism wherein most of the time the students are passive. The students hold the power to control the content of the educators since their ideas are well appreciated by the educators, in this way learners practice their critical thinking skills which they can use not just in terms of academics but also in responding in the call of their society.
2. Each of the educational philosophies relates to one or more of the metaphysical world view philosophies. What connections do you see?
-I see that all of them encourages the learners to be an effective member of the society. They all teach nothing but the truth which soon learners can use so they can be an effective worker for their society. They may differ on how the way they teach the learners but all in all, learners will work for their society so every educators must establish a system where in they think the students will learn best, so when the students turn into adults and soon will find jobs, all this teaching philosophies holds the feeling that if every learners is exposed to a certain kind of teaching philosophy they will be an effective and efficient member of their society.
3. Which educational philosophy is most compatible with your beliefs? Why?
-For me, Reconstructionism is compatible with my beliefs, since changing the system is the best way for combating the problems of the society. The quote “change for the better” is the best way to describe our educational system. I see that it is normal for this kind of methods of traditional teachings but as soon as we progress, technologies will soon dominate so it is important to use the learners to let them think critically an effective way where they can learn effectively and efficiently. I always perceived that some of the trainings of the educators is much outdated because there is an always a big change that is happening on the learner’s part. That is why if only if we use this kind of teaching philosophy, we are having a allegiance of power with the learners which they will also have the power to change and share ideas for the betterment of our educational system. I think this is the best way for us to achieve a best education for all.
