Security Bank Foundation, in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED), conducted a three-day teachers’ training focused on strategies and tools in teaching Mathematics and Science subjects in Quezon City, Cebu City and Davao City.  The annual teachers’ training program was a major component of Security Bank Foundation’s “Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project”.  The training was attended by 301 Elementary, Junior High School and Senior High School teachers from the Foundation’s beneficiary schools nationwide.

The training introduced different teaching strategies that will help the teachers engage the learners and encourage their active participation in class.  Mentors from ACED shared various teaching approaches such as the experiential approach where students learn by reflecting on the activity that they are doing, the discovery approach where the learners try to solve problems by drawing on past experiences and existing knowledge to discover new learnings, and the inquiry approach where learners are challenged to ask questions in order to enrich learning.

The training emphasized the need to make learning collaborative, fun and interactive.  Mentors introduced digital learning applications that teachers can customize to test students on their understanding of the lessons through gameplay.  They also provided online resources where teachers can download videos and other visual materials for presentation in class.

Teachers were asked to do Science experiments to highlight the importance of hands-on activities in sparking students’ interest, curiosity and critical thinking.  Visualization was introduced as a tool in teaching Mathematics where students see first the concept before solving mathematical abstracts.  The training was filled with simulations of different kinds of group activities that encourage creativity, collaboration and communication among students.

The teachers also attended a financial wellness learning session conducted by Elsa De Gracia, Security Bank Wellness Coach, where they learned about managing their finances and growing their funds through investments.

Since 2014, Security Bank Foundation has trained 1,003 teachers in Araling Panlipunan, English, Mathematics and Science teaching strategies.

Here are testimonials from some of the teachers who participated in the training:

“The training gave me ideas on how to enhance my teaching with the use of technology applications that can make learning exciting and interesting.”

– Jovy Jane Casiple, Junior High School Science Teacher of Emiliano Lizares National High School (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)

“The training challenged me as a teacher to do the best that I can for my students to like and love mathematics.”

– Marilyn Bucog, Junior High School Mathematics Teacher of Jagobiao National High School (Mandaue City, Cebu)

“The training made us realize that there are a lot of techniques on how the teaching and learning process can be made enjoyable and motivating for students to ensure productive learning.  Now is the right time to start re-exploring.”

– Angelina Besa, Junior High School Science Teacher of Leyte National High School (Tacloban City, Leyte)

“Learners must have experiential learning from the very beginning of the class.  That way, they will enjoy learning.”

– Brian Baluca, Elementary Science Teacher of Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School (Tagbilaran City, Bohol)

“The training opened my mind that Science should not only be taught because of the content itself. It should be taught for the learners to discover things.  Teachers should deal more on how the learners will uphold the lesson and use it in the future.”

– Wilson Panes, Jr. Elementary Science Teacher of Inzo Arnaldo Village Integrated School (Roxas City, Capiz)

“To be honest, if the strategies I have learned from this seminar were already introduced during my elementary days, I know that I would have been very participative, excited and enthusiastic. As a teacher, I will let my pupils experience what I had experienced from this seminar.”

– Rolando Fuego, Elementary Science Teacher of Cugman Elementary School (Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental)

“The teachers’ training made us realize the importance of engaging learners in learning subjects such as physics, chemistry and research.  These subjects sure are tough but one can make them exciting and interactive for our learners through varied learning activities.”

– Rowell Tuquib, Senior High School Science Teacher of Banisil National High School (General Santos City, South Cotabato)