Innovators in transformative learning cited

MANILA, Philippines -Translating vision and values into action – that is the guiding principle behind the winning examples of five schools which were recognized at the 2014 Excellence in Educational Transformation Awards (EETA) held recently at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

Organized by Bayan Academy, Rex Publishing Co. and The Knowledge Channel Foundation, EETA recognizes the innovative efforts of public and private schools in promoting learning effectiveness and school efficiency through transformative learning strategies and programs that benefit not only students but also the educational system.

 “This year’s batch of awardees shows us that despite the high standards set by our previous awardees, we still have schools and educational managers that come up with life-changing ideas and institutionalize them,” said Bayan Academy chairman Eduardo Morato Jr. “As schools struggle to meet the global and regional demands in educational system, the awardees were able to design programs and educational strategies that created an enabling learning environment for their students while encouraging them to improve not only intellectual but also social skills.”

Xavier School, which won the Most Transformative School for Learning Effectiveness and School Efficiency, led the winners – Pasig Elementary School, Top Achievers Private School (Alicia, Isabela), St. Paul College Pasig and the Sisters of Mary School of Banneux Inc. (Silang, Cavite).

Xavier School was cited for initiating a school-wide recalibration of their curriculum through creation of subject action goals and action goals for formation. This aligned the school’s goal to promote 21st-century learning and build relevant contemporary Catholic spirituality for its students, strengthening their understanding of the school’s roots through the Xavier China Experience and a greater understanding of the country’s culture.  

Pasig Elementary School, a century-old public school, got the nod for transforming its clean and green program by anchoring it on the students’ Home Economics and Livelihood Education. New gardening technologies like aquaponics and hydroponics were introduced and emphasis on environmental awareness and basic appreciation of elementary entrepreneurship. 

Top Achievers Private School in Alicia, Isabela impressed the judges as it only started in 2011 but introduced state-of-the-art learning for its students through introduction of high-technology classrooms with interactive touch-screen boards and Internet connectivity. The whole school is fully automated with CCTV cameras (viewable by parents on the internet) and electronic card ID readers. 

The exclusive girls’ school of St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP) paid attention not only to academic excellence but also the creative talents and athletic skills of their students with the GIFT program. GIFT aimed to develop well-rounded students by identifying the student’s innate gifts as early as preschool. SPCP guides students in honing their talents all the way to high school in categories such as sports, performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts and communication arts. 

The Sisters of Mary of Banneux Inc., which administers a school for girls in Silang, Cavite and other areas, seeks out needy but deserving students from all over the country by providing them a rich technical-vocational secondary education program.  The girls enjoy free meals, clothing, shelter and medical and dental services. While this meant separating them temporarily from their families, the school also orients their parents on the need for such condition.

“They really have to be aware that the students will be staying with us, and we have our agreement prior to us accepting their children,” said Sr. Gertrudes Dayag.  “When they finish, it means the girls are not only earning their diplomas, they have also acquired the skills and are ready for employment, if not higher education.”