Lesson 1: Learning to Know as a 21st Century Teacher

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.1)

Before proceeding to the rest of this lesson, do the activity below.

Mrs. Rosalia Santos, a primary school teacher in the Philippines, is presently taking up graduate
studies in education. For her assignment, her professor asked her to write an essay on the
changes in Philippine society in the past four decades. Read her short essay on the next page.

The Changes in Philippine Society- From the 1970s to the 21st Century
by Mrs. Rosalia Santos

Philippine society has been characterized by massive changes over the period 1970 to the present. Some
of these changes were slow to occur while some were fast and drastic. In the area of politics, the last four
decades have seen changes in the leadership of the government. From the Martial Law era of President
Marcos in the 1970s to the early 1980s, to the Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, and now, Aquino
administration, politics has inevitably shaped the way Filipinos live. There was the “People Power
Revolution” in 1986 which toppled the Marcos regime and catapulted Corazon Aquino to power.

With this political change, the Philippine economy showed improvements including a rise in the number
of the middle class and an increase in the number of Filipinos working abroad. These political and economic
changes, on the other hand, led to social changes. Part of the social changes is the changing structure of
the home as family members’ roles shift and mobility of individuals and families increases.

Values have changed, too. There is a lot of influence being felt from Western societies. Filipinos have
learned to adapt to new ways of life such as being more open to modern ways of living.

Technology also created changes in the way people communicate all over the country and beyond.
Cellular phones, computers and mass media are becoming more and more popular and accessible.

The environment has suffered from the lifestyle changes of the Filipinos. Pollution and other
environmental problems have increased but there is a growing awareness among government
officials and among the general population to address these problems.

Overall, the 21st century has brought about several changes in the Philippine society – some
are positive while others are negative. The challenge remains for us Filipinos to address the
problems that come with the changing times and to work together towards a better future. The
Changes in Philippine Society- From the 1970s to the 21st Century
by Mrs. Rosalia Santos

Philippine society has been characterized by massive changes over the period 1970 to the present. Some
of these changes were slow to occur while some were fast and drastic. In the area of politics, the last four
decades have seen changes in the leadership of the government. From the Martial Law era of President
Marcos in the 1970s to the early 1980s, to the Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, and now, Aquino
administration, politics has inevitably shaped the way Filipinos live. There was the “People Power
Revolution” in 1986 which toppled the Marcos regime and catapulted Corazon Aquino to power.
 With this political change, the Philippine economy showed improvements including a rise in the number
of the middle class and an increase in the number of Filipinos working abroad. These political and economic
changes, on the other hand, led to social changes. Part of the social changes is the changing structure of
the home as family members’ roles shift and mobility of individuals and families increases.

Values have changed, too. There is a lot of influence being felt from Western societies. Filipinos have
learned to adapt to new ways of life such as being more open to modern ways of living.

Technology also created changes in the way people communicate all over the country and beyond. Cellular
phones, computers and mass media are becoming more and more popular and accessible.

The environment has suffered from the lifestyle changes of the Filipinos. Pollution and other
environmental problems have increased but there is a growing awareness among government officials
and among the general population to address these problems.

Overall, the 21st century has brought about several changes in the Philippine society – some are positive
while others are negative. The challenge remains for us Filipinos to address the problems that come with
the changing times and to work together towards a better future.
After reading Mrs. Santos’ essay, reflect on the following questions: What are some of the
changes in Philippine society described by Mrs. Santos? What would be the possible effects of
these changes on 21st century educa- tion in the Philippines? Write your answer on the space
below.

In Mrs. Rosalia Santos’ essay, the Philippines experienced many changes as it

approached the 21st century. These changes have encompassed all aspects of life in the
country - from political to economic, technology, society, and the environment.
Comparable changes have occurred in other Southeast Asian countries. All these will
definitely have a significant impact on you as a teacher and your students as you face
life in the 21st century. It is important that you understand these changes so that you
will be better equipped to adapt to them. In turn, you will also be better at helping your
students adapt to these changes as well. Always remember that you cannot give what
you do not have.
Let’s Try This (Activity 1.2)
How well did you learn the critical attributes of 21st century education in your own setting?
Let’s see as you work out this activity. For each critical attribute in Column 1, provide Suggested
Teaching and Learning Activities to Achieve the Attribute in Column 2. In Column 3, write the word
YES if you are currently doing these suggested activities in your school, and NO if you are not.
Item 8 has been done for you as an example.
Critical Attributes of Suggested Teaching and Learning Are you currently
21st Century Education Activities to Achieve doing these
the Attribute suggested
activities in your
school? (Yes/No)
1. Integrated and Start your class with this minds-on NEWS YES
Interdisciplinary ANALYSIS exercise that provides real-
world interdisciplinary problems.

2. Technologies and Getting students to work together as YES

Multimedia partners, in small groups, or maybe even
as one large group, teaches them about
team work. Collaborative work can be
fun.
3. Global Engaging the learners in a collaborative YES
Classrooms and field-based learning

4. Creating/Adapting to Facilitate students’ acquisition of KSAVs NO

Constant Personal and that go beyond academics
Social Change,
and Lifelong Learning
5. Student-Centered Teachers should act as facilitators of YES
learning — not as “sages on the stage” but
as “guides on the side.”
6. 21st Century Skills Develop the learners’ creativity and YES
problem solving through collaborative
learning.
7. Project-based and Engage the learners through active NO
Research-driven exploration of real-world challenges and
problems
8. Relevant, Rigorous, and Engage learners in collaborative projects YES
Real-world that will challenge them to find ways in
solving real-world problems, such as
pollution, global warming, drug addic-
tion, and the like.
Let’s Try This (Activity 1.3)
Have you ever considered the changes that you, as a teacher, have observed in your students, in
your classroom, and in your school over the past few years? You may have observed that the
teaching and learning environment now is very much different from what it was in the past. As
everything else changes, education in the 21st century has also changed and is now
characterized by new features.
Study the first column of the table below, which provides a list of the new parameters in
education in the 21st century. Your task is to provide examples of the “new things” in education
listed in the first column. You may write your answer in the second column. The last item, New
Spaces/ Dimensions of Learning, has been done for you. Work on the rest of the examples.

What’s New in Education Examples

New environment of learning Refers to innovative and modern ways of teaching and learning,
such as the use of technology as a teaching/learning tool.
New content of learning Learner-centered, integrated, and inter-disciplinary
curriculum
New process of learning Learning can be acquired through informal and non-formal means,
such as online learning modalities, self-help groups, hands- on
experiential learning like internships, and the use of multimedia
and other ICT-mediated learning.
New types of learners Have different sets of values, languages, and pop-cultures, and
different ways of thinking, reacting, responding, and getting
motivated; are techno-savvy - their internet and digital
technology skills and competencies, as well as their use of ICT
as powerful learning tools, are often times better than those of
their teachers; come from more diverse backgrounds and cultural
identities (age, eth- nicity, language, economic status, religion,
work experience, etc.); and have new traits of independence,
creativity, open-mindedness, and enterprising minds.
New spaces/dimensions of Classes can now be held online instead of only within class-
learning Rooms

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.4)

Read the story below and answer the questions that follow.

Critical Incident
Mr. Lee and Mr. Handoko attended a professional development talk about redesigning classrooms for
the 21st century. Similar to what you have learned earlier, the two teachers became familiar with the
new learning environments that would best serve the needs of students for the 21st century and the
decades to come. On their way back to school, Mr. Lee and Mr. Handoko talked about the current
 state of their school, which is far from being ready for the 21st century, and what they could do to help
the school realize this goal. For one, their school has many traditional teachers who are used to the
“chalk and talk” lecture method of teaching in classes held within the confines of the classroom.

For another, the curriculum is outdated and not relevant to the current needs of their students. Many of
the teachers in the school ask their students to simply memorize factual information, on which quizzes
and tests are then based. While some of their students are exposed to technology in their homes and
in the community, Mr. Lee and Mr. Handoko’s school has a limited number of computers and these
are used more for encoding and report writing in the Administrative Office, than for instruction.

Mr. Lee and Mr. Handoko excitedly shared with their school head their new learning. Their school
head, in turn, scheduled a faculty meeting to discuss ways so that their school would become 21st
century-ready and their learners equipped with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed by the
new generation.

The school head started a brainstorming session by asking how the teachers envision a school that is
ready to meet the demands of the 21st century. Mr. Lee and Mr. Handoko helped the school head in
facilitating the discussion by sharing with the group the visualization guide given to them during
the seminar. The visualization guide is a tool to help the teachers see how they wanted the school to be
compared with its current condition in terms of the various elements in the school’s environment.

The following is a visualization guide from the seminar attended by Mr. Handoko on
redesigning classrooms for the 21st century. Based on the information provided in the critical
incident, fill in the visualization guide below. Under the heading “Today,”describe the current
status of the Com- munity Primary School in the different aspects of learning. Then, imagine
that you are one of the teachers in the said school and write what you en- vision the school
should be so that it becomes 21st century- ready. Write your response under “21st Century.”

Today 21st Century

1. learning The school has many traditional teachers The new learning environment
environment who are used to the “chalk and talk” in the 21st century is the
lecture method of teaching in classes held availability of new Information
within the confines of the classroom. and Communication
Technologies (ICTs), such as
mobile phones, computers, and
the internet, in the classroom
and in schools.
2. learning content , The curriculum is outdated and not learner-centered, integrated,
relevant to the current needs of their and inter-disciplinary
students.
curriculum
3. learning process Many of the teachers in the school ask Learning in the 21st century has
their students to simply memorize factual also become more engaged
information, on which quizzes and tests and has evolved from rote
are then based. learning to more teacher-pupil,
pupil-pupil
interaction/dialogue, and
collaborative team learning.
4. types of Very exposed to technology are techno-savvy - their internet
learners Very diverse and digital technology skills and
competencies, as well as their use
of ICT as powerful learning tools,
are often times better than those
of their teachers
5. spaces/ dimensions held in the confines of the classroom 21st century classes are now also
of learning being held in such places as
parks, school yards, museums,
workplaces, homes, and other
venues to enhance the real life
experience of learners

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.5)

The columns below show two sets of classroom characteristics, A and B. Read each item
carefully and then place a check mark (p) on the cell that characterizes your own classroom.

A Description B Description
1. Teacher-centered: teacher is the center / 1. Student-centered: teacher is the
of attention and sole provider of facilitator of learning (“guide on the
information (”sage on the stage”) side”)
2. Time-bound: activities are primarily / 2. Outcome-based: activities are more
tied to and bound by time limits flexible until the desired results are
achieved
3. Focus: memorization of facts / 3. Focus: what students know,
can do and are like after all the details are
forgotten
/ 4. Lesson focus: lower order thinking 4. Lesson focus: developing higher order
skills (LOTS), such as knowledge thinking skills (HOTS), such as
and comprehension synthesis, analysis, and evaluation
/ 5. Textbook-driven: lessons are closely 5. Research-driven: students are encouraged
linked with the information found to investi- gate phenomena on their own
in textbooks and discover new learning for
themselves.
6. Passive learning: “chalk and talk” / 6. Active learning: students are encouraged
technique is predominantly used to learn and think on their own; teachers
- teachers provide information, are facilitators and guides in the learning
students process
simply absorb them
7. Learners work in isolation: learning / 7. Learners work collabora- tively with
is confined to the four walls of the classmates and others around the world
classroom – the global classroom. Stu- dents are
encouraged to use the internet and
communi- cate with other students and
learning institutions.
8. Little or no student freedom / 8. Great deal of student freedom
 9. Fragmented curriculum: the / 9. Integrated and Interdiscipli- nary
curriculum is discretely divided curriculum: the curricu- lum encourages
according to subject areas the linkages of the various subjects and
learning areas.
10. Grades: numerical and are averaged / 10. Grades: may be qualitative or are based
on what was learned
11. Evaluation: only the teacher / 11. Evaluation: self, peer and other
evaluates student work; no one else assessments are done, including
sees student output in class authentic assessments
12. Curriculum: uniform and inflexible / 12. Curriculum: connected to students’
and is not seen as relevant or interests, experiences, talents and the real
responsive by students world, which creates a greater
appreciation of the learning areas
13. Printed materials (e.g., books) are / 13. Performances, projects, ICT and
the primary vehicle of learning and multimedia are used for learning and
assessment. assessment
14. Curriculum and 7nstruct- tion are / 14. Curriculum and instruction promotes,
aligned with the predominant respects, and ap- preciates cultural
culture. diversity among students.
15. Literacy: confined to reading, / 15. Multiple literacies: aligned with living
writing, and math and working in a global, 21st century
world. Knowledge about arts and
creativity, physical fitness, health,
environment, and technology are given
importance in the curriculum.

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.6)

Have you ever heard of the four pillars of learning in the 21st century? The four pillars are listed
in the table below. In the second column, try and de- scribe what each pillar refers to.
Pillars of Description
Learning
1. Learning to Know involves the acquisition and development of knowledge and skills
that are needed to function in the world. Examples of skills under
this pillar of learning include literacy, numeracy, and critical
thinking.
2. Learning to Live involves the development of social skills and values such as respect
Together and concern for others, social and inter-personal skills and an
appreciation of the diversity among people. These skills would
enable individuals and societies to live in peace and harmony
3. Learning to Do involves the acquisition of skills that would enable individuals to
effectively participate in the global economy and society. These
skills are often linked to occupational success, such as vocational
and technical skills, apprenticeships, and leadership and
management competencies.
4. Learning to Be involves activities that promote holistic personal develop- ment
(body, mind and spirit), for an all-round ‘complete person.’ These
in- clude cultivating one’s self analytical and socials skills,
creativity, personal discovery and an appreciation of the inherent
 value provided by these pur- suits. An example under this pillar is
a teacher who participates in training workshops that will enhance
his/her knowledge and skills in the teaching- learning process.

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.7)

What do the four pillars of learning mean for an individual? Zhou ( 2006) provided an answer
to this question when he revisited the four pillars of learning, stressing the development of all-
rounded human beings through the acquisition of fundamental skills, competencies,
adaptabilities, and values needed for a new century.

The following table provides Zhou’s descriptions for each of the four pillars. The list shows
some of the competencies and skills associated with the four pillars. In the last column, place a
check mark (√) against the elements that you think you are already good at. Put a cross mark (X)
if the elements do not apply to you. This is not a test, so try to be as honest as you can in
completing this checklist.

Four Pillars of Learning

I think I am
Pillar Involves... good at this
(√ or X)
• mastering the skills and strategies of
/
knowing and understanding
• learning to learn and discover /
• understanding about one’s environment /
Learning to
know • thinking in a coherent and critical way x
• acquiring a knowledge of the scientific method and
x
instruments
• developing a scientific spirit and an
x
inquiring mind
• acquiring independence of judgement /
• knowing oneself /
• discovering others /
• appreciating the diversity of the human race /
Learning to • being receptive to others and open to oth-
live together /
ers’ ideas during dialogues and debates
• caring and sharing /
• working toward common objectives in
/
cooperative undertakings
• managing and resolving conflicts /
• shifting from skill and ‘practical know-
/
how’ to competence
• applying in practice what has been learned /
• developing the ability to transform knowl-
x
edge into innovations and job-creation
 • developing competence, a mix of higher skills, of social
behaviour, of an aptitude for team work, and x
Learning to
do initiative/readiness to take risks
• acquiring new types of skills, more behavioral than
x
intellectual
• learning that is no longer limited to work but
x
responds to participation in development
• communicating, working with others, and
/
managing and resolving conflicts
• developing the mind and body, intelli- gence,
sensitivity, aesthetic sense, person- al responsibility, /
and spiritual values
Learning to • nurturing imagination and creativity /
be • being complete in oneself, in all the rich- ness of one’s
/
personality
• developing one’s full potentials and tap- ping the
/
hidden treasure within oneself

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.8)

Do you now know more about all the literacies discussed in the table? Do you already possess
these literacies? In the following table, rate yourself according to the literacies mentioned. Place a
check mark on the appropriate column that reflects your perception of your current state
corresponding to the literacy.
I do not have I have some literacy in My literacy in this
this literacy yet this area but still need area is well-
21st Century Literacy improvement developed
The Arts and Creativity /

Ecoliteracy /

Cyberliteracy /

Financial Literacy /
Media Literacy /
Social/Emotional /
Literacy
Globalization and Multi- /
cultural Literacy
Let’s Try This (Activity 1.9)
After studying the key competencies of an ICT-literate individual, do you think you have what
it takes to be considered as one? Find out by assessing yourself if you are ICT literate by
completing the checklist on the next page. Once done with your own assessment, you may also
want to assess if your students are ICT-literate. This will guide you in assisting your students to
become ICT-literate themselves.
I already I have I do not
have this but I have this yet
this and need to
ICT Literacy practice it further
regularly improve
on it (3)
(1 ) (2)
I can search, find, and retrieve in- formation from /
various digital sources.
I am able to organize accessed in- formation for easy /
retrieval and use.
I can use ICT tools to synthesize, summarize, /
compare, and contrast information from multiple
sources.
I am able to evaluate digital infor- mation gathered /
from varied sourc- es, in terms of their appropriate-
ness, adequacy, authority, freedom from bias, and
timeliness.
I can adapt, apply, design, or invent information from /
multiple sources (to describe an event, express an
opinion, or support a basic argu- ment, viewpoint or
position).
I can communicate, adapt, and present information /
properly for various audiences and media.
I am able to identify potential risks/ issues in using the /
internet and pro- tect myself and others from poten-
tial harm.

Let’s Try This (Activity 1.10)

Do you consider yourself as a media literate individual? Are you familiar with the competencies of a
media literate person? Do this activity and find out.

The table below presents the competencies of media literacy, as well as the descriptions for each key
element, and an example in a classroom setting. Try to assess your media literacy competencies as
applied in your classroom. Com- plete the checklist below by placing a check mark in the appropriate
column.
 I already I have this I do not
have this compe- have this
compe- tency but compe-
tency and I need to tency yet
Media Literacy Competencies
practice it further
regularly improve
on it
(2)
(1 ) (3)
Access: I know where to find and use information from /
a variety of sources (e.g., print materials like
newspaper, magazines, books, and non-print materials
such us video, audio, and digital media) for a vari- ety
of purposes.

For example, when I teach the effects of global warming, I

gather relevant infor- mation on this topic from TV, the inter-
net, books, and other reference materials.
Enjoy: I understand that individu- als have different /
choice of media.
For example, I use different types of media that are
engaging and appropri- ate for the needs of my
students.
Interpret: I am able to construct personal meaning /
from media expe- riences.
For example, when I show a film clip to enhance my
lesson, I am open to the dif- ferent interpretations of
my students on how they receive the media message
and find meaning based on their personal experiences.
Analyze: I understand the historical and /
contemporary ways in which the media constructs
messages that influence people’s personal and public
lives.
For example, I help my students become familiar with
how media elements – symbols, images, and sounds –
are used to convey messages for various pur- poses. I
guide them in identifying the influences of political,
social, cultural, economic, aesthetic, and educational
purposes on these media messages.
 Lesson 2: Learning to Live Together as a 21st Century
Teacher

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.1)

Read the story below, then answer the questions that follow.
Suyen is a nine-year old student in a community elementary school. Having been afflicted with polio
when she was a baby, she now walks with a noticeable limp. One afternoon, Suyen came home in tears.
Her mother, Mrs. Feng, asked her what happened. Suyen replied that some of her classmates bullied her
and made unkind remarks about her gait. Some even mockingly imitated the way she walked. Suyen
tried to approach her teacher to tell her classmates to stop teasing her but she was simply ignored.
Answer the following questions.

1. If you were Suyen’s teacher, what would you have done?

If I were Suyen’s teacher, I would have listened to Suyen. I would have called her classmates
who have bullied her and told them to respect the differences of their classmate, In order for
them not to do it again, I will give them a notice slip to inform their parents of what have their
child have done to their classmate. The disciplining power of the teacher in her class must be
firm. Being also a teacher, we must serve as a model in respecting the differences of our
learners.

2. What advice would you have given to the teacher who ignored Suyen’s request for help?
I would have advice the teacher that she should not ignore her student. She must be keen
enough to observe how her pupils are feeling every day. She must also impose a classroom
policy that promotes respect in diversity inside and outside her classroom.

3. Are her classmates justified in teasing Suyen? Why/Why not?

I think Suyen’s classmate were not being justified upon teasing her because based on the story
her teacher just ignored her. It only shows that her teacher lacks the skills in promoting a safe
and respecting learning environment among her students.

4. Did the situation reflect a respect for people’s individual differences? Why/Why not?
I am very certain that the situation does not reflect a respect for people’s individual differences
because bullying does not show respect. It only hurt the feelings of a person involved. A gesture
of ignoring of a learner who needs your help is also a sign of disrespect.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.2)

Take a moment to reflect on your own level of appreciation for peace and respect for diversity
by answering the questionnaire below. Take note that this questionnaire is not intended to
evaluate or criticize, but to recognize your tendencies, both negative and positive.

Peace and Diversity Appreciation Questionnaire for Teachers [Adapted From Institute for the
Promotion of Quality Education (EDUCA), 2011]

Instructions: Rate the frequency in which you demonstrate appreciation for diversity, peaceful
conflict resolution, and encouragement for student participation and collaborative decision-
making. Place an “X” mark under the appropriate column to show the frequency with which
you show the characteristics listed for each category.

A lot Often Some- Little Very

Behavior what little
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
A. Appreciation for Diversity
1. I show respect for students regardless of their race,
X
gender, or physical appearance.
2. I know about the different cultures that my students
X
represent.
3. I treat both female and male students in the same
X
manner.
4. I am a role model of a respect- ful and nonviolent
X
person for my students.
5. I am consistent in my behavior toward all students. X
6. I express my disagreement upon witnessing acts of
X
dis- crimination or racism.
7. I teach my students about dif- ferent cultures and
X
ways of living.
B. Peaceful Conflict Resolution
1. I commit to nonviolent language. X
2. I commit to nonviolent behavior. X
3. I use a calm (can be stern) voice with students even
X
when I am upset.
4. I give my students recognition and praise. X
5. I give constructive criticism. X
6. I explain the value of tasks to my students to get
X
them to do things.
7. I speak to students privately when there is a
X
problem.
C. Encouragement for Student Participation and Collaboration
1. I consult with and listen to my students when a
X
decision has to be made which will affect them.
2. I try to reach a consensus among my students
X
when making decisions.
3. I delegate tasks and responsibilities to the students. X
4. My students learn by working as a team. X
5. My students work indepen- dently. X
6. I use cooperative learning strategies with my
X
students.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.3)

Read the following stories and answer the questions that follow

Critical Incidents

Teacher Ching
Teacher Ching graduated at the top of her class and she is now teaching mathematics at a community
 high school. She is a math wizard and her students simply listen to her lecture. She doesn’t entertain
questions. She gets easily bored and impatient if her students are slow in solving math problems, or if
it takes them long to answer her questions. More often than not, she ends up solving the math
problem herself, or giving the correct answer, while her students copy the solution written on the
blackboard.
Teacher Shruti
Teacher Shruti attended a seminar on innovative teaching strategies. Her teaching supervisor asked her to
do an echo seminar at school. She excitedly shared her new learning with her colleagues. She was exalting
the advantages of the new strategies and she kept on referring to the traditional ways of teaching as
outdated. A senior teacher commented that what she refers as traditional ways of teaching still work well
for them. Teacher Shruti dismissed the comment and repeated that those who are still using this strategy
will soon face the fate of dinosaurs and become extinct themselves.

Teacher Ning
Teacher Ning is a candidate for promotion in her school. She is very much qualified for the post, being an
exemplary teacher and one who promotes positive values in her students. However, a disgruntled
colleague has been spreading rumors that she is unprofessional in dealing with parents. Teacher Ning
simply ignored what her colleague was doing and continued to relate with her in a professional manner.

Teacher Kho
Teacher Kho has been tasked to form a committee to address the growing number of dropouts in their
school. He selected representatives from both male and female faculty members and teaching supervisors
from different subject areas. He also invited representatives from parents, students, and local community
leaders to be members of the committee. This way, he is assured that all concerns will be represented, and
all voices from different stakeholders are heard. He facilitated a forum discussion to identify the root cause
of the dropout problem and solicited their opinions and suggestions on how to address this issue.
1. Based on the critical incidents, identify the most dominant social and cross-cultural
issues faced by Teachers Ching, Shruti, Ning, and Kho. What advice can you offer each teacher
to address their concerns? Use the table below to write your answers. The first row has been
done for you as an example.
Social and
Teacher Cross-cul- Supporting Incidents Advice
tural Issue
Ching Know when it is Teacher Ching does She needs to listen more, and give
appropri- ate to not listen to her enough wait time for her stu-
listen and when students. dents to process her questions and
to speak. She does all the respond accordingly. Being a
talking in the teacher does not give her the right
classroom and stifles to monop- olize discussions and
questions from her serve as the sole dis- penser of
students. information and source of knowl-
edge in the classroom.
 Shruti Respond open- While it is commenda- Teacher Shruti should have
mindedly to ble that Teacher Shruti entertained ques- tions and
different ideas is excited to learn clarifications from her co-teachers.
and values. more about innovative Her colleagues may simply be
teach- ing strategies, expressing their apprehensions
she is not very open to about the new strategy that she is
ideas and opinions sharing with them. Teacher Shruti
that are contrary to should have patiently responded
what she believes in. to their queries and explained to
Openly criticizing them the advantages and
what she calls disadvantages of the innovative
“outdated” teach- ing strate- gies she has learned.
methods shows lack of
respect to other
people’s viewpoints
and practices.

Ning Conduct oneself Teacher Ning exempli- Teacher Ning’s at- titude towards
in a respectable fied professionalism work, her students, and her
and pro- at its best. She did not colleagues are simply exemplary.
fessional let the rumor pull her However, it would also be good
manner. down, but continued for her to talk to her colleague and
doing her tasks in a try to come up with a peace- able
manner befitting a solution to this issue.
teacher.
Kho Leverage social Teacher Kho knows Teacher Kho should continue
and cultural how to harness avail- involving different stakeholders
differences to able resources, knowl- in the community to- wards
create new ideas edge, and skills from coming up with solutions to
and in- crease different stakeholders, school-re- lated problems. What
both innovation to solve a problem. he is doing should serve as an
and quality of It seems that he also example
work; respect works well with to his colleagues in school.
cultural people from different
differences and social and cultural
work effectively back- grounds. This
with peo- ple mix of ideas from
from different sources
a range of social contributes towards
and cultural creative and
back- grounds innovative solutions.

2. Reflect on your personal experiences in life and in your life as a 21st century teacher. On a
scale of 1 to 5, with 1 as the lowest and 5 as the highest score, rate yourself in terms of the
characteristics presented in the table below. Explain your rating by citing specific examples in
your daily life and in your life as a teacher.
 Rating
Social and Cross-Cultural Skills Supporting Incidents
(1 to 5)

I know when it is appropriate to listen and when I encourage my pupils to talk

4 in my classroom. I let them
to speak. engage actively in discussion

I conduct myself in a respectable and I always come to school on

4 time and I don’t entertain
professional manner. small talks in my organization
I patiently responded to their
I respond open-mindedly to different ideas and suggestions in my
values. demonstration teaching and at
4
the same time explain to them
the advantages of the strategy
that I am using
I leverage social and cultural differences to create
I am very weak on this part. I
new ideas and increase both 1
need to develop it.
innovation and quality of work.
I respect cultural differences and work I was able to control my
effectively with people from a range of 5 temper and understand my co
social and cultural backgrounds. – worker in her lapses.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.4)

Before moving on, try to recall prejudice-related problems that students and educators have
experienced in your own school. What type/s of prejudices have you actually observed? Write
them on the lines below and their specific details.
In our school the most common negative attitudes that I have observed is “Lookism”.
We have a certain pupil in our school that has a cleft palate. I have witnessed that this boy is
always being bullied by his classmates and schoolmates since often times I have seen him in the
guidance office.
I think the school must create a guidelines or a law that state that there will be no name
calling and bullying should happen inside and outside the school premises. Teachers must
encourage their pupils to express and engage with each other. Most importantly, we, as
educators must serve as a model of kindness and respect always to our pupils and to our
colleagues.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.5)

To assess if you have the qualities of a teacher who promotes peace and respect for cultural
diversity, fill out the questionnaire on the next page adapted from Betty Reardon’s list of the
attributes of a teacher of peace (in Castro and Galace, 2008). Place check marks on the
corresponding level of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that you possess. Then, tally
your overall score after filling out the table.
Teacher of Peace Self-Evaluation Questionnaire Adapted from Betty Reardon’s Attributes of a
Teacher of Peace (in Castro & Galace, 2008)
 I have I may I do not
this /I am have this have
Characteristics this /I may be this/I am
this not this
(3 points) (2 points) (1 point)
1. I understand that education should be a means
/
towards constructive change.
2. I am actively involved in the community. /
3. I am a lifelong learner who continues to improve
/
my own learning abilities
4. I am aware of my own values and live by them. /
5. I nurture peace and a sense of community. /
6. I am gender-sensitive. I am alert to any possibility
/
of gender bias in myself or in students.
7. I am constructively critical. I use criticism as a
/
tool towards constructive change.
8. I intentionally develop in learners their capacity
/
to care.
9. I am an inquirer. I am more a raiser of questions than
/
a giver of answers.
10. I have the skills of communication and conflict
/
resolution.
11. I have the skills of reflective learning through /
which I apply what is learned from my teaching to
deepen my own understanding of the students
and the learning process.
12. I practice cooperative learning by encouraging /
cooperative learning tasks and discouraging
negative competition among students.
13. I help students plan and act to /
achieve a culture of peace.
Total Score: 9 4

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.6)

The table below contains a list of activities that you can do to promote peace and respect for
cultural diversity. Check the column that corresponds to your possible status as far as
implementing the activities is concerned.
I am I can do I can-
already this but not do
Activities doing haven’t this.
this. done it
yet.
1. Organize regular discussions on peace and diversity- /
related issues.

2. Participate in regular discussions on peace and diversity- /

related issues.
 3. Arrange and conduct trainings on understanding and /
appreciation of peace and respect for cultural diversity
for students and teach- ers, using actual cases from your
school.
4. Participate in trainings that pro- mote peace and /
understanding of cultural diversity.
5. Manage conflicts that arise in the classroom. /
6. Take appropriate action on peace and diversity-related /
issues.
7. Document and discuss specific stu- dent complaints /
arising from peace
and diversity-related issues.
8. Design learning activities that re- flect the different /
backgrounds and needs of the students.
9. Select learning materials that re- flect the different /
backgrounds and needs of the students.
10. Reach out to quiet or non-partici- pative students. /
11. Treat each student as an individual deserving of respect /
and not as a
representative of a group.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.7)

Go back to the story of Teacher Lee on pages 104-105. If you were in her situation where she
encountered challenges in her new school, how would you have manifested flexibility? Write
your response in the lines below.

If I were Teacher Lee, I would address these challenges by making adjustments of my new roles
and responsibility as a new teacher in the school. I must develop my adaptability and flexibility
skills in order to fit the new environment that I am in now.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.8)

Read the critical incident below and answer the questions that follow.

Critical Incident

Mrs. Pilar bumped into Gino, one of her former students in Community High School. Read their
conversation below.

Mrs. Pilar: Hi, Gino, it’s great to see you! My, I almost didn’t recognize you! How long has it been
since I last saw you?

Gino: It has been almost ten years since I graduated from high school.
It’s great to see you, after all these years, Mrs. Pilar.

Mrs. Pilar: So, how are you?

Gino: I’m fine, thank you. I have recently been promoted as a team leader at an electronics
company where I’ve worked for more than six years now. You may have heard that I was not
able to pursue a college degree after graduation. Sadly, my parents didn’t have the financial
resources to send me to college. Thus, I worked part time - as an apprentice in a motor shop -
and studied at night. I took up a technical course in electronics, passed the certification
examination, and now I am happily working at my current job.

Mrs. Pilar: Great to hear that, Gino! I am very proud of you!

Gino: Thank you, Mrs. Pilar. You know, you were one of the teachers who encouraged me to
develop myself, not only in academics, but in other aspects of my life as well. What you and my
teachers have taught me in school about relating and working well with people and in
continuing to pursue learning, have helped me achieve success in work and in life.

Mrs. Pilar: I’d love to hear more, but I have to run. My children are waiting for me at home.
Come by and see us at school! I’m sure your other teachers would love to see you again.

Gino: Thanks! I’ll try to visit the school one of these days. Bye!

1. Based on Gino’s experience, what do you think were his most important learning in school?

Gino seemed to have been equipped and nurtured in his former community high school with
knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values (KSAVs) that he needed to gain employment, even if he
was not able to pursue a college degree.
2. As a teacher, what are your most significant insights from the experience of Gino? Write your
thoughts on the lines below.
I have realized that students like Gino, who took on a different career path, can also succeed in
their work, provided they are equipped with KSAVs needed in the fast-changing 21st century
environment and beyond. Perhaps this is also one of the realizations of Gino in the story, that
even if a formal tertiary degree has eluded him due to financial difficulties in his family, he was
still able to succeed in life and at work because of the appropriate KSAVs that he gained while
in high school.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.9)

How productive are you as a teacher in the 21st century? Complete the following questionnaire
and find out.

On a scale of 1 to 3, where will you place your skill about the traits mentioned above? Place a
check mark on the appropriate column.
I already have I have this trait I do not
this trait and but I need to have this
Productivity Traits practice it regu- further im- trait yet.
larly. prove on it.
(1 ) (2) (3)
I communicate simply and clearly. /
 I plan well. /

I prioritize my tasks and responsibilities /

well, based on their importance.
I do all activities and tasks that I can do /
today and do not put them off for
tomorrow.
I delegate some tasks that my students /
can easily do on their own.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.10)

1. Study the figure on teacher and student accountability in the
previous page. Rank the level of teacher and student
accountability, with 1 as the lowest level of accountability, and 4,
the highest. Use the table below to record your responses. In the
second column, write the level of accountability of teachers for
each instructional activity listed in the first column. Do the same
for the level of accountability of students in the third column.

Teacher Student
Instructional Activity Accountability Accountability
(1=lowest; (1=lowest;
4=highest) 4=highest)
Focused lesson 4 4

Guided instructions 2 2

Collaborative learning 4 4

Independent tasks 3 3

2. What have you observed about the relationship between teacher and student accountability
from the filled-out table above?

There is a gradual release of accountability from teacher to student from Focus Lesson down to
Independent Tasks

3. Reflect on the most recent lessons and instructional strategies that you used. Do you find
yourself taking greater accountability for learning that happens in the classroom compared with
your students? Why is this so? Explain your answer in the lines below.

This is a way to build students’ confidence by allowing them to demonstrate their expand- ing
competence in what they are learning. For example, it is in Focus Les- son where the teacher
establishes the lesson’s purpose and show his/her students how to approach the new learning
material. This part shows huge accountability on the part of the teacher and very little, if at all,
on the part of the students.
4. What are the advantages of developing accountability among your students? How does this
translate to better productivity in the classroom? Write your ideas in the lines below.
The teacher allows students to take center stage, delegating most, if not all, accountability to
students, as he/she designs and supervises tasks that require students to apply their learning to
their lives.
Let’s Try This (Activity 2.11)
A school ready and fit for 21st century is characterized by respect for cul- tural diversity and an
environment that promotes the holistic development of students, where students from varied
backgrounds acquire learning without fear of harm or prejudice. As a teacher of the 21st
century, you will certainly meet these challenges. How do you take on and successfully hurdle
these challenges?

First, read the following critical incident, a continuation of Suyen’s story you have read on page
81. Then, answer the questions that follow.

Critical Incident
Ms. Nga, Suyen’s teacher, was bothered by the way she reacted to Suyen’s concern. She felt
bad because she knew that she did not handle the situation properly. She went to Mrs. Rai, her
mentor, for advice. Mrs. Rai has been with the school for more than ten years, while Ms. Nga
is a recent education graduate. Like many teachers in the school, Ms. Nga wanted the school
to not only be a venue for learning but also a haven for mutual respect, especially when it
comes to respecting individual differences.

Read the conversation below between Ms. Nga and Mrs. Rai.

Ms. Nga: Hello, Mrs. Rai. May I consult with you about an incident that happened yesterday in
my classroom? It involves Suyen, one of my students.

Mrs. Rai: Of course, Ms. Nga. Please tell me what happened.

Ms. Nga: You see, I had an incident in my classroom yesterday. Some students in my class were
mocking their classmate, Suyen. I saw Suyen crying because she was being teased for walking
with a noticeable limp. Her classmates were making fun of her because of her different
physical appearance. When Suyen came to me for help, I ignored her. I felt really bad about
how I behaved.

Mrs. Rai: Why do you think did you act that way?

Ms. Nga: I really don’t know what came over me. I did not do anything for Suyen simply
because I did not know how to properly respond to her concern. Ignoring her was the best I
could come up with yesterday because I was afraid I might do or say something wrong.

Mrs. Rai: I see. Well, at least you recognize the problem and admitted that you were at fault in
this situation. That is the first step towards solving your problem. You know that in our school,
we aim to promote the respect for cultural diversity. What happened with Suyen yesterday runs
contrary to this principle. How do you plan to address the concern of Suyen?

Ms. Nga: First, I think I need to apologize to her for the way I reacted. Then, I will talk to her
classmates and emphasize to them the need to respect one another. I hope to be able to make
them realize the wrong that they have done and apologize to Suyen. Perhaps they will do better
next time, like I will, too.

Mrs. Rai: Great, Ms. Nga! See, you were able to sort things out on your own and come up with
concrete solutions to your problem.
 Ms. Nga: Oh, thank you, Mrs. Rai. You are really a good mentor.

1. What do you think of their conversation? Was Mrs. Rai effective in helping
Ms. Nga address her problem? Why/Why not?
From the story, it was clear that Mrs. Rai was able to help Ms. Nga solve her problem. By
simply listening to her, Mrs. Rai was able to influence Ms. Nga towards addressing a concern
and guiding her in contributing to reaching the school’s goal of respecting and promoting
diversity.
2. What would you have said to Ms. Nga if you were Mrs. Rai? What other
advice would you have offered her?
. If you were Mrs. Rai, you could have also shared with Ms. Nga how you dealt with similar
situations in the past, and the concrete steps you took in solv- ing these kinds of problems. You
may have mentioned discussing respect for cultural diversity in your classroom so that students
will learn how to appreciate and respect each other regardless of their differences.
3. Did Mrs. Rai manifest leadership as a co-teacher in addressing the
problem? Why/why not?
It was clear from their conversation that Ms. Nga appreciated Mrs. Rai’s help in solving her
problem. Being able to guide others towards coming up with solutions to their problems is one
trait of a leader, which Mrs. Rai clearly manifested in the story.
4. How would being a leader help Mrs. Rai address the concern more
effectively? Provide examples of creative solutions that she can offer to Mrs. Nga.

It seems that Ms. Nga looks up to Mrs. Rai and she values her advice as her mentor. Thus, Mrs.
Rai exerts influence on her; if this is not the case, Ms. Nga would not have gone to her for help.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.12)

The table on the next page shows the characteristics of a good leader (UNESCO-APNIEVE,
2005). Reflect on your own characteristics against these leadership traits or attributes. Place a
check mark under the column which corresponds to your leadership skill - from very weak to
very strong for each attribute.
Very Aver- Very
Leadership Trait Weak Strong
Weak age Strong
• Has a vision and the ability to communicate it /
• Has integrity /

• Has the innate ability to inspire, energize, and /

encourage his/her followers
• Empowers members /

• Mentors potential leaders who share his/her vision /

and are committed to seeing it become a reality
• Leads by example /

Answer the following questions.

1. Are you satisfied with your ratings? Why/Why not?

 Yes, I believe that my leadership skill is not that strong. It still needs to be developed

2. Which of the mentioned traits are your strong leadership attributes?

Integrity and leads by example

3. Which attributes do you need to develop more?

To empower my members

4. Can you identify some factors which may have hindered you from developing some of these
traits? Maybe because I did not see myself as a leader but rather as a follower.
5. Identify concrete ways by which you can develop your leadership in the following situations:

In the classroom:

The classroom is one of the best areas to nurture and enhance your leadership because your
students naturally look up to you for inspiration, encouragement, and guidance, among other
things.

At school:

You can develop your leadership by taking advantage of opportunities to mentor others, being
a positive influence to your colleagues, and inspiring others towards achieving the vision of
your school.

In your family:
You can inspire and encourage your family, and guide and empower your chil- dren towards
making the right decisions in life.

Let’s Try This (Activity 2.13)

Read the following critical incident and, then, answer the questions that follow.

Critical Incident

Teacher Myint was just about to start her class when her teaching supervisor, Mr. Bunyamin,
walked through the door to her room and said, “Good morning!” Teacher Myint nervously said,
“I thought I was finished with observations this year.”

“Just dropping by,” said Mr. Bunyamin. “Nothing formal. What are you teaching today?”

Teacher Myint said, “I’m teaching a lesson on the life of our national heroes.”

Mr. Bunyamin said, “Mind if I stay a bit?”

Teacher Myint reluctantly nodded as she said, “I’m really not prepared for this informal
observation. If you came by yesterday, you would have seen that my lesson was more
interesting. Today’s lesson is a bit dry.”

Teacher Myint then stood in front of the class and lectured about one national hero whose
picture she posted on the board. She asked students questions every now and then. Mr.
Bunyamin noticed that most of Teacher Myint’s questions required lower-order thinking skills
(LOTS) from the students. For questions like this, many students’ immediately raised their
hands to answer. But on the two occasions that she asked questions that required higher order
thinking skills (HOTS), only two students volunteered to give responses.

Mr. Bunyamin also noted that several students in the back of the class were inattentive. Some
were exchanging whispers with one another while others looked immersed in their own
thoughts and were hardly aware of what was going on.
After Teacher Myint’s classes that day, Mr. Bunyamin held a post- observation meeting with
her. Below are the exchanges between the two:

Mr. Bunyamin: Ms. Myint, before I share with you my observations, would you like to tell me
first what you think went well during your class?

Ms. Myint: I think I was able to cover all the topics in my lesson plan and the students
participated well.

Mr. Bunyamin: I agree with you that you were able to cover all the topics and most of your
students participated well. Now, what do you think were the areas for improvement?

Ms. Myint: Some students did not participate. Actually, those students in the back behave that
way in all the subjects.

Mr. Bunyamin: What could be the reason that they did not participate well?

Ms. Myint: There are two possible reasons for that. One, they are not interested in the subject
matter because it is really dry and uninteresting. Two, those students are really notorious for
being unruly and lacking the initiative to learn. I blame that on the kind of family they come
from. Their parents fail to provide them with proper guidance.
1. Does Ms. Myint demonstrate a sense of responsibility? Cite her statements that lend support
to your answer and explain.

Ms. Myint did not demonstrate a sense of responsibil- ity, you are correct. The following
statements show why this is so:

a. “I’m really not prepared for this informal observation. If you came by yesterday, you
would have seen that my lesson was more interesting. Today’s lesson is a bit dry.”

Explanation:
A teacher who takes responsibility is prepared to do her tasks to the best that she can every
day. Not a single day is taken for granted.
Also, a responsible teacher does not attribute the success of a lesson to the topic alone. He/She
knows that she is responsible for making any subject matter interesting through a well-
planned manner of delivery.
b. “Those students are really notorious for being unruly and lacking the initiative to learn. I
blame that on the kind of family they come from. Their parents fail to provide them with
proper guidance.”

Explanation:
A teacher who takes responsibility does not blame his/her classroom management concerns
on his/her students. While recognizing the role of family dynamics and other factors as
contributory to the behavior of students, the responsible teacher believes that it is his/her
role to apply his/her knowledge and skills in facilitating the learning of students even if they
come from diverse cultural and family backgrounds.

2. If you were Mr. Bunyamin, what advice would you give Teacher Myint regarding the sense
of responsibility (or lack of it) that you observed?
If you were Mr. Bunyamin, you may have advised Teacher Myint that as a teacher, she is
expected to demonstrate an attitude of responsibility. This kind of attitude is manifested in
thinking of what led to the situation and what can be done to address the situation instead of
blaming others.
 Lesson 3: Learning to Be as a 21st Century
Teacher
Let’s Try This (Activity 3.1)
The table below shows some descriptions of the learning to be education pillar taken from Lesson
One. Complete the table by providing concrete examples or activities of how each of these
descriptions are applied to your daily life and in your life as a teacher. The first one has been
done for you as an example.
Learning to Be Example (life as a 21st
Example (daily life)
involves: century teacher)
• developing the mind and body, • I attend classes that • I participate in
in- telligence, sensitiv- ity, interest me and professional devel-
aesthetic sense, personal develop my talents, opment activities such
responsi- bility and spiritual such as painting or as seminars and
values pho- tography. workshops on current
trends in instruction.
• nurturing imagina- tion and • I will help develop • A 21st century teacher
creativity creativity among your makes sure that his/her
students by creative talents, as well
encouraging them to as those of his/her
generate ideas and learners, are harnessed
solutions to a given by creating opportunity
problem and to develop for aesthetic and artistic
their imaginations experimentation.
• being complete in oneself, in I should actively participate I must be actively involved
all the richness of one’s in community activities that in the community and have
promote freedom of thought, it readily seen by the
personality
judgment, feeling, and students. For example, when
imagination to help yourself your students see you doing
as well as other people volunteer work in the
community, the students
will start to see that socially
committed adults act in this
way.
• developing one’s full Search for a balance “ among A 21st century teacher
potentials and tapping of the the four dimensions of one’s should appreciate and
persona respect the many facets of
hidden treasure within each
personality that each
indi- individual possesses as this
vidual is part of “completing” and
maximizing the potentials of
all learners.

Let’s Try This (Activity 3.2)

Identify a place in your school or community where you can have a short walk, preferably one
that has greenery. Try to focus and have a greater awareness of your five senses – sight, sound,
smell, taste and touch as you take a nature walk. Then, pause for a few minutes, reflect upon
your ex- perience, and express your experience into words. You may write a poem, compose a
song, or simply write your feelings and experiences in a journal. You may use the space below to
write your output.
 A WOMAN

A friend who’s genuine and true

A blissful individual and never been blue
A soul who’s kind and virtuous
To her love and time she’s generous

A serene wife to her husband

A mother with warm hand
A sister who’s demonstrative
A worker who’s very operative

A blessing to each individual

An inspiration to her communal
A woman is what you are
To everyone you’ve never been far

Let’s Try This (Activity 3.3)

Study the table below, which lists some of the indicators of having a bal- anced and complete
life. On a scale of 1 to 3, where will you place your level of competence about the indicators
mentioned? Place a check mark on the appropriate column.

Some indicators of a balanced and I already have this I have this but I I do not
complete life and practice it need to further have this
regularly improve on it (2) yet (3)
(1 )
I have a diverse knowl- edge of a wide range /
of subjects.
I am in excellent physi- cal shape. /
I have a solid relation- ships with myself, /
family, and friends.
I enjoy my work/career. /

I have hobbies and skills that I practice /

regularly and am competent at.

1. On a scale of 1 to 3 (1: not balanced and complete; 3: balanced and complete), and based on
your responses in the given table, how would you rate yourself in terms of living a balanced
and complete life? Then, briefly explain your answer in the space provided below.

Rating: 3
I enjoy my work as a teacher.

2. What are other ways that will tell you that you have a balanced and complete life?
I engage in hobbies and continue to develop my interests in a variety of activities

3. What are some ways you could further enhance balance and complete- ness in your life?

Ask the help of my colleagues and friends for advice and practical tips on how to live a more
balanced and complete life.
Let’s Try This (Activity 3.4)
Read the critical incident below and answer the questions that follow.
Mr. Widiani, School Head of a community school, encourages the teachers in his school to enrich the
curriculum. This move is appreciated by his teachers, especially, Zaida, who handles social studies and
has always wanted to do much more than what the core curriculum in this subject allows. To her, this
is an opportunity to improve her craft as a teacher, and as a result, improve her students’ lives and her
life in general. Believing that her students have valuable ideas on the enrichment activities they believe
they can benefit from, she engages her students in a dialogue where they freely share their ideas and
feelings about various possible enrichment activities. One enrichment curriculum that Zaida and her
students come up with is the creation of an online community that will link together her students and
those of another school, preferably one with a predominant culture that is different from theirs. For this
to take place, she and her students started thinking outside the box to draw up a plan and strategy on
how they will be able to do this. She and her students know that this will call for technological
knowledge on their part but they believe that they can accomplish it. They are motivated by a desire to
broaden their horizon and, in the process, understand others’ lives and perspectives. Based on this
understanding, they will learn to respect diversity among people.
1. Does Zaida manifest the Learning to Be characteristics of a 21st century teacher? Yes

2. If your answer is “No,” explain your answer using the space below.

3. If your answer is “Yes,” fill out the table below. On the column “Manifestation,” write
evidence or pieces of evidence from the critical incident that manifest/s the characteristics.

Characteristic Manifestation
1. Science and Technology to She is very much aware that through her teaching
Improve Lives
2. Creativity Her creativity as a teacher in the use of information and
communications technology by building an online community
among her students and their peers in other parts of world, is a
manifestation of characteristics
3. Social Commitment is evident in the way Zaida aims to instill positive values and
improve the lives of her students
4. Balance and Completeness balance and completeness, is shown in the way she opens her
eyes and those of her students to different view points by
engaging her students in collaborative projects with learners
who may come from different cultures

4. In your daily life and life as a teacher, do you, like Zaida in the story, manifest the Learning to
Be competencies? In what characteristics are you strong at? In what characteristics are you
weak at? Explain your answers on the lines below.

I am weak in some of the competencies.

Let’s Try This (Activity 3.5)

As you have learned, the Learning to Be pillar is closely linked with quality education - one that
provides holistic, integrated, and humanistic develop- ment in learners. Based on UNESCO-
APNIEVE’s guidelines to achieve quality education through a holistic, integrated, and
humanistic approach, assess your level of competency in each of the activities listed in the table.
Check the column that corresponds to your possible status as far as imple- menting the activities
is concerned.

Activities I am already I can do this I can- not

doing this. but haven’t do this.
done it yet.
1. I veer away from rigid compart- /
mentalization of content, but focus more
on multidisciplinary and in-
terdisciplinary teaching content.
2. I encourage democratic, participa- tory, /
and interactive learning meth- ods
rather than an authoritarian teacher-
centred teaching strategies.
3. I focus on a holistic cognitive-affec- tive- /
behavioural teaching-learning cycle
rather than one that is mainly focused
on content.
4. I use flexible and adaptable guides in my /
class, rather than prepared and fixed
modules.
5. I avoid overly spoonfeeding infor- /
mation to my learners and focus more
on their formation and trans- formation.