DOST picks 9 schools for innovative teaching practices

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) on Friday, June 14, chose 9 high schools from different regions in the country to implement innovative practices in managing large classes.  

The project, called “Search for Innovative Practices in Managing Large Classes,“ is open to public and private secondary schools nationwide with class sizes of more than 50 students in any grade level between 7-10.

The 9 schools from different regions are as follows:

1. Central Azucarera De Tarlac High School-Annex (Tarlac City)
2. Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National HS (Biñan City)
3. Calamba Bayside National HS (Calamba City)
4. Tabaco National HS (Tabaco City)
5. Cordova National HS (Cebu)
6. Digos City National HS (Davao del Sur)
7. Surigao City National HS (Surigao City)
8. Manggahan HS (Pasig City)
9. Antonio J. Villegas Vocational HS (Manila)

Before the selection of the final 9, the proposals of the schools were judged based on their innovativeness, doability and replicability, sustainability and impact, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.

The project leaders made their presentations before a panel of resource persons composed of experts from the University of the Philippines-National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED).

They were allowed to do revisions based on the panel’s comments and suggestions.

The finalists were selected during a workshop held at the UP-NISMED last May 2-5.

Prizes

Each school will be given P100,000 to implement the proposals submitted to the DOST-SEI from June 2013 to March 2014.

The innovative practices proposed by the 9 schools will be focused mainly on mathematics and science classes.

SEI Director Dr Filma Brawner said she is optimistic this year’s crop of creative proposals will be easily adopted by other schools confronted with the same problems of large classes.

“We encourage the finalists to make the most out of the grant they will receive and try to create a lasting impact with their students through their innovative practices,” she added.

The two schools with the most innovative practices for large classes will be selected and awarded in July 2014. Both will be given a cash prize of P100,000 each and a plaque of recognition.

“We believe that we are capable of beating out the problem of large school population through creative thinking and a genuine dedication to bring about learning among our beloved students,” Brawner said.

Both a pre-test and a post-test will be conducted for students involved in the project. The implementation of the proposals will also be monitored and observed. – Rappler.com