Science Education in the Philippines PDF

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Science, Technology and Society Hand-out title: Science Education in the Philippines Prepared by : Jennifer M. Sunga The Philippines is trying its best to improve the state of science education in the country. One of the strategies is to establish science schools that will encourage students to pursue their career in science and technology and to nurture their gifted potentials in science. The Concept of Science Education Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science.  Teaching science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach science. This means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and processes effectively.  Learning science includes both pedagogy and the most interesting aspect, which is helping students understand and love science.  Understanding science implies developing and applying science-process skills and using science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life. Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, John Dewey (2001) stressed the importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students. Accordingly, nature must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of meaning through social activities and thinking. It is not surprising therefore that science education is important. (John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer whose ideas have been influential in education and social reform. He is regarded as one of the most prominent American scholars in the first half of the twentieth century. Wikipedia)

In fact, Marx (1994) opines that science is going to be one of the most important school subjects in the future. (Karl Heinrich Marx was a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist and socialist revolutionary.)

Importance of Science Education Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this area that prepares citizens in a scientifically and technologically driven world. Science education provides skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live in what Knight (1986) describes as the age of science and to develop a citizenry that will meet the goals of science in the society (Tilghman, 2005). Therefore, developing a SCIENCE CULTURE is an immense responsibility for schools. Science education in BASIC and TERTIARY education BASIC EDUCATION Science education helps students learn important concepts and facts that are related to everyday life including important skills such as: process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002).

Science education also develops positive attitudes such: love for knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature, and creativity (Lind, 1997). Science education will develop a strong foundation for studying science and for considering science-related careers in the future. This is an investment for the country to develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry. TERTIARY EDUCATION Deals with developing students’ understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works. This is done through offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum. It also focuses on the preparation of science teachers, scientists, engineers and other professionals in various science-related fields such as engineering, agriculture, medicine and health sciences. The state also provides scholarships to encourage more students to pursue science courses. SCIENCE SCHOOLS in the PHILIPPINES One outstanding program for science education supported by the government is the establishment of science schools in various parts of the country. There are also several government programs implemented by the Department of Education and few private schools for science education. • Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) • Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project • Quezon City Regional Science High School • Manila Science High School • Central Visayan Institute Foundation Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) • government program for gifted students in the country. • under DOST, offering free scholarship for the secondary course with special emphasis to science subjects. • with end view of preparing its students for a science career (RA No. 3661) • provides a dormitory for students. • continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science scholars with scientific minds and passion for excellence. Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project • in pursuant to DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. • started in 2007 with 57 identified elementary schools as science elementary schools in the country. • SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological knowledge, skills and values. MISSION:  Provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a special curriculum that recognizes the multiple intelligences of the learners;  promote the development of lifelong learning skills;  foster the holistic development of the learners.

The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade I with longer time compared to other subjects 70 minutes for Grade I – III and 80 minutes for Grade IV to VI. Curriculum also utilizes different instructional approaches that address the learning styles and needs of the learners like the use of investigatory projects. Quezon City Regional Science High School • established on September 17, 1967 • originally, it was named Quezon City Science High School. • turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital Region in 1999. • curriculum is focused on science and technology. • additional subjects in science and technology that students should take. • venue in providing maximum opportunities to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity. Manila Science High School • established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School (MSHS). • first science high school in the Philippines. • the organization and curriculum puts more emphasis on Science and Mathematics. • aims to produce scientists with souls. • Humanities courses and other electives are included in the curriculum. • encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. Central Visayan Institute Foundation It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity and productivity. The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) establish in 1992, which organizes small international workshops. Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in helping the public develop science literacy. This is important in the promotion and development of science and technology in the country. Science education deals with the development of people in science, which is the heart of science, technology and society.

References: Serafica, J. et.al. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Rex Printing Company, Inc., First Edition, 2018....