a DIFFERENT perspective

Gone were the days when the teaching and learning scenarios in classrooms were dominated by the teacher and the students passively received knowledge.

Nowadays, the realm of education offers a novel way of getting students learn more effectively and efficiently by means of introducing project-based learning (PBL). Project-based learning is a student-centered approach in engaging students to think critically, to ignite curiosity, to decide for themselves, to ask questions, and to work with others. This approach emphasizes the use of projects in the form of artifacts, poems, short stories, even dance presentation and the like to determine the students’ understanding and mastery of a certain topic.

This innovation in teaching asserts that the teaching-and-learning process is dynamic. There is NO definite approach that would address the needs of students from divergent generations. Approaches are introduced from time to time in order to ascertain the students’ comprehension or achievement on the target learning objectives of a particular topic.

Contemplating on these things, I have a blithe feeling deep within me because now I understand the reasons why projects are given by teachers to students. Before, I thought teachers required students to make projects just for completion’s sake or to give their students something to do. I grin as I remember my father’s bitter sentiments on my projects even on some of my teachers back then when he used to scold me because of my persistent request for money to buy stuffs for my projects. “Nanu nanaman? Enala petugut papagawang project. Ala nalang balung pagawa kekayu.” (hihi J) Also, I’m jubilant because students are seen as ACTIVE thinkers (as they should be). Students are thinking minds that need scaffolds to make learning at its best. There’s a DIFFERENCE from my previous perspective with my current stand today. After our discussion on the first module, I was able to deem and recognize the vital contribution and preparation exerted by teachers in a PBL classroom. Teachers serve as the guide or coach of the students in arriving at their projects. They (teachers who wholeheartedly think and prepare plans for the students’ projects) deserve commendations for facing the challenges of long-life preparations to make students learn. On the part of the students, they are believed to learn better by exposing themselves to the real world. Doing projects enable the students to express their creativity, and artistry; and to decide what they think is best for them. Also, joining collaborative groups encourages the students to mingle with others, to share their thoughts, to develop interpersonal skills. I thank the Lord, because even before I knew this PBL I already experienced it from my previous teachers. In all honesty, I learned to decide for myself, to think creatively, and to immerse myself with other people’s ideas and thoughts. It’s much enjoyable learning things as you do them.

As a future teacher, I begin to have a clear snap of ‘the world…’ I will join in the near future.

THE WORLD where

...choices are made

…persons are faced.

…students’ needs are met.

…creativity is required.

...questions are encouraged.

...skills (21^st century) are developed.

...selfishness has NO room.

AND

...SELFLESS SERVICE is in BLOOM.