Kylie Rochford, a graduate student at Case Western Reserve University answered this question this way:” Undergraduate study gave me an opportunity to understanding existing knowledge in my field Graduate school gives me the opportunity to that knowledge.” The answer clearly differentiates an undergraduate(Baccalaureate degree) from graduate studies (Masteral Degree) in terms of the acquisition and application of knowledge.
Take this situation: You are suffering from an eye infection and immediately you think of consulting an eye specialist. You go to that doctor and you were surprised to note that you are number 25 on the list already and the clinic hour starts at 3:00 o’clock in the aternoon, what will be your reaction? I am sure that you will patiently wait to be treated by that doctor because you know how good he is in terms of curing eye-related problems being an eye specialist. He is knowledgeable compared to an ordinary doctor and that he pursued this specialization by attending additional years of schooling which is a post graduate course.
A graduate of master’s degree has a better expertise in their chosen profession in terms of physical, mental, social and moral aspects which implies they are more knowledgeable and reliable. In Physical apsect, a graduate in master’s degree is health conscious aside from the care of oneself and dress code which make her look professional and respectable. On the Cognitive part, a graduate of master’s degree has undergone a research study which required a lot of critical thinking, analsyis and intensive delivery of wise and firm decision to defend a thesis. To some, there is an opportunity to present the title internationally. This learning experience provides an opportunity to become a reliable resource person or even a potential curriculum developer or a consultant. In Social aspect, there is an opportunity to befriend fellow graduates with indepth knowledge to connect with and contribute to the world’s knowledge. Finally, in Moral aspect, the graduate of master’s degree has to be a role model to all for there is a deeper knowledge about the rights of every individual and is able to differentiate write from wrong.
This is the reason why I enrolled in the graduate school program. I want to enhance myself with all these aspects by attending a formal graduate school. I opt to see other enrollees and professors to be in every interactions, sharing relevant experiences as well as expertise. Collaborative learning has an edge over self study or even distant learning. Another reason is due to curriculum enhancement being implemented to improve our educational system in order to prepare students to be competitive and be adept with the Department of Education’s vision, mission and goal. A good example is the K-12 program intended to provide every Filipino students a quality education(Education for All) to become a key player in the ASEAN Community after graduation. One best qualification required to teach in grade 11 is a graduate of master’s degree and salary-wise it is higher.
It is in this case that I highly recommend teachers to enrol in the Graduate School. There are many benefits you can get you become one since teaching was your career and this is the best way to achieve your career goals. This is one of the best investments to think right now. The right school for you is just within your reach and affordable. There are public colleges and universities offering a master’s degree and even doctoral degree with low tuition fees. You can even apply for scholarship from your local government.
As an end, let me leave this quotation from Christa McAulife, a teacher and an astronaut “I touch the future I teach”. For me, this means that the future depends on what and how are we teaching our students. If we implant good education foundation to them we shall have a bright and better future ahead. So, teachers do really play vital rolre on this aspect. Enjoy whatever you are doing and enjoy learning because learning is a continuous process and therefore always find ways to become a good teacher.
By: RIZALINA A. CUENCO | Master Teacher I | Bataan National High School City of Balanga
