CBI and theater arts, to address learning loss
In keeping with the Learning Continuity and Recovery Plan (LCRP) of the Schools Division San Juan City, the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) conducted a training-workshop that highlighted Content-based Instruction (CBI) and Theater Arts as a literacy pedagogy for key stage one teachers who will implement an intervention program. Selected teachers from the nine public elementary schools gathered on August 15-17, 2022 at the SDO Conference Hall to undergo a training-workshop on basic theater arts in order to heighten the engagement of learners in the intervention activities while unpacking the concepts from other learning areas using the CBI approach. This is a result of the assessment data collected from the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) that revealed the need for a number of learners to go through differentiated degrees of refresher courses for Filipino and English which essentially comprise the learning loss and gaps in beginning reading.
Education Program Supervisor for English Ms. Marnelli B. Tolentino talked about the fundamental facts about the brain to emphasize the innate capacity of the children to learn especially when the circumstances are designed to help them maximize the contact time in school. This was followed by a session explaining why the use of basic integrated theater arts could be effective as a literacy pedagogy for the remedial learners as handled by Ms. Eulafel C. Pascual, the Education Program Supervisor for Filipino. Both of them presented a walk through on the sample program of the Eight Week Curriculum and the mapped learning competencies that would be tackled for the duration of the intervention program. There was a workshop on the curriculum articulations of the CBI and integrations of social-emotional learning (SEL) through the different activities designed for a whole group or small group interaction. It was at that time that the participants understood how the programming would look like as certain competencies were merged for a day’s lesson and how specific activities could complement each other to better facilitate the understanding of the said learners on the lesson.
Meanwhile, Mr. Anthony Cruz of Malabon National High School and the current Artistic Director of Tanghalang Bagong Sibol Theater and Dance Company and EXECOM member of the National Committee on Dramatic Arts, facilitated the presentation of the different elements of artistic expressions. He talked about the following dimensions: line, space, color, texture, movement, rhythm, and sound, and how these elements are carefully crafted to execute a creative expression that warrant thinking and feeling. The participants had a first hand experience on how these could be integrated in classroom practices which could surely add fun and excitement for the children. There were spontaneous movement as instructions were given during group dynamics that enabled them to use stock knowledge and information about themselves like birthdays, order in the family, their respective schema on monthly celebrations, and how these could relate to other lessons. The second part dealt with the concept of performer, audience, director, theater space, design aspect, script, or text as experienced in the classroom. At first, the participants used a text from a short story. They were made to do certain activities that required the creative use of their space while unpacking the target competencies. Then, they were asked to do random dialogues without apparent connection. But because of the playful use of the different elements, the teachers were able to make sense of the activity.
The last day was used to design lesson planning using the mapped competencies and how the teachers could integrate different elements of theater arts. These activities could culminate into a performance task that would serve as the assessment of learning. Two teachers were tasked to do a demonstration teaching for English and Filipino so the participants could see how the articulations of theater arts in the teaching-learning process. Ms. Magdalena S. Rosopa, Master Teacher II at Pinaglabanan Elementary School, demonstrated a lesson in English while Ms. Jayza O. Justiniana, Teacher I at Salapan Elementary School, showcased one lesson in Filipino. The open forum took place to clarify understanding from the participants so that the expected outputs could hit the target that would complete the tasks in the eight-week curriculum. A dedicated drive would contain all the submissions subject to the quality assurance of the division core team.
Key division officials were there to pose the challenge on them which they gladly accepted. Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cecille G. Carandang gave them the following message, “We are confident that with your cooperation, we will be able to achieve our targets of bringing the 981 Filipino learners and 286 English learners needing refresher courses to the desired grade-level fitness by the end of the intervention program.” CID Chief Dr. Helen G. Padilla further added, “All the supervisors will be there with you to support in the intervention as their partner schools implement the activities. There will be technical assistance to be provided to ensure that we are headed towards the same direction.”
Having heard all of these challenges and inspiration, Ms. Leoncia T. Alacon of Sta. Lucia Elementary School, delivered a speech on behalf of all the participants and asked them to stand with vigor.An excerpt of her passionate speech said, “Kaming mga guro ng Dibisyon ng San Juan ay buong pusong tinatanggap ang hamo ng pagsasagawa ng 8-week curriculum. Walang maiiwan! Para sa bata! Para sa bayan!” It would still be a long way to go but at the end of the day, what mattered most is the commitment of everyone to contribute in whatever way they can for the love and care of the learners.
Article Written by:
MARNELLI B. TOLENTINO
Education Program Supervisor - English
EULAFEL C. PASCUAL
Education Program Supervisor - Filipino
