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Project APEX: Training on Contextualized Teaching and Learning in Science and Math

SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHERS from the two APEX project sites, Laguna and Leyte, were given a ten-day workshop on the styles and techniques of contextualized teaching and learning (CTL) approach.

The training aims to develop the teachers’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills on the CTL approach. It intends to provide them with an effective alternative approach in teaching science and math to their students.

The training challenged the teachers of the two APEX provinces to examine their existing curriculum and enhance this using the salient elements of CTL. Similarly, it helped them gain an understanding of their role in the classroom —not just someone who imparts knowledge, but more important, as a facilitator of learning.

The teachers also learned during the training that students have their individual learning styles. Knowing this should prevent them from favoring students in their class who may have the same learning style as theirs. They were also empowered to identify students with slow learning abilities; thus, enabling them to adjust their teaching strategies to address the needs of these students.

They were presented with an alternative assessment rubric for student performance, which is actually a non-traditional method of evaluation that allows them to assess student performance without going through the laborious process of grading individual papers, for instance. Student performance assessment is essential in the effective delivery of a contextualized lessons.

The training relied mostly on the experiences and skills of the participants. This meant that teachers had the chance to do practical applications using the CTL approach. From their existing lesson plans, the participants converted at least three of these with lessons containing the CTL style of delivery. The revised lesson plans were later on presented to the group for critiquing and refinement.

Resident mentors, or teachers from the pilot schools in the Laguna Province, mentored and coached the first timers from the Leyte Province during the preparation of lesson plans. They also shared their insights and experiences regarding the delivery of such lesson plans.

The training-workshop on contextualized teaching and learning is essential for the effective implementation of the Project on Applied Academics for Excellence (APEX) in their respective schools.

Experts from the Cord International, the US-based institution that brought to the country the Academic Performance for Excellence (APEX) project, handled most of the sessions. They were Cord International vice president, Dr. Loyd Quidry and Senior Associate Mr. John Chamberlain.

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