Readying students for lifelong learning

Being implemented in the elementary and high schools is a restructured Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) that focuses on the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and patriotism. It seeks to cure the inability of students to read, and values are integrated in all the subject areas. The sum total of the changes is the readying of students for lifelong learning.

From the explanation of Dr. Teresita G. Inciong of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports at the Tuesday Bulong Pulungan at the Westin Philippine Plaza, the BEC decongests the overcrowded curriculum.

An interesting feature of the BEC is the stress on integrative and interactive teaching-learning ap-proaches. Under the new curriculum, there is group learning and sharing of knowledge and experiences between teachers, between teachers and students, and among students. For example, under the old curriculum, English teachers prepared lesson plans for English and values teachers prepared for values education. Now, the English and Values Education teachers work together on their lesson plans.

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The shift in subject focus means students will be better in English, Filipino, Math and Makabayan. I understand major changes should make better students in math and algebra as well as in Philippine history, world history and economics, in technology and home economics and livelihood and music, arts and physical and health education, in computer literacy.

Dr. Inciong said BEC is "integrative in approach. For instance, when the class takes up Balagtas’ Florante at Laura, or Rizal’s Noli and Fili, the literature teacher can teach these as literature, and the history teacher can discuss these as part of history, or as inputs in discussions about the roots of Philippine nationalism or even tackle Rizal’s motivations in writing his two novels."

The new curriculum should turn out better students, thereby raising the academic performance rating of Filipino students. Studies have shown that our students are poor in math and science compared with students in other countries. I just wish BEC was introduced in my time; if it was, my English would have been better and comprehension of math faster.

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The BEC, which is implemented in all public schools, and its application being optional, in 50 percent of private schools, is the product of 16 years of study conducted under different education secretaries. The Philippine Commission on Educational Reforms (PCER), recommended the adoption of the restructured BEC and its implementation starting Year 2002. PCER chair is Dr. Victor Ordonez, a professor of the East-West Center in Hawaii who also headed the education division of the UNESCO in Paris and Bangkok. After assuming the post, Secretary Raul S. Roco continued the consultations among schools, parents, students, business, trade and industry. The BEC is supported by top educators and other authorities.

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Tomorrow, June 6, the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISACC) will launch the zarzuela, "Bayan, Isang Paa na Lamang," at the Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music. The zarzuela, a prize-winner in the 1998 National Centennial Literary Competition, was set to music by National Artist Lucio San Pedro just before he died. It will be performed July 25, 26 and 27 at the University Theater of UP Diliman and on August 3 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The institute, together with the UP College of Music, has embarked on this project as part of its concern to preserve cultural memory through some living artistic form. The project, according to Melba Padilla Magay, ISACC president and CEO, is part of the institute’s Popular education for Good Governance through media advocacy, a long-term effort at creating the infraculture necessary for good government to flourish.

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Still on artistic presentations, Concert Nights at the Old Walls will present Mutya ng Silangan, a compendium of well-known and rarely heard patriotic music written by the country’s national artists and noted composers. Featured artists are Gloria Dizon Coronel, soprano, and Vladimir Valera, baritone, of the Tribung Pinoy and other guest performers. Julie D. Mendoza is assisting pianist.

Secretary Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Presidential Advisor for Culture, will give an inspirational message.

Produced by the Tribung Pilipino Foundation, Inc., the concert will be held June 8, at 6 p.m., at the Tanghalang Leandro Locsin, NCCA bldg., 633 Gen. Luna St. in Intramuros.

The Silliman University Alumni, Manila Chapter, under the presidency of Noel Royandoyan, is sponsoring a Silliman Business Club Luncheon on June 21 11:30 a.m., at Shangri-La Makati. The networking luncheon is the first formulated by the alumni chapter of Manila, and calls all Sillimanians occupying executive positions in the government, private sector, foundation association, and others. For P950, one can have lunch, a business directory, SU official vet, and "a real Silliman bonding" for two hours. For confirmation, e-mail zonito@hotmail.com or call 631-1466.