English Language Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in the Philippines

The term autonomy has been known by Philippine teachers. However, they still did not implement it because the environment makes the teacher as the main source. Therefore, it requires the teachers’ competence and knowledge. The more the teachers’ knowledge, the better and understandable the material to convey. Critical thinking can be used to trigger the students to be autonomous.The teacher’s attitude toward the LA is transparant. It means that she clarify the upcoming lesson so the students will prepare it at home. During the activity, the students should be involved. They can brings their interest and ability into the activities. Similar to Indonesia, the changing of curriculum also happens in Philippines. The teachers feel that it impedes them to vary the techniques. Also, the ASEAN economic community take parts in affecting the teachers’ attitude on LA. The obstacles faced are the learners’ minimum experience of LA, the curriculum changing and the material, and teachers’ autonomy.  Regarding to the curriculum, teachers only have limited duration to implement it. If it still be applied, the technique will only be a process without any objective. Also, national examination become the main concern in teaching and learning both for the teacher and the students.

A Commonly Found Question

Question	:	What are the differences between teacher’s presentation technique in university and secondary level?
Answer	:	The main differences are the objectives of the subjects, language learner proficiency as well as the learners’ differences. In the university level, the teacher provides the guidance in the beginning of the meeting while in the secondary level, the teacher should guide the students along the teaching and learning process. Indeed, he becomes a facillitator rather than as the main sources.

Critical Analysis

The similar case in Indonesia also occurs in Philiphine. The students are expected to be autonomous but there are many factors impede this. The changing of curriculum and its release before finishing confuse the teachers. The unclear objectives and process makes the teachers question what they should do. Also, before implementing LA, the teacher himself should be autonomous. Although the government conducted some workshop or seminar regarding to the socialization of the curriculum, there should be a continuation of this activity such as monitoring and the teachers regular report. Making the same perception is also important. aslo, the teachers or lecturers in big city should be trained for many times and they can be asked to teach other teachers from all rural areas. Based on my experience, I joint my mother who is a teacher (non english teacher) in a workshop. Then, the coach convey the material based on his understanding. However, it is different from what my lecturers in my bachelor university taught and the theories I read. It was confusing. Therefore, I suggest that the coach should be trained many times and their understanding must be checked.

References

Barnard and Li. 2016. Language Learner Autonomy: Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Asia Context. Phnom Pehn: Ankor Thom Printer Co. Ltd.

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