HOW IS THE SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Gone were the days that we just had General Science in Science 7, Biology in Science 8, Chemistry in Science 8 and Physics in Science 10. As we adopt the K to 12 Curriculum, changes were made. As mandated in the Republic Act No. 10533, also known as Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, that private and public schools to implement spiral progression approach to solve the congestion of Philippine basic education curriculum. Hence, in new secondary science K to 12 curriculum, the students are exposed to spiral progression approach, wherein the four areas, namely Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, are being taught every grading period (Sanchez, 2014). Science teachers should be equipped with the four subject areas.

Along this line, the science education in the country is faced with many constrains such as the shortage of qualified science teachers, lack of quality textbooks, inadequate instructional materials and equipment, large classes, and lack of support from administrators. In addition, it was found that the lack of instructional materials and equipment in school has been used to account for the poor performance of students (SEI – DOST & UP NISMED, 2011).

At present, DepEd finds solutions regarding these matters. Numerous laboratory tools and equipment are being distributed in selected public Senior High Schools throughout the country from 2017 until present. This package had laboratory tables and stools to go with. Thus, public senior high schools with junior high schools in their campus, may both use the said laboratory tools and equipment.

Furthermore, DepEd had distributed television sets and computer packages as well to aid the teachers in their instructional materials.The computers contained the Learning Resources Management and Development System (LRMDS) of the Department of Education (DepEd), which provides teaching and learning resources aligned to the K to 12 curriculum.

But then until this time, most Learner’s Materials/ textbooks in Science are not yet available for the students especially in the Science core subjects of the Senior HS. I guess that’s why teachers are exposed to various trainings and seminars to be able to teach well despite the lacking textbooks.