Interviewer: Claire B.

Fernandez
Interviewee: Mirish B. Fernandez (Teacher 1- Samboan National High School)

POINTS OF VIEW OF CURRICULUM

Two Points of View: Traditional or Progressive

In the traditional curricular practices , courses which learners must take to

graduate are being presented and followed. These learning and teaching practices are

more focused on traditional way in which learning takes place only in the four walls of

the classroom and students are being spoon feed by the teachers. In this way, students

are not encouraged to speak up and take some responsibilities to facilitate in the class

unlike the progressive curriculum. For example, in Science, students are being taught

by the teachers more about concepts rather than practice. Students passively listen to

their teachers while discussing. For the progressive curricular practices, it is about

student-centered. Teaching and learning process is being integrated with diverse

techniques and styles depending on the students’ multiple intelligences. Teachers are

the facilitators of learning while students are the doer. Independent learning is

encouraged. Higher Order Thinking Skills is the concept being used to provide life-long

learning. For example, in teaching English Literature, teachers guide and facilitate their

students on how to act and let the students do or present a drama as an output on

their discussion. Students are given the freedom to produce and create their own

understanding about the lesson.

 As a 21st century educator, both traditional and progressive curriculum

have their advantages and disadvantages. I think, it would highly be recommended that

in synergizing the two curricular approaches, it will cater the needs of our 21 st century

learners since every learner has his own strengths and weaknesses. With the help of

these two curricular practices, schools will nurture each learner to become globally

competitive and independent individual.