REFLECTION NO.

1 SUBJECT: EDM 204

NAME: ARIANE AVON G. DEL ROSARIO PROF. ERIC G. TEÑOSO
MAED EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Guide Question: What is the role of the teachers in the field in improving the
performance of Filipino students in the PISA?

We can agree that deeper problems are surrounding the education

system. However, it is only when the PISA results are out that we realize
how severe it was.

Since the adoption of the K to 12 Curriculum, it is the first time that

the Philippines has participated in the 2018 Programme for International
Student Assessment (PISA). This assessment covers 15-year-old students
from 79 participating countries around the world to identify their knowledge
in three subjects: Mathematics, Science, and Reading. The disconsolate
results showed that the Philippines ranked the lowest in reading, and
second-lowest in Science and Mathematics.

15-year-olds are Grade 10 students who are near the end of their
junior high school. Hence, it convinces some academic groups and education
experts that we have a serious problem in the early years of education and
that reflects in the “unfavorable findings” of the 2018 PISA.

Teacher Factor

Due to the alarming results, DepEd has issued a statement,

recognizing the urgency to address the problems and gaps in achieving
quality of basic education in the country. It includes improvement of learning
facilities, updating learning materials and resources, engagement of all
stakeholders, and upskilling and reskilling of teachers.

The teacher factor is one of the most significant areas to consider.

DepEd maintained that the reskilling and upskilling of teachers is part of its
aggressive reform under its “Sulong Edukalidad” campaign. Thus, numerous
webinars and training were held to improve the quality of the teaching and
learning process. But aside from these training and reskilling webinars, I
believe that the following are the other roles, we teachers should accomplish
to help improve the performance of every Filipino student not only for PISA
but in every aspect of education.

 Come up with effective strategies in teaching these three

categories: reading, mathematics, and science. We can agree
that these subjects are quite difficult to teach due to a myriad of
factors. It is our role to make every learning session engaging
and interesting so that learners will actively participate.
 Promote learning engagement not only for learners but for their
families as well. In this time of blended learning, students are at
home and their families are their teachers. Hence, we must
include them in the process and make them realize that their
roles are important as well to achieve holistic learning.
 It is also our role to challenge the learners to become critical and
creative thinkers, and to become efficient problem solvers.
 The education paradigm is rapidly changing so teachers should
always seek professional development. We are also students of
life who need to collaborate with others, co-create, and work as
a team.
Shepherds or Gatekeepers?

Aside from the roles mentioned above, teachers were also classified as
gatekeepers or shepherds. They are gatekeepers who ensure that the
standards of academic excellence are upheld. But they are also shepherds
who keep everyone, even the slowest one to not fall behind the flock. While
both roles are significant, the problem arises when shepherding means
“automatic promotion”. Instead of encouraging students to do better,
teachers turned a blind eye and allow underperforming and unqualified
students to pass. To minimize the dropout rates, teachers let non-readers
and poor performers move up the ladder. Mass promotions are currently a
phenomenon in the Philippine education setting. Thus, for me, it is our role
to be shepherds and gatekeepers at the same time.

We can be shepherds and cater to all sorts of learners. Again, no one

should be left behind that is why we can come up with differentiated
performance tasks based on the learner’s strengths and weaknesses. Our
teaching pedagogy must have various versions according to the students’
needs. We can be gatekeepers and ensure to uphold education standards by
being prepared and well-equipped teachers and instructors. We must play
both roles so that we can improve the quality of education and for our
students to perform better in whatever assessments come their way.