Saint Louis University Laboratory High School offers three Senior High School (SHS) programs: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences), and ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management). During my observation, I focused on the Grade 11 STEM program. The STEM curriculum emphasizes advanced concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It includes specialized subjects such as Earth Science, Pre-Calculus, Basic Calculus, General Biology, General Physics, and General Chemistry.

The General Biology course provides an in-depth exploration of biological concepts, focusing on life processes at the cellular and molecular levels, energy transformation in organisms, heredity, variations, and the diversity of living organisms. Specifically, in Grade 11, the General Biology curriculum covers cellular-level life processes, as well as heredity and genetic variation.

During my International Teaching Practicum (PLP Internasional) at Saint Louis University in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to observe the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum. This curriculum is designed to enhance students' readiness for higher education and career paths by integrating foundational knowledge with specialized learning tracks. The inclusion of General Biology in the STEM strand provides students with a strong foundation in biological sciences, preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits in science-related fields.

A teaching plan is generally written in the form of a lesson plan, which serves as a structured guide for conducting a lesson effectively. Several essential components must be included to ensure that learning objectives are met. It begins with the content standard and performance standard, which are taken from the curriculum guide and outline the expected knowledge and skills students should develop. These are followed by the learning objectives, which define what students should achieve by the end of the lesson.

To assess students' understanding and measure their learning progress, an assessment section is included. This outlines the methods used to evaluate student achievement, such as quizzes, assignments, or performance-based tasks. The lesson plan also includes material references, which consist of textbooks, multimedia resources, or other instructional materials that support the lesson content.

The learning procedure section provides a detailed, step-by-step outline of the activities to be carried out during the lesson. It starts with the opening, where teachers engage students through activities such as reviewing prior knowledge, posing thought-provoking questions, or providing real-world connections. This is followed by the lesson proper, where the main content is delivered using appropriate instructional methods, such as lectures, discussions, or hands-on experiments. The lesson concludes with the closing, where students reflect on what they have learned, and teachers reinforce key takeaways. Additionally, there is an assessment and agreement section that specifies follow-up tasks or assignments for students.

The lesson plan ensures a well-structured and organized learning experience, aligning instructional strategies with curriculum goals to enhance student engagement and understanding.

As a Biology Education major, I recently had the privilege of teaching Biology to Grade 11 students in the STEM program at Saint Louis University Laboratory High School, Philippines, as part of the International Practicum under the K to 12 curriculum framework. 

The teaching process in the classroom follows a structured procedure based on the previously prepared lesson plan. Each session is divided into several stages to ensure an organized and effective learning experience.

The first stage is the opening, where I begin by inviting a student to lead a prayer, allowing the class to start with a moment of reflection. Afterward, I greet the students warmly, check in on their well-being, and create a positive atmosphere. This stage also includes a brief review of the previous lesson or an engaging activity to capture students’ interest and prepare them for the day’s topic.

Next is the lesson presentation, where I introduce the main content using instructional media such as slides, videos, or interactive tools. This phase provides students with a clear and structured overview of the subject matter before diving into deeper discussions or applications.

Following the presentation, I move on to the student activity phase, where learners engage in various exercises designed to reinforce their understanding. These activities may include group discussions, problem-solving tasks, experiments, or other hands-on learning experiences that allow students to actively participate and apply the concepts they have learned.

The session concludes with the closing stage, where students are encouraged to summarize key takeaways from the lesson. I either guide the discussion or have students formulate their own conclusions. This is followed by a short reflection or assessment to gauge their comprehension. Before ending the class, I outline expectations or assignments for the next session. Finally, a closing prayer, led by a designated student, marks the conclusion of the lesson.