Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION III
Division of Nueva Ecija
District of Santa Rosa South
E. SAULO MEMORIAL SCHOOL

LAC REFLECTION JOURNAL

Date: February 23, 2023

Name: EDGARDO C. SANTOS, JR.
Designation: Teacher III

Topics: HOW CAN I CREATE A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

In my many years of teaching I have seen the learning environment evolve to cater
to the needs of the learners. Today’s 21 st century learners require a shift from the
traditional learning environment to a new learning environment specifically engineered to
support critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. In order to create a better
learning environment for them it must be engaging both in the physical and psychological
space. Physically, which includes arranging classrooms to create an effective environment,
the first consideration is to provide comfort to the students because if the students are not
comfortable they may find it difficult to focus on learning and may become easily
distracted. The classroom layout must provide easy access to both teacher and students to
all the learning materials. The furniture must be arranged so that students can easily move
around. Lightings must also be sufficient, access to technology such as Television and
computers must be provided and safety from hazardous objects must be ensured such that
there are no sharp or falling objects, dangerous substances or electrical threat that can
harm the students. Psychologically, which means creating a good atmosphere of learning, I
as their teacher must make sure to create an environment of trust among my students. The
environment must warrant positivity and warm welcome to the students so that it can
create a sense of belonging and ownership to the students so that they can build on their
knowledge without fear or judgment. This can be done through addressing their diverse
needs, bearing in mind that not all students learn in the same way. Some are auditory
learners; others are kinesthetic learners and while others are visual learners. Reflecting on
this diversity and I can make teaching strategies by employing the use of visual aids, music
and songs or recorded lectures and/or interactive games and activities. This will in turn help
students engage and learn effectively. Needless to say, when educators foster positive
learning environment, learners are more likely to have the higher motivation that leads to
better and more promising learning outcomes.

Prepared by:
EDGARDO C. SANTOS.JR.
Teacher III
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION III
Division of Nueva Ecija
District of Santa Rosa South
E. SAULO MEMORIAL SCHOOL

LAC REFLECTION JOURNAL

Date: May 18, 2023

Name: EDGARDO C. SANTOS, JR.
Designation: Teacher III

Topics: THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT ARE CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE
When students enter our classroom, they bring with them their cultures. Each one of
them is unique and distinctive. By varying culture, we mean they come to us with varied
experiences. I have students who are raised by farmer parents hence have knowledge and
experiences on growing crops or plants or as simple as gardening. I have students who are
raised by parents whose job is cooking and preparing foods hence are experienced in that
skill. I have students who have experience on livestock, basic cosmetics or even those who
are tech-savvy. Those rich, hands-on experiences are valuable too, and we can all benefit
from them. How we use these varying cultures and associate them in instruction is up to us
educators. When we respond to our students’ cultures and understand their cultural
differences, we will appreciate that we can use them as assets by learning from them and
allowing them to share their own experiences and expertise with their co-learners.
However, culturally responsive learning environment is more than just what meets the eye,
it encompasses way more than the visible. It also includes self-expression, beliefs, and
thoughts. Imagine every classroom where every student can be their authentic whole
human selves. A culturally responsive learning environment is a place where everybody
belongs. This culture as part of their identity must be included in our daily instruction to
empower every learner capitalizing on their uniqueness and individuality therefore
fostering respect for diversity. What I have learned is that a learner-centered classroom is
also a culturally responsive classroom. When students feel that their voice is being hear
inside the classroom, they are more open to working collaboratively with others and are
more eager to learn and share to others. As educators we must examine our own biases
and eliminate them inside the classroom. And it’s with this in mind that we share concrete
examples of culturally responsive practices to create and maintain an effective learning
environment.

Prepared by:

EDGARDO C. SANTOS, JR.

Teacher III
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION III
Division of Nueva Ecija
District of Santa Rosa South
E. SAULO MEMORIAL SCHOOL

LAC REFLECTION JOURNAL

Date: April 20, 2023

Name: EDGARDO C. SANTOS, JR.
Designation: Teacher III

Topics: How Teachers Use Learners' Data to Improve Instruction

The goal of any teacher is to make sure to deliver instructions that will improve
student performance. We have long used data-driven instructions to tailor our teaching
methods to encourage student achievement. This data allows us, teachers, to measure and
compare student performance against goals to which we decide on how to proceed with
our classes based on the results. Not only this is helpful to our students but also we gain
beneficial knowledge and expertise by tracking this data and identifying which of our
methods are working and where there is a need for improvement. Traditionally we have
formal assessments as methods of gathering student data such as tests, essays, quizzes, or
projects or performance tasks. Observations also works as data gathering tool by observing
the class and seeing how well students individually comprehend and collectively
collaborate with the lesson. But aside from these traditional methods, there are other ways
to gather student data such as daily attendance, health and nutritional statis, parent’s
relationship and involvement, talents and skills among others that might influence their
academic performance. With the intention to utilize the data, there is a need for
collaboration between teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders including the
parents as well as the learners themselves to implement strategies. It’s a team effort, and
everyone has a role to play in regularly using student data to improve learning. It creates a
supportive and constructive school culture and remove the blame on student’s lack of
comprehension but rather create a supportive environment where everyone shares a
responsibility. As a result, students feel supported and encouraged leading improved
performance and student achievement.

Prepared by:

EDGARDO C. SANTOS, JR.

Teacher III