RP also lacks science and technology teachers, study shows

The country lacks not only qualified English teachers but also science and technology instructors, a recent study showed.

During a roundtable discussion with officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and educators from government and private institutions, Pulse Asia executive director Ana Maria Tabunda presented the study entitled "Scientific and Technological Teaching Manpower Requirements in 2000 to 2010."

"There is indeed an inadequate supply of science and technology manpower in the academic sector, as well as cause for concern over the quality of faculty in science and technology," Tabunda said.

The study, based on the 2001-2002 enrollment data of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), showed that there is a shortfall of nearly 31,000 science and technology instructors in the country, or nearly 90 percent of the total faculty requirement in this subject area.

Central Visayas or Region 7 had the largest shortfall in science and technology faculty in school year 2001-2002 though it has sufficient teachers in agriculture, forestry, fishery and medical and other allied fields.

The study also revealed that there is a shortage of computer science and information technology (IT) faculty in most regions.

Tabunda said these shortfalls would persist for as long as teachers’ salaries are not competitive.

According to the study, most of the science and technology departments of colleges and universities do not also have adequate support faculty such as teaching assistants, lecturers and visiting professors.

Tabunda added that the faculty’s teaching load may also have an effect on the quality of education in the country.

The ideal teaching load for a faculty member is four courses, which is equivalent to 12 units. However, some faculty members have teaching loads of up to 21 units to accommodate the large number of enrollees, particularly in nursing and other health courses.

Moreover, most college instructors do not have graduate degrees in their field of specialization and only around 20 percent have master’s degrees.

Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro said she hopes the study will create awareness on the teaching manpower requirements in the country.

The results of the study, she said, will be useful to the government in formulating policies for the education sector.

"It has always been my desire for the government, especially the legislators, to increase support for science and technology teaching development," she said. "This study is a response to UNESCO’s program in human resource development and capacity building in science and technology."

Alabastro stressed the need to assess the capability of the academic sector in training people to produce globally competitive goods and services and keeping up to date with technology advances.