Last Thursday, the University of San Carlos organized three days of learning sessions at the CPA review center to capacitate department chairpersons and teachers to provide outcome-based education (OBE).
The sessions were very important in the light of the government’s educational reform program called K to 12.
The first day was used to discuss the importance of curriculum concepts, theories and models for outcome-based education led by Dr. Renante Payod. We definitely learned and unlearned a lot of things.
On the second day, Sister Agnes Lenteja gave a review of teaching methods for effective classroom management. . In the afternoon Darrah Valles presented some of her OBE curriculum experiences.
The third day was very interesting as Luis Cabatingan presented the OBE continuous quality improvement programs with performance indicators.
OBE has to answer the question, “What do we want our students to become after graduation?” It is basic but requires a lot of hard work to implement effectively.
I am happy to see that among the universities in Cebu, USC under the leadership of Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD is the most prepared to implement the K to 12 program of the Aquino government.
I would like to thank Fr. Tony Salas, SVD, the vice president for academic affairs for being proactive in providing the faculty with the knowledge, ability, skills and values to meet the challenges.
Dean Tootise Batomalaque and Rita May Tagalong of the College of Education should also be congratulated for providing the faculty with a series of learning sessions.
Senior high school is now offered under the K to 12. Not all graduates have to go to college because they may find a job early or just not qualify to pursue higher formal education. Senior high equips students with technological or vocational skills to land a job after graduation.
College life is not for all students. Those who qualify can proceed to college or university for specialized couses that take two to four years to finish.
Today’s first and second year levels of college will become grades 11 and 12 under K to 12. Grade 7 in basic education will become mandatory.
USC’s fearless forecast is that college enrollment will fall drastically from 18,000 to about 8,000. Some faculty will transfer to senior high to teach general courses.
Many of our teachers are being encouraged to prepare for the changes by enrolling in graduate programs.
Now that education will be based on outcomes the needs of industry would be met by our universities.
Under K to 12, a school will be reclassified, for instance, as a university, community college or professional school.
I was told that only one school will be classified as a university in Cebu and USC is competing for the title.
K to 12 is coming whether we like it or not so it is best that schools prepare for the change. This is being implemented for the welfare of our children and the future of our country.
Good luck to all of us as we embark on the K to 12 program.