It is a fact thatcountries where students steadily achieve high ratings in school will find economic success and nations with students who demonstrate low academic triumph will face a stagnant economy.
What is the secret behind the success of nations that conquers poverty and low economic growth? What’s with Japan, Singapore, China andUnited States of America that make them to have the superpowers in terms of economy and trade? They say that this century would be the rise of all… but why are we lagging behind?
Education. One word, four syllables, nine letters that can change the face of the world. It is the root of every progress. When viewed through a dictionary, education is the action or process of educating or of being educated which brings new ideas and knowledge into one’s mind. But when viewed by the world, education is your sword and shield, your strong foundation, your edge among others. High-class education is the clandestine of the reigning nations’ economies today. How can you build an excellent house without putting up beforehand a strong and a secure cornerstone? Countries with superpowers of economy know the answer to that question. They first finely wrought their next generation into globally-competitive individuals which took them 12 years in the process, 12 years of perspiration and of determination in their pursuit of excellence, 12 years of in-depth preparation for the real world, and 12 years of molding them to stand out in this flat and changing world.
The world is flat. In that statement lies a tale of technology and geo-economics that is fundamentally reshaping our lives – much more rapidly than many people realize. It all occurred while we are comfortably sleeping and enjoying our rest – which even promoted some to wonder globalization, was over. In reality, just the opposite was true, which is why it’s time to wake up and to prepare ourselves for this flat world, because others already are, and there is no time to waste.
Are you ready for globalization?
Through the ages, we’ve gone through different globalization levels. According to an article in New York Times, Globalization 1.0 shrank the world’s shape from large to medium and its dynamic force was countries globalizing for resources and imperial conquest. Globalization 2.0 shrank the world from medium size to small, and it was spearheaded by companies globalizing for markets and labors. Globalization 3.0, at present, is shrinking the
world to a tiny and flattening playing field. Its dynamic force – the thing that gives it its unique character – is individuals and groups globalizing. Individuals must, and can, now ask: Where do
I fit into the global competition and opportunities of the day, and how can I, on my own, collaborate with others globally?
The Philippines, being the only Asian country with 10-year Basic Education Curriculum and one of the three nations in the world that didn’t follow the K-12 system, will be crashed by the roaring waves of superbness of its neighboring countries if it will continue to let itself be enclosed in the four corners of the box. Fortunately, we’re alarmed with this threat. With the help of the government, we are now aware of the happenings around the globe. We are now arming ourselves for the real battle in life. With the adoption of K-12 Program, we can be at par with other races. The K-12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of basic education which is comprised by six years of primary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. It provides sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop life-long learners, and prepare graduates for the challenges of the real world. Under it, kindergarten has now been integrated into the basic education system to ensure that all Grade 1 students are ready for academic learning. It also implements the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education from kindergarten to kindergarten which promotes better understanding on lessons, and English and Filipino mediums will be used when they are in Grade 4 up to Grade 12 to start honing the linguistic skills of students in the universal and local languages. It will also improve learning in core academic areas which are based on high standards set by the government. With it, you can have specializations when you reach the Senior High School that can allow students to choose among academic, technical-vocational, or sports and arts tracks depending on their interest, the community needs, and the results of their skills assessment. The K-12 Program was evidently found useful in every aspect. It makes us at an equal speed with other countries in the global race. The government envisioned that enhanced K-12 program graduates acquire mastery of basic competencies, more emotionally mature, socially aware, pro-active, involved in public and civic affairs, adequately prepared for the world of work or entrepreneurship or higher education, legally employable with potential for better earnings, and globally competitive.
Through the K to 12 program we can prove to the whole world that Filipinos can conquer those GIANTS.
By: Pia Moran G. Mangahas | Teacher III | MNHS- Cabcaben | Mariveles, Bataan