It may sound to some as an old cliché, but the passing of time has never diminished its truthfulness, but the youth is indeed the hope of our future. As one privileged to be in a position of influence as a public high school teacher, it is a great challenge and daunting responsibility to be able to touch and impact the next generation through intentional teaching of values. It is crucial for a teacher to understand the students under her care in order to positively influence them. In human development there is no more critical period than the period represented by the high schoolers. It is a profoundly formative period when perspectives are shaped either positively or negatively and when a view of one’s own significance (or lack of significance) is formulated. This period represent a season of awakening in which a person’s understanding of life emerges and one’s conscience is sharpened to judge right from wrong. But the life circumstances of today’s high schoolers are a cross between a minefield and an obstacle course.
The modern context of todays high schoolers are characterized by the following: They are called the “Internet Generation” because the Net is their primary influencer. Technology provides them a powerful weapon to bring change. This generation wants their opinions to be heard and they want to make a difference. They are constantly confronted with the problem of self-definition due to the strong influence of technology in their everyday lives. With these understanding, how can we positively impact the lives of these young people? I propose that the key lies in our deliberate effort to teach them good values.
My conviction is that teaching values must be intentional and integrated to all the subjects of the prescribed curriculum. It must be the bedrock where all learnings are based; the hub where all the other spokes of experiences are connected. The goal is to produce not only mentally capable students but more importantly morally sound individuals.
To accomplish the stated goal, the teacher is to consider and evaluate vital ingredients to achieve positive learning experience for the students. Foremost to be assessed is the teacher’s motivation.This is a heart-searching task and each teacher must honestly respond to the question: Why do I teach? I wish that each of us may say that our prime motive for teaching is love – it is our unconditional love for our students and passionate love for the teaching profession.
Another ingredient that also needs to be evaluated is modeling. Since values are caught than taught – a teacher must be aware that she teaches values not only by her words and books but more effectively through her life. She must embody the values that she desires for her learners to learn. It challenges the teacher to embrace the idea that as a teacher she is not just teaching the three R’s – reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic – but she is teaching life.
I have a fervent hope that there is a bright future ahead for this country. I look forward to a future that we will no longer be known as a country of corrupt politicians, of crooks and thieves but of integrity and honor. I know I have a stake for this dream to be realized. And I am doing my best as a public high school teacher to do my share.
By: FE M. MALIT | Teacher I | Luakan National High School | Dinalupihan, Bataan