Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILLIPPINES

Tamag, Vigan City

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

GRADUATE STUDIES

PED 267 – Advanced Curriculum Development

DANIEL GABRIEL C. PRADES DR. NECY CESARIA ROMO

MAEd Student Professor

Breaking the Cycle of School Cheating Culture

Nobody among us has doesn’t experience cheating.

I admit that I attempted to cheat at some point in my life. How about you? Since then, when we began
attending school, we were exposed to quizzes and tests why we sometimes sought to cheat.
Every student has stories on how and why they choose to cheat during school tasks. Nowadays, the anti-
cheating exam has been trending in the Philippines. Pictures of students' innovative so-called "anti-cheating" hats had
their examination gone viral on social media and amused netizens. It was a challenge to create unique headwear that
prevented them from viewing their classmates' test answers. But does it motivate others to follow the trend and help to
eliminate the cheating culture in schools?
When I was in high school, there were a couple of times when my teacher was not around, and no one from
my surroundings dared to report me; I took advantage and cheated. Maybe some of you do the same because no one
wanted not to pass, not to have high scores, especially if you didn't review or didn't have the competency to study
well. Students who cheat are more likely to receive higher grades than those who do not.
But as I grew, I realized the importance of trying not to cheat and prioritizing my education. Aside from
saving me from shame and guilt, it also encouraged me to learn from my mistakes if I tried my hardest to solve all my
quizzes and examinations by myself. I have also had the opportunity to upgrade the quality of my work and be
responsible. Regardless of how often a person cheats, integrity will always pay off. Scores and grades don't determine
my achievement but somehow represent how I study hard and my desire to perform well and carry out my
responsibilities as a student. I recognize that it is better to taste the sweetness of your triumph if it is the fruit of your
passionate work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
Although the cheaters' grades may have improved a little, their morals are weak. I encourage everyone to put
their effort into their own and watch how far that gets you rather than scores and grades. You don't need to be
concerned if your score is below average compared to others. In the end, your grading will be unremembered your
character will not. Don't wait to put on 'anti-cheating' hats or any gear on your head to show that you are honest and
prove that you are not a cheater.
I realize that we can make a change through our small deeds. In our country, where we can observe dishonest
and unfair acts, let us practice setting a good example. Do whatever is right, and stop tolerating wrongful doing.
Related Article:
BBC News (October 2022). Philippines: Student 'Anti-Cheating' Exam Hats Go Viral.
[Link]
 The Challenging Role of Educators Amidst and Beyond Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for instructors worldwide, including me experiencing worries
in the past two years when many countries went into lockdown to keep out an unseen deadly attacker, which was the
resulting primary interruption in formal schooling.
In our country, the government chose blended education modalities to keep learners from falling behind,
despite the problems that the strategy brought in the use of the necessary gadgets, connectivity, and technology skills
required by learners and instructors alike in virtual classrooms.
I am aware of the risk of being exposed to the Coronavirus because of the drawbacks of blended learning.
During the pandemic, I went to my client's houses to teach and assist them with their learning modules, and I
interacted physically with them and their parents.
With COVID still a concern, the Philippines has resumed face-to-face education at all levels this school year.
Nowadays, I am a part-time instructor, and we conduct full in-person classes. In my experience teaching back to
school after the pandemic, crowded classrooms and the number of students are hard to manage to allow for distancing.
As educators, we are still adjusting from the pandemic lockdown to the post-pandemic normal. A lack of classrooms
to accommodate all students while preserving physical distance is a challenge in many schools. Also, heavy workloads
and inadequate compensation are primary concerns of most educators.
Nevertheless, I recognized the importance of focusing on teachers' vital role in educational development no
matter how difficult the circumstances are.

Related Articles:
GMA News (November 2022). Several Schools Fail to Hold Full Face-To-Face Classes Due to a Lack of
Classrooms.
[Link] full-face-to-
face-classes-due-to-lack-in-classrooms/story/

ROTC — Taste of the Military Life

In the most recent news report on the proposed ROTC Law in the Philippines, Vice President and Department
of Education (DepED) Secretary Sara Duterte reaffirmed that the required Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
only include students in higher education or tertiary level. Still, many people opposing not making the ROTC
mandatory. With this, let me share my viewpoint and experiences in ROTC.
My fascination with all military things and devotion to the country prompted me to join ROTC during my
college days.
Life as an army officer and life in an army ROTC program are significantly different. In essence, ROTC
cadets are still civilians who are enrolling in college. Every other week, they will have a two-hour lab and possibly an
hour or two in the classroom with the ROTC teachers. Additionally, it typically had weekend field training exercises
per semester. And there were also a few enjoyable optional exercises such as ranger platoon or cold weather survival
and attending summer training.
In an ROTC program, I attend meetings and educational sessions before or after regular school hours or on
weekends. I experience a small part of military life through ROTC while remaining a civilian.
ROTC helped me develop my managerial, leadership, self-control, and confidence abilities. It is a more
learning-focused experience. It is essentially identical to being in the army but on a part-time basis. I could enjoy it
because I am good at following directions and enjoy working physically. ROTC is a less dense intellectual material
and a more classical military discipline.
ROTC is beneficial for career advancement. I gained what it takes to lead and how to do it successfully. I
learned about working as a team and identifying my abilities that are important to the team's advantage. Another thing
is critical and practical thinking. And I am constantly training and acquiring new leadership and responsibility skills.
ROTC can be difficult mentally at first. During those times, I was bare into a new culture, which I must
quickly learn. Every day of the week, at 5:30 a.m., I have to work out outside in the cold when everyone else is still
asleep in their beds. I was participating in rucks while wearing boots I had not yet broken in. I was also carrying an
additional 30 pounds on my back. I need to be able to move forward and endure the pain while having blisters.
As you follow instructions, learn to face anything that pushes you outside your comfort zone, and undergo
training and exercises; you will enjoy and survive this program. Although it was daunting and challenging, I never
gave up hope that I could accomplish it. It was tough, but I gave it my all.
In addition, I was also able to strengthen my social connections. I met those men and women who became my
friends as cadets and later in life. It was the relationships I formed through my ROTC participation. When we decided
to join the ROTC unit, we all worked together to achieve the goals we created.
The relevance of ROTC to you will depend on your goals. If you like a military career, ROTC is the way to
go. If unsure, consider it. If you are willing to consider a relatively short "try" in the military, ROTC is the way to go.

Related Articles:
Manila Bulletin (December 2022). Mandatory ROTC is for higher education —
Duterte [Link] education-duterte/
 Cutting the Ties: Teacher-Student Friendly Relations
The amendment to DepEd Order No. 49 Series 2022, titled "Promotion of Professionalism in the
Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Program and Services," was signed by Vice President and DepEd
Secretary Sara Duterte on November 2, 2022. It is specifically mentioned in Section 2: "(e) the refraining of DepEd
employees from having relationships, interactions, and communication, including following social media with learners
outside of the school setting."
The DepEd strongly emphasizes each teacher's professionalism with his or her chosen profession when they
take their oaths, which must be seen in their actions, decisions, and lives as teachers, especially on social media. In
short, the risk that a teacher may lose his or her professional license increases the longer a teacher-student friendship
lasts.
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with having a good student-teacher relationship with a caring teacher
who treats students fairly, believes that all learners can succeed, and takes the time to get to know each student's
strengths and needs to support their development as learners and as confident individuals. It appears to be an honest
conversation, attentive listening, and timely feedback. Giving praise to pupils, directing the learning process, and
acknowledging small achievements are all ways that teachers can help students feel encouraged. It appears that
everyone is appreciated and values moments together.
Since I've been teaching for years, I've seen many of my students approach me, sharing personal stories,
issues with their families and relationships, or even financial hardships. It helps me in developing a student-teacher
relationship that encourages student feedback, voices, and learning about conflict resolution or creating safe spaces.
Making time for one-on-one conversations with my students during breaks or outside of class might help them feel
valued and heard.
As their second parent, the educators must consult with students about their intellectual, social, and emotional
development. Ask the students, "Kamusta ka na anak?" and have some conversations. Although the DepEd prohibits
teacher-student friendships, I believe there is nothing wrong with developing ties with students as long it is honest and
academically motivated. It is still important that kids feel comfortable speaking openly and trusting in their teacher.

Related Articles:
Philstar News (November 2022). DepEd tells teachers to avoid interactions with students outside of school
[Link] -teachers-avoid-interactions-
students-outside-schools