Ma. Donna Codera, a third year student of Cebu Normal University, would like to express her deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude to the following people who have one way or another contributed to her curriculum:
Mr. CHRISTOPHER CABAÑOG, professor of The Field Study 2 who have handled and mentored BSED-Social Studies 3A, for his guidance, support, and words of wisdom in the whole duration of this semester.
Ma. Donna Codera’s classmates and friends (BSED-Social Studies 3A, batch 2022-2023) for the stimulating discussions, for the sleepless nights they have worked together before deadlines, and for all the fun they had spent in their entire sessions;
Ma. Donna Codera's boyfriend, Rafy, who was very patient, loving, and never cease to handle her roller coaster of emotions, especially when she experienced burnout because of all the deadlines she had to meet;
Ma. Donna Codera’s family, most especially to her parents, for supporting them financially and for giving the researchers the encouragement, insightful comments and spiritual support to finish the study;
Ma. Donna Codera's restless self, you deserve to prioritize your mental, emotional, physical health now that the semester is almost over;
And most of all, to God Almighty for giving her the strength, knowledge, ability and opportunity to undertake this subject and to persevere and complete it satisfactorily and for giving His showers of blessing to the whole class to complete the subject and semester successfully. Without his blessings, this achievement would not have been possible.
Ma. Donna Codera is a passionate educator from Cebu, Philippines. Currently in her third year of college at Cebu Normal University, pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) degree with a specialization in Social Studies. Born and raised in Cebu, Donna developed a deep love and curiosity for history, culture, and social issues from a young age. This interest led her to choose Social Studies as her major, as she believes in the power of education to foster understanding, empathy, and critical thinking among students. Throughout her academic journey, Donna has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her studies and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Her excellent academic performance has earned her recognition and a place on the Dean's List for her outstanding achievements. She consistently seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences related to her field of study. Donna's passion for writing is evident in her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision. She has honed her skills as a writer through various writing projects, research papers, and essays, where she has explored a wide range of topics such as global citizenship, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. She believes in the power of words to inspire, inform, and create positive change in society. With her strong educational background and genuine passion for teaching, Donna aspires to become a highly effective and influential educator. She hopes to inspire her future students to become active and engaged citizens who can make a positive impact on society. By fostering a love for learning, critical thinking, and empathy, she aims to empower her students to become informed decision-makers and lifelong learners.
Right before our observation, I have seen a lot of different teaching styles starting from elementary up to my college days. I have observed that teachers back then were the type of teachers who incorporated visual aids in which they let their students copy everything from the first Manila Paper up to the last. They seemed to conclude that all students are visual learners. They also made use of the entire textbook and based their lessons on the content of the book. And from there, they let the students read it all and then after which, they will have an oral recitation wherein students will share their understanding, learnings, and takeaways. Teachers also let the students memorize various concepts, formulas, and let them reproduce information without necessarily understanding its meaning and context. A direct instruction was also practiced back then in which the teacher delivers the instruction in a step-to-step manner so that the students will clearly understand the certain paper and pencil activities. Traditional ways of teaching were very teacher-centered. The teacher is the figure and the authority in which they control the flow of information and direct all classroom activities. Perennialism teaching philosophy is what they apply mostly in their classes. I thought back then that that was the best teaching style that we will have and up until now, some teachers are still using it. Not until education has evolved in the 21st century.
After the observation, I have developed this belief that teaching and learning go along together, hand in hand. And that without the other, students will not gain knowledge and will not achieve their possible full potential. I always admire that effective teaching involves creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment where students feel motivated, supported, and heard. I believe that learning is not just about acquiring information but also about developing the students’ critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love for learning. As for the teachers, I always knew that they play a crucial role in guiding and facilitating the learning process and classroom management in order for it to be inclusive enough for the students.
Teachers should also be knowledgeable enough about their subject matter and skilled enough to make and teach various instructional materials and strategies to accommodate different learning styles and abilities. A teacher should strive to create a positive classroom atmosphere that encourages collaboration, respect, and open communication among students. When the pandemic striked, a new concept of teaching was introduced, and that was online learning. Perhaps, it wasn’t new for others because it emerged sometime in the 2000s, but it was then fully utilized during the high peak of the pandemic. And due to the insisted public demand, in which critical courses such as medical courses need to be infused with the traditional faceto-face classes to better train them. And blended learning was born to adjust the educational needs of the students. These new styles of learning are clearly leaning towards being student-centered for its teaching philosophy emphasizes the active involvement of the students in their own learning, rather than a passive role of receiving information from the teacher. When it comes to the student-centered classroom, students are the main character as they explore, discover, and construct their knowledge. In addition, their main focus as well is on creating a learning environment that encourages student engagement, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-reflection. So far, when it comes to my expectations and actual experiences, I could say that some teaching styles are what I have foreseen already right before we observed classes. And I could also say that traditional learning will never die because it's much simpler than the complexity of the new emerging learning styles that we, millennials, are abruptly adapting.
Last March 15 of 2023, I had my first class observation in Abellana National School, just a few walks from Cebu Normal University in order to get there. It was almost 1 pm when I and my Field Study groupmates reached the place, and I was feeling a bit nervous, but at the same time excited to meet my mentor as well as her students. I was then assigned to Mrs. Aventurado and we had a little time to chat because she was in a hurry. She also introduced us to her student-teacher (ST), my co-normalite, Ms. Rosalinda Yap and I felt relieved because she was very accommodating and answered all my questions. The student-teacher oriented us about Mrs. Aventurado’s class schedules, and I was a bit sad that they only have one Araling Panlipunan class during Wednesday afternoon. My partner and I waited for an hour because the class that we were supposed to observe starts at 2 pm and ends at 3 o’clock and while waiting, Ms. Yap handed us a module in which the content was all about the lessons that she will teach to the Grade 8 students, and, for us to have an overview of what she will be teaching. At exactly 2 pm, we headed to the classroom of Grade 8- Cedar, and the first thing that I observed was the window with no complete grills and glasses which gave me access to see the faces of the students that I am about to observe. I also ran my glance to the insides of the classroom, and I could see that there were a lot of paper cuttings and trash on the floor. And by the time that we arrived inside, it was then the students had the initiative to clean, when Miss Yap told them to do so. The chairs were also disarranged, and some students were also eating their lunches at 2 pm, which was not the time to do so. The student teacher gave instructions telling them to clean their respective areas for 2 minutes, and the students obliged. After they settled, the class officially started with an energizer called “Clap-Jump, Sit-Stand”, and the last student standing will receive an award in the form of a merit chip with a corresponding point. And when the student-teacher mentioned merit, the students went crazy and got so excited. The energizer lasted for 20 minutes, and after which, checking of assignments happened. Soon enough, discussion proper about the lesson
started through recalling the students’ knowledge about their past lesson, and that made the student listen very carefully because in every question of the teacher, the students wanted to answer to get the merit chip. They are very participative. They went on to their discussions about philosophers during the age of enlightenment. The first time that I entered Abellana National School, I was really amazed at how big their space was. But as I went further, I have seen the downside of the space, which was the classroom itself. The styles of their classroom were incredibly open and facing each other making the noises around echo to each opposite. I also realized that a clean classroom will really set the mood for discussion, because if there is a lot of trash in the areas of the students, there will be possibilities that they will get distracted every now and then. Given the structure of the classroom, the teachers need to make their voices louder so that the students can really hear them, and I have realized that a teacher must have a loud voice because it will be helpful in giving important instructions to the students. But the thing that really amazed me was that the ST assigned to Grade 8- Cedar was very petite, but had a very loud and strong voice, and I observed that students really followed what she said. Later, when the class formally started, I was introduced to a good example of a reward, and that made the student very participative because this kind of reward will reflect on their Araling Panlipunan subject, specifically on their grades. It simply implies that the students of Grade 8- Cedar were academically driven because of the points that they will get in participating. And in my perspective, that was an exceptionally good idea to make the students focus on your discussions and that would avoid the boring atmosphere of the classroom which makes the students sleepy for the reason that Araling Panlipunan is known to be a boring subject .
As a student-observer, I have had the opportunity to observe Grade 8 students and reflect on my own learning and growth. One of the things I have noticed is the amount of energy and enthusiasm that these students bring to their learning. They are always eager to ask questions, participate in discussions, and explore new ideas. This has reminded me of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards learning and approaching new challenges with an open mind.
In addition to their enthusiasm, I have also observed the Grade 8 students' ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with one another. They seem to be comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives, even when they differ from those of their peers. This has highlighted the importance of effective communication skills and the value of diversity in learning environments. Another aspect of the Grade 8 students' learning that has impressed me is their resilience and persistence. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, they continue to work towards their goals and strive for success. This has reminded me of the importance of perseverance and the value of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Overall, observing Grade 8 students has provided me with valuable insights into effective learning strategies and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards learning. It has also reminded me of the importance of effective communication skills, diversity, and resilience in achieving academic success.
Last March 22, 2023, I had my second observation at Abellana National School, but unfortunately, the classes were shortened because there was a foundation day celebration, and they only had their classes in that morning. So my other group mates decided that we were just gonna observe the program. And so we did and we entered their gym, and it was very spacious, enough to accommodate all of the faculty members of Abellana National School. I also noticed several things. First, the school was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. I could hear music playing in the background, and students were milling around, chatting and taking pictures. I could see that the students were having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves. Second, there was a program held in the school auditorium, where the students performed various dance and musical numbers. The audience, which consisted of students and teachers, cheered loudly and applauded after each performance. I observed that the teachers and staff were very busy and working hard to make sure that the celebration ran smoothly. They were constantly checking on the students, making sure that they were safe and enjoying themselves. I could really see that the foundation day celebration in Abellana National School was a lively and enjoyable event, filled with fun activities and performances that brought the school community together.
As a student observing the program, I believe collaboration and cooperation between students and teachers are essential in making a program successful. When students work together with their teachers, they can share their ideas, knowledge, and expertise to create a more effective and efficient program. In a successful program, both collaboration and cooperation are necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. When teachers collaborate with students, they can gain insight into the students' perspectives and ideas, which can help them to design a program that is more tailored to the students' needs. Teachers can also provide guidance and support to students, helping them to overcome obstacles and challenges.
On the other hand, when students cooperate with teachers, they can contribute their unique skills and knowledge to the program. By working together, students and teachers can create a more inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued and supported. All in all, collaboration and cooperation between students and teachers are critical components of a successful program. By working together, students and teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning experience that is tailored to the needs of the students.
The thing that I have realized is when I actually apply collaboration in my future endeavors, it will generate anyone’s Creativity and innovation which are values that can help us to stand out and make our celebration or program unique and memorable. We should be open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches that can make our event more engaging and exciting. By exercising creativity and innovation, we can bring fresh perspectives and energy to our planning and execution, which can make our event more successful and enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, having a sense of responsibility and accountability are values that must be exercised to ensure the success of any program or celebration. We should take ownership of our roles and responsibilities and ensure that we meet our commitments and deliverables. We should also be accountable for our actions and decisions and be willing to accept feedback and learn from our mistakes. By practicing responsibility and accountability, we create a sense of order and structure that can help us to achieve our goals and objectives.
Last March 29, 2023, which was my 3rd class observation at Abellana National School, the student-teacher gave us some heads up on what will happen to the class. And the things that she said were not what I had expected. I really thought that we would just be having an activity or lesson, but then she told me that our mentor will take over the class to talk about some unresolved issues inside the classroom in which there was a student who allegedly stole the money of her fellow classmate. I heard that one of the students lost her 1,500 pesos, and it caused quite a stir in the classroom. The teacher asked the class if anyone had seen or knew anything about the missing money. Some of the students were whispering and pointing fingers at a particular student, saying that she/he was the most likely suspect. The accused student denied any involvement, but her classmates were not convinced and continued to gossip about it. The teacher tried to calm the situation down and reminded the class that accusing someone without evidence was not acceptable. She encouraged the students to be honest and come forward if they knew anything that could help solve the case. The teacher also reminded the students about the importance of trust and respect, emphasizing that they were a community that should look out for each other. She encouraged them to work together to find a solution to the problem and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. After almost 30 minutes of having the conversation about the issue, she let the student teacher take over the class and consume the remaining time. And since it was the last day of the student teacher in the Grade 8 class, she decided to have a game about basic knowledge. The class was divided into 2 groups, and they were called alternately to answer the prepared questions of the ST. It was somehow chaotic because the students were very competitive.
As I was listening to the mentor talking about the issue, I have pondered enough values which I should embody for it will be very helpful in my future endeavors. I have emphasized in my mind the importance of being honest and owning up to one's actions. Students might have explained that stealing is not just morally wrong but also illegal, and that it can have
serious consequences. And respecting other people's property and personal space is a must. In the future, I want my students to point out that stealing violates the trust and respect that we should have for each other. Being responsible for one's things and belonging will really keep our things safe away from the possible bad things that may happen, because if we won’t there will be consequences so it is very important to think before we act. In addition, I will also let my students think and feel the things that they have done or the possible feelings that the victim of the issue would feel. By emphasizing these values, the teacher was likely trying to help the students develop a strong sense of ethics and make better choices in the future. Games to emphasize lessons can be a powerful motivator for students. By adding a competitive element to learning, students can become more engaged and motivated to perform well. However, it is important to balance competition with collaboration and support, as too much competition can lead to negative behaviors and discourage some students from participating. Overall, games can be a valuable tool for enhancing learning in the classroom. By providing an engaging and competitive environment, games can help students develop important skills and knowledge while also having fun.
Educators play an essential role in dealing with issues between students. I have seen how they handle conflicts and address concerns with utmost professionalism, respect, and sensitivity towards the students' wellbeing.One of the most effective approaches that I have observed is the teacher's ability to remain calm and composed when addressing conflicts between students. I have seen teachers who take the time to listen to both sides of the story before making any decisions, and I am now trying my best to be the best teacher that I can be. To make sure that every student is given an equal opportunity to voice out their concerns and express their opinions. I want to establish a safe and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels respected and valued. I will create clear expectations and boundaries, and make sure that every student understands and follows my rules and regulations for those are the things that I know that is best for them. I will also promote positive behaviors and reinforce them regularly, such as showing kindness and empathy towards others.
Overall, I believe that educators play a critical role in helping students navigate conflicts and issues that arise between them. By creating a safe and inclusive learning environment and modeling positive behaviors, teachers can help students develop the skills they need to resolve conflicts in a respectful and productive manner.
Last April 12, 2023, I had my 4th observation to the class of Grade 8Cedar. But before we had our observation, our mentor asked us to pair up and staple stacks of test papers. And when I say stacks, it’s a lot. It is for the preparation for their upcoming periodical exams and I can sense that teachers are really making the students ready. But as a student-observer, I can definitely say that pairing up and stapling test papers for periodical exams is quite tiring. It requires a lot of manual labor, and depending on how many test papers there are to be stapled, it can take quite a bit of time.You have to make sure that you have all the test papers in the correct order and that they are facing the right way. Then, you have to pair them up so that each test paper has its corresponding answer sheet. Once you have paired up all the test papers, you have to staple them together, which can be quite tedious and time-consuming. Depending on how many staples are required per test paper, it can take a while to staple them all together. Furthermore, if the test papers are particularly thick or if there are a lot of them, it can be quite physically tiring to staple them all together. Your hand and arm can start to cramp up from using the stapler repeatedly. And thankfully, the test papers weren’t thick enough to drain all the energy in my arms. At exactly 2 pm, we headed to my mentor’s afternoon class, which was her advisory as well. The first agenda she did was to sell each student a 10-peso ticket in line to their St. Vicente Ferrer Parish Church. After which, she directly had a lesson about colonialism and imperialism. Our mentor was a joker when it came to giving lessons to her students. And I was literally laughing the whole lesson because she kept on throwing jokes to her students. And having a joker teacher in a grade 8 class can have several advantages. Firstly, a joker teacher can make the classroom environment more lively and engaging. They can use humor and jokes to make the lessons more interesting and memorable, which can help students retain the information better. Secondly, a joker teacher can help to reduce stress and tension in the classroom. Middle school can be a stressful time for students, and having a teacher who can make them laugh and lighten the mood can be a welcome relief.
Thirdly, a joker teacher can help to build a strong rapport with their students. When a teacher uses humor, it can help to create a more relaxed and open environment, which can encourage students to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Finally, a joker teacher can help to develop important life skills, such as creativity, communication, and problem-solving. When a teacher uses humor and jokes, they are modeling these skills, and students can learn from their example. In these advantages, I am inspired to make my soon classroom environment more lively, inclusive, and engaging.
As I recall my observations, I can say that there will always be factors which could make the teachings good, and which could inspire the students to learn. And one important factor is the presence of a very good teacher. When I become a teacher, I will really make sure that my students will feel safe and comfortable to express themselves, ask questions without the fear of judgment or ridicule. I want them to see that in every decision they make, as their teacher, I will support them and make sure that they value themselves. As a future educator as well, I want to be an effective communicator so that I could bridge my ideas and concepts to my future students because I want them to develop their holistic selves.
Last May 10, 2023, we had our fifth and last observation at Abellana National School. Even if we were not around during the past days because of some events at our university, still Abellana National School is still the same. It will always be surrounded by students playing basketball, some running because they are late to their classes and others buying foods for their snacks. And as for me and for my partner, Margaux, we were killing time. For the first hour during our stay in Abellana, we were just talking about our little token of appreciation that we will be giving to our mentor, Ma’am Aventurado, and the rest of the time was making small talks about our surroundings. After which, we went to the class of Grade 8- Cedar and started our observation there. Our teacher had a humorous side when it came to teaching us. Throughout the entire class, I couldn't stop laughing because she continuously made jokes. Having a teacher with a good sense of humor in an eighth-grade classroom can provide many benefits. A funny teacher can create an atmosphere that is more dynamic and captivating. They can incorporate humor and amusing anecdotes into their lessons to make them more engaging and memorable, resulting in better retention of information by students. Secondly, a humorous teacher can help alleviate stress and tension in the classroom. The middle school years can be challenging for students, and a teacher who can make them laugh and ease the atmosphere can be a welcome relief. Thirdly, a funny teacher can establish a strong connection with their students. By using humor, they can create an environment that is more relaxed and welcoming, which encourages students to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Lastly, a jester-like teacher can teach essential life skills, such as creativity, communication, and problem-solving. By modeling these skills through humor and jokes, students can learn by example. After reflecting on these advantages, I am motivated to create a classroom environment like that. After our observation, we also checked the answer sheets of the students because they had a mini activity about their lessons. After which, I and my partner decided to give the checked papers to our mentor and we
also gave a little Token of Appreciation just to show how thankful we are to our mentor giving us the guidance and for always being approachable whenever we need questions.
Based on my recollection of my observations, I can state that there will always exist certain elements that can render teachings effective and motivate students to learn. One crucial factor is the presence of an exceptional instructor. When I become a teacher, I will take great care to ensure that my pupils feel secure and at ease expressing themselves, asking questions without apprehension of being judged or ridiculed. I aspire to demonstrate to them that, as their teacher, I will support them in every decision they make and help them recognize their self-worth. As a future educator, I aim to be a proficient communicator, enabling me to convey my thoughts and concepts to my future pupils and facilitate their overall growth.
My experience as a student-observer in Grade 8 at Abellana National School has been a valuable learning opportunity for me. Throughout my observation, I have witnessed the energy, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit that the Grade 8 students bring to their learning. This has served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and embracing new challenges with an open mind. One notable aspect of the Grade 8 students' learning is their ability to communicate effectively and work well in teams. They demonstrate a willingness to share their ideas and perspectives, even when they differ from those of their peers. This has emphasized the significance of effective communication skills and the value of diversity in creating a rich learning environment. Additionally, I have been impressed by the resilience and persistence of the Grade 8 students. Despite encountering difficulties and setbacks, they remain committed to their goals and strive for success. This has underscored the importance of perseverance and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Overall, my observation in Grade 8 has provided me with valuable insights into effective learning strategies and the factors that contribute to academic success. It has reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, fostering effective communication, embracing diversity, and cultivating resilience in my own learning journey.
Additionally, the observation highlighted the significance of creativity and innovation in making any celebration or program stand out and memorable. Embracing new ideas, perspectives, and approaches can add freshness and excitement to the planning and execution process. By exercising creativity, fresh perspectives, and energy can be infused into the event, contributing to its success and enjoyment for all participants. Moreover, a sense of responsibility and accountability emerged as essential values for ensuring the success of any program or celebration. Taking ownership of roles and responsibilities, meeting commitments, and delivering on expectations is crucial. Being accountable for actions and
decisions, accepting feedback, and learning from mistakes fosters a sense of order and structure, ultimately helping achieve goals and objectives.
From this observation, it becomes clear that collaboration, cooperation, creativity, innovation, responsibility, and accountability are indispensable components of a successful program or celebration. Applying these values in future endeavors can generate engaging and effective experiences tailored to the needs of participants, ultimately making events more memorable and impactful.
1st Observation: The first photo was taken last March 15, 2023 wherein our first observation happened. I decided to take the photo at a certain angle to hide the faces of the students. The second photo was also the selfie of me and Margaux just to remember that our first day of observation was a success.
2nd Observation: This day was the Foundation day of Abellana National School so we didn’t get the chance to observe classes because it was shortened. So me and my classmates decided to watch their programs so that we could experience and see how their programs are.
3rd Observation: That day was the last day of the Student-Teacher in teaching the Grade 8- Cedar. She prepared a little game for the students for the last time, and it was fun. We also took a photo with her and give our thanks for all the advice and tips she has given.
4th Observation: Since the last observation was the final day for the Student-Teacher, then Mrs. Aventurado was the one in-charge. She was very funny in handling her students.
5th Observation: Last day of class observation for Grade 8- Cedar. It was fun to observe classes with very energetic students and a very humorous teacher.
