Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, OIC to the Office of the President of WVCST posed a challenge to the Mathematics trainers as he addressed the participants to the K to 12 Regional Training for Grade 9 Math Teachers at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center on May 19, 2014.
In his speech, Dr. Ambut challenged the trainers that at the end of the training, they must be able to give a demonstration on how fractions can be used to solve real life problems. This challenge was given to them when he explained that K to 12 is not about contents in Mathematics, instead it is about pedagogy or how we use strategies in order for students to learn the lessons in Math to be used in solving problems in real life situations. He expects the trainees to learn how to use authentic assessment in Mathematics such as using real objects or relate it to things that exist.
K to 12 according to Dr. Ambut has a big advantage to Filipino parents in terms of financial aspect. In the K to 12 program, the curriculum is being upgraded and we will no longer fall short in the international education system. Normally, when Filipino professionals go to other countries, they cannot immediately get a job based on the profession that they finished in the Philippines. They still need to study to level with the international education standard which means parents have to spend at least Php 2.2 to Php2.5M to earn an additional 2 year degree abroad to level with the professionals in the world. For him, this is a very timely move for our government to equate our professionals in the international arena.
In addition to Dr. Ambut’s explanation, Dr. Novelyn M. Vilchez, Chief, DepEd Curriculum Learning Management Division, said that the general objective of the K to 12 training is to equip teachers with skills, knowledge, competencies and correct attitude in implementing the program. According to her, learning becomes only effective if it is relevant to the lives of the children. Teachers must also learn the modern way of learning that students of the new generation need. “In the height of technology,” she said, ”it is not impossible for students to resort to internet based learning. If we are not going to change ourselves, open our hearts and minds to all of the challenges of the modern educational system,. Time will come that students will no longer come to our classrooms and we will lose our jobs. “
Likewise, Dr. Vilchez challenged the participants to develop strategies on how to show in classroom demonstrations the principles of localization, the principles of the 21st century and learning of innovation skills.
The K to 12 Regional Math Training started on May 19, 2014 and will finish on May 23.
