PONDERING ON THE FOUR PILLARS OF LEARNING

The four pillars of learning ensure the holistic and total growth and development
of an individual. It is designed to prepare and equip learners with the necessary
skills, knowledge, attitude and values they need in life. These are deemed
important not just to learners but to teachers as well. Understanding the four
pillars of learning does not only guide us, teachers, in giving proper instruction to
our students but it also enables us to become effective facilitators of learning by
being a holistically-developed efficient person.

As we search for ways to provide learners with certain knowledge appropriate to

real life situations, we also discover new ideas and information appropriate in
enhancing our own skills as educators. More than the literacy and numeracy skills
we acquire as we teach our learners, we are also exposed to hands-on activities
developing our skills applicable to reality. The current situation in our society
provides an opportunity to put the four pillars of learning into good use. The
medical crisis has brought drastic changes and challenges in many aspects
including the education system. It has restructured and reshaped the teaching-
learning process paving way to the new dimension of 21st century education. Our
exposure to the four pillars of learning has made us resilient to such new
circumstances. We have learned to apply our basic knowledge and skills and
adapt to new innovations and updated traditions. We collaborate and share
responsibility with others in building a better community and we never pause in
our pursuit to develop our whole being. Learning to know, to do, to live with
others and to be are the anchors of true learning.
8 Habits of Teaching

As the new normal has brought a new dimension of 21st century education, it is a
must that we become 21st century teachers. As change is inevitable in all aspects
of life, being a teacher, we must also keep ourselves abreast with the fast
changing education system.

The Eight Habits of Highly Effective 21st Century Teacher relayed by Andrew
Churches serve as a guide in developing competence among teachers. Personally,
it made me assess and ask myself if I am a highly effective learning facilitator.

It made me identify which habits I possess and strong at and which habits I need
to develop and strengthen more to become highly effective as a teacher.

I can say that my strongest habits are adapting and learning. I can easily adapt to
new innovations and devise alternative ways and options. I recognize the fact that
I still have a lot of knowledge to learn and experiences to master but I have the
passion for learning new things. I equip myself with necessary skills and attitudes
through learning to keep abreast with the changing society.

I am open to changes and challenges. But there are times that I am afraid to take
risks specially if the welfare of my students is at stake. This is why taking risks is
my weakest attribute.

I am working on improving this habit by making myself more open to changes,

challenges and chances. I have to understand that failure is part of life and that it
can still cause positive impact and yield great and authentic success through
learning from mistakes. I will look up to people who are successful risk takers.
LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING

I believe that my teaching practices and approach fall under learner-centered

teaching. I always put my learners at the top priority and consider their interests,
capabilities and differences in designing effective and appropriate learning tasks,
activities and instruction. I make sure to involve the learners and make them
responsible for their own learning. In this way, they will be more responsible to
set their goals and be committed in accomplishing them.

I have always believed that people learn best through direct interaction and first-
hand experience. With this in mind, I always make sure that my learners have
direct interaction with me as their learning facilitator and in collaboration with
their classmates and family members in achieving tasks designed to equip them
with necessary skills, knowledge and attitude for life-long learning. I adopt the
contextualization of learning materials and activities so that learners will be able
to adapt and relate to the learning situations. This will help them learn easily and
gain better understanding. This will also help in encouraging participation and
interest among the learners. I am fond of using and applying interactive games
and reality-based activities in my lesson presentations. My students' positive
feedback regarding my teaching style and practices makes me happy and it
inspires me to continue giving all my best for them.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I am confident to say that my teaching practices and approaches are similar and
comparative to the Teaching Philosophies and Strategies presented by UC Regent.
My instructional philosophy revolves on the belief that the starting point of a
successful teaching-learning process is the understanding and acceptance that
each learner is unique, exceptional and has its own potential.

It is my desire to create a stimulating educational environment where my learners

can be holistically developed and be prepared to take on the changes and
challenges brought by the fast-paced changing world. I always see to it that I help
my students develop and meet their full potential and exhibit confidence in
achieving their aspirations. I understand that in order to successfully mentor my
learners, I myself should be a role model that they can look up to and see as an
inspiration and motivation. It is my responsibility to encourage my learners to
work hard effectively and intensely and learn to think independently and take
responsibility for their own actions. I consider my learners' interests, capacity,
capabilities and individuality in crafting activities and tasks and applying certain
teaching styles to achieve successful learning.