9 sa 10 mag-aaral sa bansa, 'di marunong magbasa at umunawa pagtuntong ng edad... | 24 Oras

Summary

Blended learning continues to be a key solution for the Philippine education system, addressing the shortage of classrooms and disruptions caused by the pandemic. However, many parents express concerns about delays in their children's learning, especially in reading. Despite efforts to adjust the curriculum, including reducing its scope and promoting community-based learning, the education system faces significant challenges, such as teacher quality and technology access. Volunteers and government initiatives aim to restore children's love for learning, but the lack of resources and backlogged learning from the pandemic remain pressing issues. The future of education relies on collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blended learning remains a preferred solution for the lack of classrooms in the Philippines, but some parents are concerned about delayed learning, especially for children struggling to read.
• 😀 Jose, a 12-year-old Grade 7 student, can only read one syllable at a time, and his reading level is at Grade 3, reflecting a broader issue in the education system.
• 😀 The World Bank reports that 9 out of 10 students in the Philippines cannot read and comprehend texts at the required level.
• 😀 The pandemic caused a significant setback, with schools in the Philippines being closed for an extended period, resulting in delayed learning and a backlog in education.
• 😀 Before the pandemic, only 1 in 5 Filipino students met the minimum proficiency levels in reading and math, and the pandemic only worsened this gap.
• 😀 DepEd has reduced the curriculum and literacy requirements, but some parents and teachers believe additional adjustments are needed to address learning delays.
• 😀 Access to technology is a major factor in students' learning progress; middle-class children with gadgets have a significant advantage over those without such access.
• 😀 DepEd continues to struggle with classroom shortages, with almost 160,000 classrooms still needed across the country.
• 😀 Some community-driven initiatives, such as Barangay reading centers and local volunteer efforts, are helping children develop a love for learning despite systemic challenges.
• 😀 The National Learning Camp program, aimed at providing extra tutorials to struggling students, is one of DepEd's interventions to help learners recover from pandemic-related setbacks.
• 😀 The success of education in the Philippines depends on the collective efforts of teachers, families, communities, and the government, emphasizing the importance of investing in the youth for the country's future.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised by parents regarding blended learning?

Parents are concerned about their children's learning being delayed, especially in terms of reading skills. Many children, like Jose, are struggling to read properly, affecting their overall learning experience.

How does Jose's reading ability reflect the challenges faced by many Filipino students?

Jose, who is 12 years old and in grade 7, can only read one syllable at a time, which demonstrates the significant learning gap many students face, with some being as much as 5 years behind in their education.

What did the World Bank report regarding the reading abilities of Filipino students?

The World Bank reported that nine out of ten students in the Philippines are unable to read and understand the reading level assessment, highlighting a widespread issue in the education system.

What impact did the pandemic have on education in the Philippines?

The pandemic led to the longest school closure in 122 countries, halting in-person classes for an extended period, which significantly affected students' learning, causing a backlog in education.

What is the current state of education in the Philippines regarding classroom shortages?

The Department of Education (DepEd) is struggling with a shortage of nearly 160,000 classrooms, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic, which has made it difficult to provide adequate learning spaces for students.

How is DepEd addressing the challenge of classroom shortages and learning delays?

DepEd is institutionalizing blended learning as a long-term solution, allowing students to continue learning even without full access to in-person classes. The curriculum has also been reduced to focus on functional literacy.

What are some recommended solutions to improve reading skills in Filipino students?

Recommended solutions include the establishment of Barangay reading centers and improving access to technology for students who cannot afford gadgets. These efforts aim to provide more learning resources and support for students.

What role do middle-class children play in the current education inequality?

Middle-class children, who have access to gadgets and supplementary reading materials, can read faster and learn more effectively. This highlights the educational inequality between those with access to resources and those without.

What is the National Learning Camp, and how does it help struggling students?

The National Learning Camp is an intervention program aimed at helping students who struggle to read. It provides additional tutoring outside regular classes, starting with grades 7 and 8, with plans to expand further.

What does the script suggest is key to improving education in the Philippines?

The script suggests that the community's involvement, including parents and guardians, is crucial for improving education. The continuity of reading practices at home and support for teachers is essential in bridging the learning gap.