During the first few meetings, I found it incredible that the Philippine education system has such problems and exists in such situation. It is no wonder the condition of the Philippines is as it is now. With this feeling, I cannot fully participate in class discussion as I was engrossed in just listening. In fact, I would feel angry with the topics discussed. When I finally found my footing and accepted that this is the state of Philippine education, I found it fortunate that my first subject in my bid to become a teacher is EDFD 241. It gave me first the problems that needs to be fixed. With this, I’m more resolved to be an effective teacher to be able to join the few teachers striving to provide relevant and effective education.

Lemuel Namoro Apusaga

This second semester of this year is the start of my journey to furthering my education, which is the graduate study.  I was fortunate to be able to take two education foundation subjects that have made essential impressions to me as to how a teacher should be really like.  I particularly liked EDFD 221 (Socio-cultural Foundations of Education:  A Comparative Approach).  It has brought to my attention many significant and most often taken for granted persistent issues regarding the education system which many are not addressed here in our country.

Two such issues are the use indigenous learning system and hidden curriculum.  I am so glad most of the ethnic groups in our country are taking great efforts to ensure the preservation of their culture, beliefs and tradition by employing the indigenous learning system.  I just hope that their efforts would be met with assenting actions by the government specifically the Department of Education.  Their culture is part of our Philippine identity and its preservation and continuance is I believe essential so that Filipinos would not be completely lost to the world.

The issue of hidden curriculum, on the other hand, has really made me look hard at how I teach, how I am in the classroom with my students.  It made me consider and always reflect on the ways I employ to make sure learning takes place in each of my classes, what do I say and what do I actually require, and exactly what values do I really impart.  It has made me to be more cautious lest I might be imparting the wrong message and grow damaged goods instead of the youth that becomes the hope of this nation.

Jeanette Ana G. Orocay

EDFD 221, 2^nd sem (09-10)

For our final reflection, I would like to share this questionnaire that a colleague made me answer for a survey/interview assignment of her senior high school niece studying in a private school – the subject is Social Studies.  I treasured these questions first of all because I’m glad that they ask questions like these in high school.  I believe teachers should be asking more of questions like these to encourage critical thinking among our youth.  I also treasured my answers here because I did it trying to be reflective of some of the issues we have been talking about in school regarding quality of education.

For me these are the questions that each one should ask himself especially the future educators (like us).  We should not be just standing around doing nothing but in our own little way be involved and take part in rebuilding our educational system.

Following are the three questions, together with my answer.

1. 1. What do you think is our country’s current standing when it comes to education? Do you think it is competent enough compared with other countries or do you think it is lacking and needs improvement? If you think that it is lacking in some way, what can you suggest to help it become competent again?

Based on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study’s (TIMSS) previous results (1995, 1999 and 2003) our country is lagging behind its neighboring Asian countries.  In the 1995 TIMSS, we ranked 39^th in Math and 41^st in Science out of 42 participating countries.  In 1999, we ranked third to the last for both Math and Science.  In 2003 TIMSS, there were two (2) categories: Grade 4 or 9-yr-old and Grade 8 or 13-yr-old.  For 9-yr-old we ranked 23^rd among 25 participating countries both for Math and Science.  For the 13-yr-old, we ranked 41^st in Math and 42^nd in Science among 42 participants.  In 2007 TIMSS (take note), we did not join.

We are always on the lowest among other countries such as Ghana, Botswana, Qatar, El Salvador, Tunisia, Morocco, etc.  And who are among the highest?  Singapore, China, Japan, Hongkong, Korea and in the most recent TIMSS, Kazakhstan! We are left behind by our Asian neighbors mile by mile.

According to what I’ve read, these results did not come as a surprise to officials of the Department of Education (DepED).  Read on…

“According to DepED’s National Educational Testing and Research Center Director Dr. Nelia Benito, the results validated the findings of the recent national achievement tests they have administered to elementary and high school students. Their own tests revealed that elementary and high school students found it difficult to understand basic scientific concepts, do inferences, classify biological and physical matter, and solve scientific problems. Dr. Benito also said that even if the students were capable of understanding basic mathematical principles, it was difficult for them to apply these in proving, analyzing, and comprehending data on algebra, geometry, and statistics.”

Obviously, WE ARE NOT COMPETENT enough compared with other countries.  We already know the problem and yet we are not doing anything about.  It does not need improvement only, it needs OVERHAUL.

To make it competent again, first and foremost, we must admit that we have failed in the area of education. And then let us study how other countries did it.  For example, how did Singapore make it to the top?  What are the teaching strategies, techniques, or methods they have employed and they have proven to be effective?  Actually there were already numerous studies done in other countries and even here in the Philippines but our government is always in the business of politicking, thus, it is unable to focus on the long standing issues of our educational system.  We have so much time and resources to offer in politicking and self serving agendas but we have ignored the impact we are creating in other aspects of our society – particularly the students or the young people of our next generation.

There’s so many things that we can do to improve our educational system but our government need a strong political will to implement it.

According to a news item last January 20, 2010 in Philippine Daily Inquirer, United Nation was quoted as saying…

“Education indicators for the Philippines are below what might be expected for a country of its income level … With an average income four times that of [African countries] Tanzania and Zambia, it has a lower net enrollment ratio.”  “The unfavorable comparison does not end there. Whereas Tanzania and Zambia have steadily increasing net enrollment ratios, the Philippines has stagnated.”

Some of the problems of Philippine education enumerated in the 2010 Education For All Global Monitoring Report are the following:

1. Problems of deeply entrenched marginalization

“In the Philippines, marginalization is strongly associated with poverty and location, with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and some outlying islands falling far behind,” the GMR said.

1. Low share of national income invested in education (2.1 % of our national income directed to education in 2005 goals – it’s one of the lowest levels in the world)
2. Extreme poverty and regional disparities

The report noted that the gap separating the poorest 20 percent of Filipinos from the rest of society was “far wider than in most countries in the region.”
Data on school attendance provide evidence that current policies are not reaching the poorest,” the GMR said

1. Chronic shortages of teachers and classrooms, rising class sizes, and low levels of learning achievement

Addressing these problems will require an increase in the 2.1 percent share of national income directed towards education in 2005—one of the lowest levels in the world,” it added.

If we could address all of the above mentioned problems, which are all physiological-socio-cultural concerns, then, at least we could say that we are close to achieving our goals. We could then focus on the learning achievements alone – the cognitive aspect.  We will be able to lessen drop out cases because children will no longer think of what they are going to eat at home and what they are going to wear when they come to school.  They will just think of what they are studying in school.

Curriculum must also be reviewed and carefully studied for the lessons to be appropriate and relevant to young learners’ situations.

Another thing, lessons must be taught or delivered in the local language of the learners.  This way, they would easily grasp the concepts being taught and be able to express their ideas with more articulation – in their native tongue. Unlike when the second language (like English) is introduced early (Grades 1 – 3), these kids would be thinking of the lesson and then translate into the 2nd language in their minds before they could come up with something to say.  Instead of focusing on the concept alone, they must also focus at the same time in the language.  The introduction of 2nd and/or 3rd language should be gradual – that is after the student has gained mastery in his native language (ex. Filipino or other vernaculars) – then learning of 2nd and 3rd language would be easier for the students.  We Filipinos are known to be English language speakers and according to statistics, Philippines is among the largest English speaking country in the world.  But what do we accomplished with that? We have become a pool of call centers agents for the whole world, if you could regard that as an accomplishment.  Haven’t we notice what is common among the countries leading in the TIMSS worldwide?  Singapore, China, Japan, Hongkong, Korea – these are all Asian countries and these are people who are not good in speaking in English; in fact, they love their language that’s why they use and propagate it.  Another matter of fact, Koreans flock to the Philippines to learn English (it is cheaper here than going to US, isn’t it?).  That’s something obvious, why can’t we see that?

1. 2. Isn’t it that the more graduates per year, the more people will be out finding jobs? Won’t that just lead to more unemployment?

In the CURRENT STATE of our education, YES, more graduates will lead to more unemployment.  Why?  It’s because there is a mismatch of our graduates with the available jobs or occupation.  Our country is rich in natural resources, everyone is saying that – but I’m not sure if everyone understands that.  The primary source of livelihood in our country, if we take to heart my previous statement, should be agriculture.  But do we see enough Agricultural School in our country?  Have our government succeeded in encouraging the young people to take up courses that would contribute to the national development and economic recovery? Or have they succeeded to encourage our young people to study courses that are well paid abroad?  Even our teachers, who should be investing in the young minds of our next generation, are also lured to go to West and serve the people of other nation. What a sad fact! No one wants to be part of nation building simply because it is really a sacrifice to stay behind and serve your fellow countrymen here in the Philippines.  It really takes a lot of passion, purpose-driven spirit, love for country, and love for God – just like what it takes to be a teacher, in its real sense.

1. 3. Do you think our country can still hope to achieve an education system that can rival that of other successful countries? Why and why not?

YES, of course. Like what I’ve said earlier, our country is rich in natural resources, therefore, economic recovery is not remote. Our main problem is the worsening condition of our morality. With a right mind and heart, we would know what we should be prioritizing. Those that would benefit our country and our people in the long run – education – I believe we must focus on the development of our people because it’s the people who is the strength and main resource of a nation.

-Nimfa C. Vizcarra

Basically, the course has raised my level of awareness of the status of education, the different educational institutions and how education is implemented in both local and international contexts. I appreciate the way the different topics were presented because they were all taken from real life studies and backed up by genuine experiences of the educators and analysts in the field. One thing I like about the way the class was handled is that it did not demand memorization of concepts for, as long as you read the different readings in every topic and relate them to your educational experiences or what you have observed and reflect on it, that is the way things are learned in this course. I appreciate it because, even though the pen and paper test is not the way it is learned here, this course makes use of reflection writing which is one of the highest cognitively demanding learning strategies, according to Bloom’s taxonomy of cognitive skills. Reflecting on something that is under evaluation is the highest level of all the cognitive skills presented by Benjamin Bloom. So, before one is able to reflect on something, he/she must have already proceeded beyond knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis, which are the other categories of cognitive skills ranging from the lowest to the highest. This implies that one must fully understand what the reading is all about by applying the other cognitive skills and evaluate it by thinking about how it is demonstrated in society, based on one’s experience. This makes the course special – it is experience-based. In addition, the writing of the term paper taught me a lot. It made me realize that findings prior to taking the course need to be documented.  Finally, the course has made me critical as a classroom teacher about the way education is carried out on all levels of society, how valuable learning is that takes place outside the formal school system, and it has increased my understanding of the role of language and culture in education.

-Sharon Estioca

Joan Pineda – ” In the Midst of a Chameleon World”

People, events, places, issues, trends, politics, situations are just but a few elements that contribute to our changing world, thus, society in particular. They’re the ones that mold our being, wherein somehow adhere or bring change in our life’s perception and perspective.

How to intertwine and connect the three stages of life:  dragging the past to present and having a glimpse of the future is what this subject EDFD 221 did and helped me understood  hence,  broaden my perspective on the socio-cultural process. Through this subject, it also answered some of my questions like: Who really are the true Filipinos?,Should I be proud of being one? How can I preserve my true identity?, Should I go with the trend that as the society change, so as my principles in life?

As the popular verse in the Panatang Makabayan goes, “Ako’y Pilipino sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa” Do we really mean whenever we utter these words? Or are we just sounding like tinkling cymbals, and recite those verse not not heart? I myself must admit that I’m a bit guilty”

Allow me to share my experiences some decades ago when I first landed my feet in country where racial discrimination is very much felt. It was in West Germany, wherein remnants of Adolf Hitler and his descendants in terms on principles, practices and views were still prevalent. The first quarter of the year of my stay there was really a culture shock. People really looked at you because of your brown color and black hair. There was even an old folk that touched my skin and hair, just to see if they’re really real. Walking in downtown areas where people are so peaceful and calm, with no rush hours to catch, people are disciplined, no traffic jams, no noise are pollution because they were observing the ” ruhe zeit” or quiet hour every 12nn til 1:00 pm everyday. No over speeding, cause if you did, expect a penalty ticket the following day at your doorstep. Only five to seven members are allowed in a certain house and not to mention all. How I wish this will also be practiced in the Philippines, if only our people are disciplined and government officials aren’t corrupt.

Anyway, to further on my litany, I began seeing myself adjust to their way of life and culture. As the bombardment of issues I’ve often watched in the television, always flashing our country that belongs to the third world nation, that is so poor. People live in shanties with tires on their roofs, children swimming in garbage, etc. These scenes really grieved my heart. I wondered why our government, shown only the other side of the coin? What are their motives? To gain sympathy to those who watched it and extend financial assistance? Bat hindi nila ipakita ang mga mala mansiong bahay in Forbes Park, Dasmariñas Village an d the skyscrapers in Makati and Taguig?  then why until now, the same scenario had been viewed. The Philippines are still on the bottom list on even not at par with our neighboring Asian countries like Korea, China. Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, just to mention a few,  inspite of Globalization?

One time, in our German class,  ( cause I decided to learn their language) for obvious reason, one of my classmates teased and told me, “so where were your families staying now in your country, since your houses have ” gulong ” on top? how does it feel to swim in garbage? All those ridicules I swallowed cause, I’d realized I’m not in my own country and I cannot blame them either cause those were the things they’d watched on TV.

From there, I’d decided to have my hair colored blond, kept myself inside the house even during summer just to have a fair skin and dressed like what Europeans dressed. One day, I had made my piece and got what I wanted. I began to be ashame of being a Filipino because they really looked down on us as lesser people and even viewed as domestic helpers or nannies. Until one lady whom I was with in the train asked me if  I’m a Chinese or a Japanese because of my looks and features. I was caught in between. Should I admit to have another insult? or deny to gain praise and have a graceful exit? Finally I decided to say Yes, I am a Filipino. Then she told me, well great! because you know we really admired your lady president because of her courage of a bloodless revolution. My feeling was elated by then, Then she went further praising and saying good things about our country; the tourist our spots, our rich culture and traditions, etc. And I learned that  she was a business woman and visiting out different countries in which our country was one.

From then on, realization crept to my mind, that I should be proud of being a Filipino, sa isip, sa puso at sa gawa,  inspite of all its flaws. Influences are just snares around the corner. We should not be swayed by them. Anyway, there’s always two sides of the coin. Let’s not asked ourselves, what our country can do to us, instead, what can and must do to our country. Be not a chameleon. Be a proud Filipino you should be. Remember, God made you a Filipino, rich in cultural heritage. just be content

My Learnings in Socio-Cultural Approach in Education

There are several things that I have learned in my Socio-Cultural Foundations of Education class.
1. Indigenous learning is indeed learning. I was fortunate to grow up in the province. I was able to experience rural life that I regret that my sons will not able to do so. Being a product of a public school, I have learned several things such as how to till the soil and be like a farmer, and really experience the nature at its best. I was able to experience climbing on trees while picking fruits. Play on bahay-bahayan and used my arms and legs to run around and play with neighbors and friends. Culture in the city is very different. With the changing times and fast technology improvements, these traditional activities could be nowhere to be found. It would be best that we find ways to relive these kinds of practices and culture as a whole so that the generation after us will be able to enjoy and learn the true beauty of life.
2. Learning is not constrained in the four walls of the classroom. Pre-college years for me were limited only academics and later on after this class I realized that it is more than just going inside the classroom what is needed. We need to socialize, learn more about other things and people. In other words, learning is more than just a skin deep.
3. Fluency in English may not mean intelligence. I am always awed by children who are really good in English and even required my son to speak this language. But unfortunately, I have failed to do so because I & my family as well are not using English in our household. Thus, how will my son learn to speak the language wherein we are not used on using? But, although my son is good in English he still excels in Math and English. So I have to realize that we should not proportionate intelligence with English but how will a child learned the lessons and applied them.
4. Hidden curriculum does exist. Being a non-Educ graduate, I only encountered this term during this class. My initial reaction was negative. I thought of it like a mafia or something related to that. But then I realized that these are things that are not written in our schools but things that we learn when we socialize and interact with other people, how we react to certain changes, what to do on certain circumstances and other things that we do not learn outright in our textbooks. Thus, what we learned at school is not only written in the books and we should not only credit our teachers of what they taught us but also our classmates and other people you can find in school that also help us enrich our lives.

The above things are very important and will impact on who you are, and what you will be. Thus, being educated does not mean learning only by books or in schools but learning through socio-cultural experience, social interaction and communing with nature and the community as a whole. It is a holistic experience.

Giane Cortazar — Mga Kwentong Tambay

The “tambay” has always had an iffy reputation. Remember the song “Jeproks” by Mike Hanopol? The song tells of the sad tale of the “tambay” who had too much of a good time, and ended up in prison. Songs like this, and news of people who get robbed or harassed by the friendly neighborhood drunk “tambay” really does no good to the image of the “tambay”. It does not help, of course, that there are more and more of them because of the increasing number of dropouts.

Most people would agree that hanging around with “tambays” brings no good. Parents would normally tell their children to stay away from a “tambay” because they are the classic examples of a B.I. (bad influence).

Why did I choose to write about the “tambay” to complete my requirements for EDFD221? For one thing, I think the “tambay” is one of the most misunderstood person/representation of a person. Another point is that I have learned that knowledge and education do not always come from the schools, or the homes. Sometimes, these things come most effectively from the streets.

I am not encouraging anyone reading this to be a “tambay”, of course. But circumstances being what they are in this country, we know the situation cannot be helped. Because we already have the situation to deal with, we might as well open our minds and try to find a way to make things better, right? And besides, with the “tambay”, what you see is not always what you get. If you hang out with a “tambay”, you will find that they may not be schooled, but they certainly hold a wealth of information, knowledge, and wisdom that most ordinary people do not have. Their street smarts have contributed a lot to their experience, and they view the world from quite a unique perspective.

Back in college, I learned the value of opening your mind to the thoughts and opinions of others, especially the most unlikely of sources. Being a journalism major certainly helped a lot in this undertaking. My professors being all practicing journalists were also a great way to turn theory into reality. After classes and the work of being budding journalists was done, our professors would usually take the class to the haunts of other journalists. These places are usually bars with nice, soothing music, low light, and a comfortable atmosphere where people would certainly feel comfortable enough to talk. And going to these places where the journalists from every major broadsheet converged was, in a word, educational.

These “tambays” certainly gave a new meaning to the word I used to look down on. After a hard day of chasing stories and ambushing their sources for information, these journalists would visit their favorite haunts for beer and conversation. “Tambay” after work was the only for them to relax and not have to bring home all the baggage they get from their job.

Listening to these media men and women talk about politics, politicians, events, the secrets that only they had access to, and the stories they could not publish for fear of their safety was entertaining, to say at the least, and truly life-changing at best.

Journalists are, perhaps, at the top of my respect totem pole. Them and educators. I hold these two professions in such high esteem that I get really disappointed when I hear about people in these jobs who use their position for self-gain. I do not come from an education background, but from what I have learned so far in my three years as a graduate student, I can say that there are many similarities between an educator and a journalist. Ideally, both strive for the truth and they strive for this truth to be passed on. And ideally, educators and journalists both strive to make a change through the truths they pass on. They do it in different ways, but I believe it really boils down to that basic principle.

In all the time I spent hanging out with newsmen, I have learned one important thing — the value of a good, reliable source. And how does this relate to the tenets and principles that we as a class have learned in one semester of EDFD221?

In the world of education, the good source I refer are two things — the teacher and the student. We cannot hope to make a difference in our current state of education if we focus on just one aspect. Just like in the world of media, no matter how good a story is, without the sources to back it up, it is bound to die and never even see the light of day. And it is the same way with education. No matter how good our ideas for educational reform are, if we do not have the will to implement them, they will always remain just that — mere ideas, and our education system will continue to rot and disintegrate.

I am in the process of merging my identity as a journalist, guidance counselor in the making, and in part, educator. I think it is not just the licensed teachers who should be educators. If you think long and hard about it, we all have a responsibility to be educators. This class has certainly helped in solidifying my still-forming principles in the world of education.

I have no clear idea yet what I can do and what I should do, but this much is clear — I know that I cannot NOT do anything. In my undergrad days, we were taught that a good journalist should always aim to get the truth to the people. We were taught to chase after our stories with a burning passion. I think that applies as well in this case. Truth, in this case, would mean the education that every Filipino boy and girl deserves. This class has certainly ignited something in me, just like my journalism classes had so many years ago. And personally? I cannot wait for that spark to turn into a fire.

Marty – Sounds Familiar

“It’s not easy to raise a child in this day and age.” This was my advice to my sister when she mentioned contemplating about getting pregnant just a week after getting married. I guess even the most content of couples will feel the biological push to start a family. And the things modern day parents consider when having a baby is nowadays not limited to the first two to five years of rearing with the requirements of baby formula or diapers. Nope, the major concern is that part of the child’s life where his/her development and potential for a promising future is in the balance: the gauntlet of schooling for Filipino children.

The usual line of “I will give him/her every advantage I can to ensure his/her success” is a common mantra with parents. And this naturally translates for them as the best schools money can buy; sometimes it could also mean tutors and afterschool programs to ensure advancement.

If they’re really forward-looking like my sister is, they plan in reverse; starting with the parents’ university of preference and planning backwards from there. “Of course, little Mark or Marlene is going to college, silly; that’s the whole point after all.” Please don’t hold it against her, she means well. And it’s kinda hard to blame her after she and every other person in her social circles had to go through the same competitive challenge of forging ahead of the pack. We oftentimes surmise a much better outcome in terms of the pay grade we could have right now if only we kept our grades in the cum laude averages. Aha! Our true colors finally surface: success in education = success in future economic life.

This is where I swoop in to remind her that her would-be child is not a doctor in training. He/she is complex and complete person. “Of course I know that, I’m not a slave driver!” But I can’t help but think of how many mothers started out like that: like actual mothers; but eventually ending up as their children’s official home academic supervisors. They take the afternoon to evening shifts in between school hours; what with increasing number of homework, projects; and exam preparations that rival even those we encountered when we were in college.

I let her daydream of her would-be child’s successful future until she gets to having feelings of paranoia. Another natural occurrence with parents. That’s when she starts using the parents’ new best friend: the internet. She finds some disturbing articles of how some kids simply can’t cut it: kids with special needs. She starts printing out checklists to ensure that her child won’t fall into this category; supplements to take, diagnoses, tests, medication, treatment . Her research piles up along with “free” expert advice on how to interact with toddlers to ensure maximum unlocking of potential and addresses of early pre-schools she plans on scoping out during her free time.

I ask her: “And when are you planning on telling Al [her new husband] that you decided you want to get pregnant?” With a determined look she tells me: “As soon as I get him to promise me to put more effort to avoid his penchant for carabao English. Little Mark is destined to be a somebody.”

Joyce Villaflor – Renaissance of Perspectives

Three semesters ago, when faced with the choice of what educational foundations subject to take, I readily took EDFD 201; because although EDFD 221 sounded interesting, it entailed a 3-day out of town trip; and for someone who is a mother, a wife, an employee, and a part-time student; that requirement I must admit is quite impractical. I believe there is a good rationale for the travel component of the course but it was something I couldn’t appreciate yet back then.

So when news broke out that non-education graduate students have to take both educational foundations subject, I know I have to face the inevitable. So I enlisted and enrolled for EDFD 221 with the most ardent prayers that God will ferry me through this course. “Bahala na…”

Flash forward to present, as I am writing this final reflection paper now; I know I have gained the insights to finally appreciate the subject. Even though the Lubuagan trip did not push through for unwanted reasons, instead we went to Efren Peñaflorida to immerse in his “kariton klasrums”; I think I’ve come to understand that the purpose of the trip is to detach its students from their educational comfort zone and bring them somewhere where another form of learning exists; for them to realize that learning can take place beyond conventional borders. Also, moving out farther allowed its students to see the bigger picture of our educational system.

There are so many issues and conflicts with regard to Philippine education today and I think it stems from the fact that we are using a “borrowed system”, something that was not tailor-fit for our culture; leading to unending adjustments and unsatisfied students, teachers, parents, and school administrators; thus, the vicious cycle of not finding the “perfect fit.”

Yesterday, as I was contemplating on what to include in this paper, I came across a posted note at facebook by a highschool friend who is a teacher for a Japasoc class at DLSU. He shared to us that he usually begins the semester with the question/s:

What does it take to become international? How can you become an international person?
To which he gave a simple yet elusive reply—to be international, one must be national.

And to quote him further, “You become international when you recognize yourself as a “national”; as a Filipino. When you recognize your uniqueness among your own—what sets you different among your own people then, you ascend being international; you go beyond.” By understanding our personal-national culture as an amalgamation of communal-national cultures throughout the years via conditioning and enculturation, we become a true citizen of our country with an identity to show the world.

Finding our core and being aware of what we can still improve via the learnings from other societal contexts is something worth sharing to our students, family, and friends. What started as a course on socio-cultural introspection ended up in a renaissance of perspectives for both teacher and non-teachers in the class.

Feel Good Movies for Educators

Educators need to be reminded of the importance of their jobs. Here are ten movies that inspire us and make us feel proud to be in the field of education where we really do have an impact. Enjoy!

1. Emperor’s Club

The Emperor’s Club,’ with Kevin Kline assuming the role of the teacher who considers it his duty not only to instruct his students in the details of classical history but to mold them into men of integrity and character in the process. Basically one of my personal favorites.

2. Dead Poet’s Society

Robin Williams gives an awesome performance as an unconventional English teacher in a very conventional (read conservative) private school. His love of poetry and his inspiring teaching methods have a great impact on his students. The central message of the movie, to live life to the fullest everyday, is not lost. Further, Williams’ poetry recitations are awe-inspiring.

3. Freedom Writers

Produced in 1967, this film with Sidney Poitier as a novice teacher has a lot to teach us today. Poitier takes a teaching position in the rough part of London in order to pay his bills. Realizing that his students need to be taught important life lessons more than the curriculum he has been handed to teach them, he throws out the lesson plans and makes a real impact on their personal lives.

4. Good Will Hunting

A South Boston whiz kid elects to clean the halls of learning rather than enter them, slumming his way through life as a janitor at MIT. But his natural ability to unravel complex equations attracts the attention of a professor who won’t let him quit, a beautiful Harvard student who wants to save him, a sympathetic buddy who wants him to escape South Boston, and a counselor who encourages him.

5. Mr. Holland’s Opus

This memorable movie gives all teachers hope that they truly have an impact on their students. Richard Dreyfuss is wonderful as a musician/composer who must take a teaching job to support his family. In the end, Dreyfuss’ character realizes that he has had as much if not more of an impact from his teaching as he would have as a composer.

6. The Miracle Worker

The ultimate teaching miracle, Anne Bancroft is awesome as Annie Sullivan who uses ‘tough love’ to get through to the deaf and blind Helen Keller played by Patty Duke. Very few people can watch the famous ‘water’ scene without experiencing a feeling of triumph and relief. Excellent portrayal of the importance of perseverance. Both Bancroft and Duke won an Academy Award for their performances.

7. Music of the Heart

This film shows the influence that one person’s drive and vision can have on others. Meryl Streep plays real-life Roberta Guaspari who moves to Harlem as a single-mother and becomes a violin teacher. Working through racial and other barriers, Roberta creates an acclaimed music program in an area where many would have said it was impossible. Definitely a heart-warming movie.

8. With Honors

Harvard undergraduate Monty faces the biggest crisis of his academic life when the only copy of his thesis slips through his fingers and into the hands of Simon, an enterprising bum. Sensing a potential meal ticket, Simon offers to give back pages of the precious paper in exchange for meals, housing and other acts of kindness. In the process, his philosophical ramblings teach Monty and his roommates about life and love.

9. Stand and Deliver

The classic teacher movie whose message is very important in today’s society: never believe that students are unable to learn. Instead of teaching to the lowest common denominator, Edward James Olmos in a true story as Jaime Escalante sets his sights much higher, getting them to pass the AP Calculus exam. Excellent, enjoyable choice.

10. The Great Debaters

Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as real-life former marine Louanne Johnson. Teaching English in a tough inner-city school, she reaches the “unteachable” through caring and understanding. Very true-to-life, Dangerous Minds does not fall into sentimentality but instead teaches us of the importance of making our own choices and not allowing circumstances to rule us.