Learning Log

Teaching Profession

Hereby compiled are the learning and reflections of the group presentations
about educational systems of different countries and three additional topics
namely Multi-cultural Education, Teacher Exchange Programs &
Networks/Linkages.

2014
Submitted by: Demi Bernice Eslit
Submitted to: Mr. Vincent Theodore Balo
3/16/2014
Educational System in South Africa
Group: Five

What did I learn?

There is an equal access to education in South Africa as the same with the
equality in democracy. Emphasis was given on Child Labor & Education where in
children doesnt have money to access education so they need to work.
Six years old is the reception age where in the parents are obliged to send their
children to school. The Foundation Phase is Grades 0 to 3. Grades 4, 5 and 6 are the
intermediate phase and the Senior Level or the Senior Phase covers the grades 7, 8 and
9. After the Basic Elementary Education, students can precede to General Education &
Training, then, Further Education and Higher Education. There are specific qualifications
for each level and you have to attain them so as to enable you to access the next level
of education.


Reflection:

South Africa has a very well structured educational system which could possibly
lead the students to their success but the only thing is that they lack money and funds
that is why even children of very young age starts to work instead of going to school. In
such case, the children in South Africa are much more motivated to work than to go to
school since food is their primary reinforcement. This could also affect South Africas
literacy rate and economic status which could lead to severe poverty.



Educational System in United Kingdom
Group: Seven

What did I learn?

There are four diplomat countries in United Kingdom that was emphasized which
are England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
In their Educational System, there are five stages, which are the Early Education,
Primary Education, Secondary Education, Further Education and Higher Education.
Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland).
The National Curriculum which was established in the year 1988 is the same curriculum
that runs through all four countries mentioned which is now followed and retained. Early
Education & Further Education are not compulsory for the students to take.
Nevertheless, there are so called key stages where in there are assessments being
given to the students before entering those stages so as to ensure that the student is
capable of proceeding to that key stage.


Reflection:

The Educational System in United Kingdom is good and well-structured which
only manifests and gives justice to the brilliance of the people living in United Kingdom.
Early Education and Primary Education is given much emphasis, since it is their primary
concern to really teach the students very well at an early age since it is the foundation
of learning. Such belief is what struck me the most as an Early Childhood Educator. It
makes me wonder what its like to work there.




Educational System in United States
Group: Eight

What did I learn?

In United States of America, the academic year starts in August or September
and continues through May or June.
Education is compulsory over an age range starting between five and eight and
ending somewhere between ages sixteen and eighteen, depending on the state. In
preschool, ages two to four are being sent to school for this stage.
Kindergarten starts at five to six and varied ages are welcome in high school for
grades nine to twelve. (Freshman: 14-15, Sophomore: 15-16, Junior: 16-17, Senior; 17-18.
You can then proceed to the higher education after the 12
th
grades on varied ages but
often, 18-22 and after that, proceed to graduate school. In continuing education, you
can choose whether to enroll in a Vocational School or in Adult Education.



Reflection:

Education in United States is what, I think, the Philippines is trying to imitate
especially its similarities with the K-12 curriculum.
They already practice independency at the age of 16 which is indeed, a really
big help in building the self-esteem of the students. There is no problem in the funds and
facilities neither in private nor public schools since the allotted money for each is very
well decided and distributed.



Educational System in China
Group: Six

What did I learn?

There is what they call a nine-year compulsory education in which all students
must attend school for at least nine years, that is, six years in primary school and three
years in high school. After that, you can precede in Senior High School of ages 15 to 17
in Grades 10-12 but it is not compulsory.
One thing about its primary school is that they teach Mathematics in grades 1-4
and distribute the different kinds of sciences on grades 5-9 (General Science, Biological
Science, Chemical Science & Physical Science)
China has also the biggest population of students in the world same as itself
being the most populous country around the globe.
The primary-school curriculum covers the subjects of Chinese, mathematics,
physical education, music, drawing, history, and geography, combined with practical
work experiences around the school compound.


Reflection:

China has a very long educational system and you would finish your studies at
the age of 25 which I think would take very much hard work and money. They have a
very well planned assignment of subjects per level which I think really appropriate to
students as their minds unravel slowly and slowly. I think China should give emphasis to
English in their curriculum they are the most populous country and its not impossible for
their citizens to travel around the globe. This emphasis in English will make them a whole
lot better travelling citizens and more competitive as well.


Educational System in Japan
Group: Three

What did I learn?

In Japan, education is compulsory at the elementary and lower secondary
levels.

Most students attend public schools through the lower secondary level. The
primary education in Japan is consists of kindergarten and day-care centers. Public
and private day-care centers take children from under age one on up to five years old.
Kindergarten cover ages three to six while elementary covers ages six to twelve
(which are grades one to six). Secondary school is divided into two which is the Lower
Secondary School and Upper Secondary School which both covers three levels each.
After that, you can proceed to different colleges/schools that you prefer, namely,
Medical School, Veterinary School, Dentistry School, National Academy, Community
College, Vocation School, and Technical School.
You will probably finish your Ph. D at the age of twenty-eight.

Reflection:

Same as to with China, the Japan Educational System in really long which takes
28 years for you to finish your studies or your Ph. D. (that is if you tend to attend Master
and Doctor degrees).
They pay attention to much on medical courses since they really have schools
for individual specializations of medics. I believe such countries with very long
educational systems have competitive students and citizens which make their
economical status stable or increasing.




Educational System in Philippines
Group: Nine

What did I learn?

The most controversial bill/law in the educational system in the Philippines is the
K-12 Curriculum which was recently signed by Pres. Benigno Aquino, III. Though it aims to
strengthen the educational system, there are also disadvantages and advantages
which are in line in such subject. The former is consists of the following:
some people are not informed and not motivated with the advantages of
the K-12 education program
people are afraid of change and resist it
lack of funds
takes time
On the other hand, the latter is good news to us, especially for the ECE
educators.
aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines
aims to meet the standards required by professionals that wants to work
abroad
fully enhances and develop students
equips the graduates to be able to face pressures in their future
workplace

Reflection:

K-12 Education in the Philippines would indeed take too much time for us to be
successful since we cannot directly expect fast and immediate results of its intervention
as a blink of an eye. Indeed, we still lack funds which is the major factor why we cant
do it as soon as possible since there are still lack of classrooms, books, and facilities
benchmarking our public schools and the schools in remote areas.

Multi-cultural Education
Group: One

What did I learn?

Multicultural education is a set of strategies and materials in U.S. education that
were developed to assist teachers to respond to the many issues created by rapidly
changing demographics of their students.
This kind of education provides knowledge to students about diverse groups and
culture all around the globe.
It also states that in teaching, teachers should include the race, class and tribal
group of the students in the teaching-learning process. Teachers should not isolate the
differences from the majority to minority since it is the one of its objective is to equally
teach the students like there are no differences.


Reflection:

This multi-cultural education aims to set fairness and equality although out the
globe which started with the United States. Such idea was adopted by most of the
countries and is now something that is worth knowing by the teachers around the
globe. To establish equality in one simple classroom setting is everything whether you
have diversity of culture or groups in it. Thus, it is also an essential quality of a teacher to
know the boundaries of diverse groups, establish awareness and fairness and also,
keeping an eye ALL for the students, nothing more, nothing less.




Teacher Exchange Programs
Group: Two

What did I learn?

In Teacher Exchange Programs, there are five mentioned fields namely,
1.) Visiting International Faculty Program (with two prospects: a. All schools
should have at least one international exchange programs, b. All students
should be exposed of exchanged in academic teachers)
2.) Full Bright Teacher Exchange Program quality of effective classroom
3.) Inter-African Teacher Exchange involves their self in lesson proper
ADVANTAGES
a lot of opportunities of African people
they observe classroom setting and subject matter
experiences is jotted down on a journal
4.) Canadian Educators Exchange teachers swap their job to another country
within 1 year.
5.) Global Teacher Millennium Awards touch a life from 3 millions of life


Reflection:

It feels good to know that Cebu Normal University is following the prospect of the
International Faculty Program where in teachers go to other countries to conduct
researches and wear the shoes that the foreign teachers out there are wearing. It only
manifests how competitive CNU is to be able to adapt to the Teacher Exchange
Program that is now contributing to our schools betterment. I, too, someday would like
to experience being an exchange teacher somewhere over London to be able to
experience and conduct a research about their educational system and their
strategies in teaching.

Networks & Linkages
Group: Ten


What did I learn?

Networks and linkages are important connections between people and
institutions that have the same goal. This can either be national/local or international
linkages that share the mutual benefits and assistance needed. Networking comprises
of networking with professional organizations, foundations, government offices and
media. Its objective is to deliver quality educational services to the youth.
There is a big difference between network and linkage. In LINKAGE, the
relationship is quite loose while in NETWORKING, it is much stronger because there are
same goals and objectives to be attained.
Some professional organizations mentioned in networking of educational
institutions are Teacher Educational Institution and State Universities and Colleges
Teachers Association. Some foundations mentioned are the Ayala Foundation, GMA
foundation and SM foundation which vary in aims but helps in education literacy and
funds for the technological development of the state.

Reflection:

Taking into the account of the old adage, No man is an island can certainly
substantiate the entire topic being presented. Such networks and linkages help build
the betterment of our institutions here in the Philippines especially the educational
institutions that are given emphasis although out. A warm heart, generosity and random
act of kindness have been embellished in these foundations to be able to share their
power and blessings to people that are in need. Nevertheless, what still remains a
question is the proper dissemination of the funds being given by such foundations and
how well the officials of this networks work to further attain the goals and objectives
being presented.