Science Education in the Philippines

• This lesson discusses science education in the Philippines
• Identifies strategies to promote science education in the country
• One strategy is establishing science schools
• Encourages students to pursue careers in science and technology
• Nurtures gifted potentials in science

Concept of Science Education

• Focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science

• It involves exploring pedagogical theories and models

• Aims to help teachers effectively deliver science concepts and processes

• John Dewey (2001) implies the importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students

• Marx (1994) suggests science is a crucial school subject for the future

• Science education prepares citizens for a scientifically and technologically driven world

• Develops skills and knowledge needed to live in the age of science, per Knight (1986)

• Developing a science culture entails immense responsibility

Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

• In basic education, science education aids students in learning concepts and facts related to daily life
• Important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills are needed
• Skills help in coping with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002)
• Science education fosters positive attitudes -- love for knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity to study nature, and creativity
• In tertiary education, science deals with understanding and appreciating science and scientific works
• Achieved through basic science courses in the General Education curriculum
• Focuses on preparing science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals
• Covers fields like engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences
• The state provides scholarships to encourage students to pursue science courses

Science School in the Philippines

• The government supports science education through the establishment of science schools
• Several government programs implemented by the Department of Education
• Few private schools are dedicated to science education

Government Programs for Science Education

Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)

• Government program for gifted Philippine students
• Service institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Offers free scholarships for secondary courses
• Emphasis on science subjects
• Aims to prepare students for science careers (Republic Act No. 3661)
• Continues to develop Filipino science scholars with scientific minds
• Vision to create passion for excellence
• PSHSS students serve as beacons of excellence, courage, and hope for the country
• Bring honor to the Philippines through international competitions and research
• Graduates are expected to pursue science and technology degrees locally or abroad

Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project

• Started in June 2007 with 57 elementary schools
• The number has grown to more than 60 schools nationwide
• Its sixth year of implementation is currently under way
• Aims to equip Filipino children with scientific and technological knowledge, skills, and values
• SSES Project mission is to provide a learning environment for science-inclined children through a special curriculum
• The curriculum recognizes multiple intelligences of learners
• SSES Project mission is to promote the development of lifelong learning skills
• SSES Project mission is to foster holistic development of learners

Quezon City Regional Science High School

• Established on September 17, 1967
• Originally named Quezon City Science High School
• Became a regional science high school for the National Capital Region in 1999
• The aim of the school is to provide a special science school for talented students in science and mathematics
• Its curriculum focuses on science and technology

Manila Science High School

• Established on October 1, 1963
• Recognized as the first science high school in the Philippines
• Curriculum emphasizes science and mathematics to produce scientists
• Humanities courses and electives are a part of the curriculum
• Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities

Central Visayan Institute Foundation

• Pioneer of the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP)
• DLP consists of classical and modern pedagogical theories
• Fosters a high level of learning, creativity, and productivity
• It takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP), established in 1992
• RCTP hosts international workshops to foster the exchange of ideas in physics and mathematics

Summary

• Science education involves teaching and learning science
• Helps the public develop science literacy
• Important for promoting and developing science and technology in the country
• Deals with developing people in science
• Which is the heart of science, technology, and society