by: Jimbel A. Panaglima
Teacher II, Francisco S. Brosas Memorial Elementary School
Liliw Sub-Office, SDO Laguna
The Department of Education (DepEd) was urged to halt the introduction of the new Matatag Kindergarten to Grade 10 (K-10) curriculum by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines. According to them, a democratic and thorough engagement with stakeholders was not conducted before implementing the new curriculum.
Focusing the attention on those who were directly affected by the implementation of the said curriculum, some Kindergarten teachers boldly stated that they actually do not mind having the new curriculum. According to these teachers, there is no drastic change within their curriculum aside from the decrease in the number of competencies that they have to teach the children. From around 400 plus competencies, they are now down to just around 40. By integrating the prior competencies into the lessons that are somewhat interrelated with each other, the number of lessons to be delivered were made possible without compromising the knowledge acquisition of the learners. Also, they stated that the more flexible class schedule better suits the children who are just starting to adjust with their school lives. Tantrums among children have lessen, as well as pupils falling asleep during the class mainly because the children now have a shorter stay within the confides of the classroom. And lastly, having lessons that are modernized and adapted to the new norms that current learners are used to, makes teaching and learning more fun and possible. Characters, events, and situations that are streamlined with the likes of this generation’s children alleviates the usual boredom that is experienced inside the classroom.
All in all, it is safe to say that the hallmark of the redesigned curriculum is the decrease in the number of topics, with a stronger focus on the development of the core abilities of learners in Kindergarten through Grade 3, including reading, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills. All these will surely benefit the young Filipino learners, and so, each and everyone, teachers, learners, parents and other stakeholders alike should work hand in hand in making sure that the goals and visions of the DepEd administrators will be met.
ADVERTISEMENT
