EPISODE IV: TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE NEW NORMAL

Topics included in Episode 6:

A. The Teacher as a Person and as a Professional

B. A 21^st Century Teacher

C. Teacher’s Philosophy of Education

MY OBSERVATION

Class Observation and The Resource Teacher Report

1. Personal Qualities of the teacher

A. Teacher Personal Qualities, Competence

a.1. Describe the personal qualities of your Resource teacher.

The resource teacher has the quality of being a good listener to her learners. She allows her learners to interact with her discussion to hear what the learners want to share. She has also the quality of being considerate in the sense that when learners want something, she allowed them to do it. She also respects her students because if you perform a bad attitude at a young age; therefore, they will not respect you as their teacher.

a.2. Describe the professional competence of your Resource Teacher

When the resource teacher delivered her lesson, she performed the proper method in teaching – she performs inclusivity, facilitation and engagements, classroom management, flexibility, communication skills, and many more.

2. Describe your Resource Teacher’s major responsibility.

The major responsibility of the resource teacher is to perform her duties and responsibilities; to deliver her lesson with the integration of 21st century skills in line with the learning objectives of the lesson.

3. Describe how your Resource Teacher relates to every learner and how s/he proceeds with his/her teaching.

Based on my observation, in order for the resource teacher to proceed with her topics, she asked her learners if they understand or analyzed the discussion. When the learners responded “yes”, the resource teacher proceeded to the next topic.

Describe what philosophies were manifested in a class by observing what and how teacher teaches and relates to learners.

The resource teacher has the qualities and abilities to perform diverse platforms in her lesson by utilizing 21st century skills in her lesson and discussion, and with these, the class was productive and interactive. The philosophy manifested in this class was Progressivism. Lessons were integrated into virtual platforms fostered by learners and delivered with a well-equipped 21st century teacher.

MY ANALYSIS

Based on your observations, answer the given questions clearly and concisely below.

1. What do you consider as the three most outstanding significant personal qualities of your Resource teacher? Why do you consider these as outstanding?

- As previously stated, the resource teacher is apparently and absolutely a good listener, considerate, keen observer, and respectful—not only as a teacher but also as a friend, an older sister, a companion, and a mentor. However, she’s more than that, as days passed by and being with her for couple times of observation all I can say is that she’s a multi-million worth dollar human. She works with so much passion, dedication, and enthusiasm towards her noble profession. She always brings the best to the school every day, not just in teaching and learning but to whoever she meets along her way. She's the epitome of a person who makes the most of each and every minute and revels in the opportunity to be with and to teach children. Nevertheless, she's also a lethally energetic, dynamic, and positive teacher to her class. A time stealer extraordinaire, and a thief of ideas. Akin to this, she is always prepared, sets clear and fair expectations, has a positive attitude, is patient with students, and assesses their teaching on a regular basis. She was able to adjust their teaching strategies to fit both the students and the material, recognizing that different students learn in different ways. I consider these qualities outstanding because they reflect how good you are as a person and as a competent teacher.

2. Which demonstrated behavior, do you find in the teacher that is worthy of emulation when you become a teacher. Describe.

- Individuals have different qualities, different abilities, and different capabilities—apparently, we are all absolutely unique. I can see, smell, and say that the resource teacher performs and ethically and professionally practices her career with all her qualities, abilities, and capabilities. Perhaps I possess some, all, or none of the qualities of a resource teacher. And if there is, it is worthy of emulation when I become one of them.

3. Which philosophies of education are dominant in the Philippine basic school? Why do you say so?

- At this time of the pandemic, some of the philosophies of education that are dominant in the Philippines are Progressivism, with this, learners and teachers center on the needs now by redirecting classes into virtual platforms. Learners’ practices self-studying because of the limited synchronous classes; therefore, learners believe that they are learning what is relevant to them – student-centered; and Social Reconstructionism became dominant in the teaching and learning process while we cannot conduct classes physically; however, social interactions become virtually and engaging while learning.

In addendum, Dewey's effect on Philippine education became clear when the country gained independence, because Dewey stressed the value of students' voices in the educational process. As a result, students' presence and participation in learning are regarded vital.

4. If there is one philosophy that schools and teachers should give more attention to, what should that be and why?

- Perhaps, one of the philosophies that schools and teachers should give more attention to is the philosophy of constructivism, as we are in this time as embarking now to the 21^st century wherein we need to fulfill and instill more and more needs to the learners. As a matter of fact, the teachers must see to it that his/her learning style is the key to the active participation of his/her learners. Hands-on activities should also practice in order for the student to explore their ideas in making or doing something while in synchronous class. This will make them equip for their next endeavors.

MY REFLECTION

1. Are you inspired to become a teacher after your observation? If yes, why? If no, why not?

- Yes, to be called a teacher/sir is what I dreamt of. After my observation, I realized that I’m almost on my way to becoming one. I am inspired in all the aspects of how the teacher discussed, communicated, interacted with her learners. And in simple “Thank you” of the learners, it reaches the melting point of a teacher’s heart. And with dedication and passion, you will not feel the hardships but with the love for what you wanted to do.

The reasons for becoming a teacher are as vast as the salt water on earth, but in my own belief, there are tremendous and significant reasons that are more valid than others. I stress that this is only my opinion, but I feel I am in a good place to comment. Nevertheless, the best reason to be a teacher is that you want to have a positive, passionate about wildlife and inspiring impact on children’s lives. However, you can only achieve this by being kind, caring, empathic, passionate and funny. These are great qualities that a teacher should possess.

Do you believe that having a sense of humor as a teacher is a good quality for a teacher? Or have you been widely thinking about if there ever been a time you didn’t want to laugh? No. All of these qualities serve one purpose, engagement, passion, and inspiration in creating a big impact-a catalyst for the change you wanted to see.

2. What are some of the concerns that you foresee in the future as a quality teacher? Do you think you will be ready to address these?

- What concerns me most that I foresee in the future are the attitude of the new generations of students, lots of paper works, pressure from colleagues/school administrators, and performances. Perhaps, I will not grow if I will be worried about these concerns, that is why I am readying myself to become well-equipped with all the abilities and capabilities that are needed to be possessed within me.

Reflecting to this scenario, as an individual, we happen to encounter inevitable and unexpected challenges in life. Although, it does not mean that you stop there and do nothing because it won't take you to the destination that you are venturing on. Instead, we must find solutions as these would lead us to step on the brighter side.

In fact, the problems that we encounter sometimes shape us to face stronger the possible problems that life may throw us again. Indeed, if you have a strong determination, you will reach your destination amidst the obstacles that may come.