UP NISMED modeled a learner-centered training program for teachers of the Division of Muntinlupa.  A total of 694 elementary and high school teachers attended the training on May 5 – 30, 2008 at the Science Teacher Training Center.  The participants were distributed as follows: 256 in elementary school science, 260 in elementary school mathematics, 98 in high school science and 80 in high school mathematics.

The program was designed to enhance teacher-participants’ competence in facilitating the learning of science and mathematics concepts and developing higher-order thinking and/or process skills by engaging them in hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on activities.  Each session integrated content and teaching strategies with emphasis on processing of students’ answers and results of activities.  The inquiry-based/problem-based activities done in the classroom  and outdoors, provided teacher-participants with opportunities to manipulate not only concrete objects but also ideas so that they can pass on these skills to their students.  Pupils were also exposed to varied ways of assessing student learning, objectively and consistently.  The development of the appropriate values related to the application of scientific and mathematical concepts was also addressed whenever necessary.

Quantitative and qualitative measures were used to gauge knowledge and thinking skills acquired by teacher-participants in the training.  Teachers were assessed on their level of participation in learner-centered activities as well as the quality of their outputs.  A pretest-posttest instrument was used to determine the mean gain scores by subject area.  Results were encouraging.  Most, if not all, teacher participants showed significant gains in their test scores.

Teacher participants rated the training highly with an overall mean of 4.7 using the scale 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.  Verbatim comments of teachers indicate their deep satisfaction with the training and their enthusiasm for the many learnings gained.  They also expressed their willingness to apply their learnings in their classrooms with support and encouragement of their school heads and supervisors.

Grade 4 science teachers making an arm

The high school mathematics participants

 exploring different cross-sections of a cube

using water in a liter box