Science education has become an integral part of school education. So, the quality of Science teaching is to be developed considerably so as to achieve its purposes and objectives, viz., to understand basic principles, to develop problem solving, analytical skills, and ability to apply them to the problems of materials, environments and social living besides promoting the spirit of inquiry and experimentation. Such a situation obviously demands every man’s acquaintance with Science, both as a product as well as process, within or outside the classroom situation. A man without contact with the value of learning what Science is and its manifestations will be a complete misfit in this modern society, considering that everything is run by scientific discoveries and inventions. This even leads man to be dominated by inventions, become a slave to them and dependent on Science. Along with advancement in science and technology comes more sophisticated weaponry. More and more weapons are developed over time even as more and more convenience tools are hatched. An example to this is the presence one can just communicate in a swoop.
In the classroom, it is therefore no longer the problem of teaching science but teaching Science to each and every pupil by teachers, most of whom may not be experts. The need today is actually to achieve large-scale teaching of Science through average teachers. The need is continuous updating of oneself in terms of methods, strategies, as well as current issues fitting to the fast changing world.
In this modern world dominated by flourishing dynamic processes engaged in by man to satisfy his basic needs for Science and technology, the thirst for knowledge and material requirements for human survival and prosperity, teaching the subject then calls for a teacher to be effective and innovative, so as to be beneficial to pupils who can later on respond to the call of technology at par with students in the other highly technological countries.
A teacher, it is said, is born; but even this teacher is born with an aptitude rather than with a technique. So even born teachers may need some orientation. Besides, we need thousands or even millions of teachers – a few born teachers are not enough and we have to create them to become real teachers, energetic, full of enthusiasm, dedicated and committed to the teaching profession. It is on this premise that learning and loving Science becomes effective. It all lies in the hands of teacher.
In view of the dominating role of Science in this modern age, it is a need for any nation of the world to promote Science education in their countries. Rapid industrialization and technological developments and improvements are special features to address, hence it becomes imperative. It is therefore a necessity for us in the Philippines to take more vigorous steps towards scientific developments in order to tune in and bridge the gap.
We will never expect to improve Science education in our own schools unless we succeed in providing a sound Science teaching in our own schools. Besides, it is our responsibility not only as educators but as citizens to know sufficient quantum of everyday learning Science in every school to update and keep pace with what the environment and scenario brings us.
Improved Science teaching depends upon educators who can move every hand to connect with each other, making things happen by volition with blends of love and dedication. It really calls for teachers to have a wide repertoire or means of assisting every one who is interested to go with the changing world achieving optimal learning. Objectives of instruction need to reflect worthwhile concepts and generalizations. Depth teaching of specifics assists learners to form and develop universal ideas involving themselves to be effective agents of positive change, responsible for outcomes and responsive of every change.
The use of the mind or intellect is important for pupils to utilize in analyzing and synthesizing subject matter. Mental development is stressed as pupils learn, achieve, and develop and the implications of learning can only be of great intensity to movers of learning if teachers are effective and efficient enough.
Where and whom will this be addressed to? Let us reflect on it.
By: Mrs. Rose Anne C. Perez | Teacher III | Tomas Pinpin Memorial Elementary School Abucay, Bataan
