The Philippine Organization of Science and Technology Educators (P.O.S.T.E.) commemorates its two-decades since its founding with a 3-day S & T Convention on November 5-7, 2019 at the Eastern Visayas State University Main Campus, Tacloban City. This first national S & T Forum expects to draw members-participants from the four corners of the Philippines. The activities include Plenary Talks, Educators researches contest, science quiz, exhibits, games and to be capped with a search for Ginoo and Binibining Maka Kalikasan.
It has chosen the theme: “Transforming the Landscape of Science and Technology Education through Responsive Research and Innovation”.
I find the theme not only appropriate, though a bit a late recognition of the important role of S & T teachers to advance, enhance and strengthen research and innovation in the Philippines. Indeed, science teachers are in the best position to make a difference in research and innovation. They have the needed academic foundation and in an atmosphere where basic research facilities like laboratory and library facilities are within reach, at least for most schools. Very important though is the educators dedication and desire to be part of change, search for new knowledge and validating/innovating the newly found change/ideas/data and finally implementing said innovations.
I can only talk about my experience as a graduate and post-graduate student in Japan as a scholarship awardee where I observed how science faculty staffmembers spend long hours in the laboratory after their classroom lectures, doing research. Results of their research are mostly presented in S & T Fora and published in respectable journals. Discipline, and desire to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge, improving/innovating the same seem not tangibly observed in the Philippine setting, but for a limited few. We need to strengthen our resolve and commitment and acceptance of research as an equally important mandate for educators – more of a realization of CHED’s 4-pronged thrust of Teaching, Research, Production and Extension. This is the reason why CHED has made Masters Degree as basic academic requirement for those aspiring to teach in the Tertiary Level education – that they have been armed to conduct research after completing MA or MS degree and undertaking guided research and writing/defending their output called a Thesis!
As a Plenary Speaker, yours truly have been assigned the topic: “21st Century Methods in Aquatic Research: Its Implications to Science and Technology Education”. I hope to expound on why educators should get involved in research and drive a point on how research results will transform them into well-founded S & T Educators in the 21st Century.
oooo0000oooo
NEXT TOPIC : “Batting for a Specialized Training before Middle Level Managers”
SHARE S & T THOUGHTS through Email: drpacjr@yahoo.com.
