The question on whether science education is still relevant is an understatement. It is indeed relevant more than ever. Yes, especially during this time of a great pandemic that has changed the way our society lives, forcing us all to shift from normal to “the new normal’. Many of us stayed home to be protected from the Covid19 virus. There has been a number of national and localized lockdowns to protect us all from the fatality of the virus. On the other hand, while the pandemic has challenged us all in general, how does the pandemic affect science education in the country?
This new school year 2020-2021, more than 23.6 million students enrolled, according to the data released by the Department of Education (DepEd) (Deped, 2020). All of these students have science related subjects as mandated by basic education. The goals of science education in the Philippine are clearly stated in science curriculum: produce scientifically literate citizens who are informed and active participants of the society, responsible decision makers, and apply scientific knowledge that will significantly impact the society and the environment (Pacquing, 2020). These are notable goals especially for a country where the scientific community is challenged by development, facing stiff competitions among our neighbors. In fact, many are saying that the country is now being left behind in science and technological development (Mateo, 2019). This pandemic, we are now the top country with the most number of Covid19 cases. Many of the countries that has been showing significant successes in their battle against the pandemic have been using science to battle it.
With that, science education is a key player in science and technology, and in facing another pandemic in the future. We need to develop more scientifically minded educational institutions and students so we can produce more scientists and more technology to face larger societal problems. The pandemic has shown us that we can battle health emergencies with scientific solutions. Ergo, scientific solutions only happen when we have a vibrant science education in the country. The current pandemic has been teaching us this obviously. The current pandemic is not an exclusive problem of the medical frontliners; it is an inclusive problem which includes educational institutions. The pandemic has also shown a lot of ignorance on health and sanitation in the country, basic health education that could have prevented diseases in the future. Numerous fake and false information on the pandemic appeared during the lockdowns, causing panic to people (Robles, 2020). The pandemic has been teaching us that we need to intensify science education in schools and beyond its walls. A scientifically educated population is more proactive and responsive to real-world problems by applying their scientific knowledge. In a country where everything is political, the covid19 pandemic has greatly shown all of us that most problems of our society can be solved by science. Amidst this pandemic, a lesson has been taught to us all over again: science education is a key factor in building a scientific community.
References:
Hernando-Malipot, . (August 25, 2020). 23.6 million students enroll for new school year — DepEd. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved via https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/25/23-6-million-students-enroll-for-new-school-year-deped/#:~:text=More%20than%2023.6%20million%20students,enrollment%20data%20as%20of%20Aug.
Ginno Jhep A. Pacquing. Goals of Science Education In The Philippines. (2020) Department of Education – Bataan retrieved via http://www.depedbataan.com/resources/4/goals_of_science_education_in_the_philippines.pdf
Mateo, Janvic. (December 5, 2019). Filipino students lagging in reading, math, science. The Philippine Starhttps://www.philstar.com/other-sections/education-and-home/2019/12/05/1974333/filipino-students-lagging-reading-math-science
Robles, Raissa. (May 1, 2020). Philippine police investigate 23 for coronavirus ‘fake news’, cyber libel. South China Morning Post. Retrieved via
By: Leandro M. Malibiran| Teacher II | Bataan National High School Senior High School| Balanga, Bataan
