On my own: Qualities of a Good Teacher

                We all have different perception or standard that we look for a teacher. We always brag about having a good one that will challenge our capacity as learners. Teachers play a very important role in the society because they cultivate our minds to be a better person other than ourselves. Our dear teachers deserve to be honored like any other professionals in the society.

                I am looking for qualities of an effective teacher. Perhaps teachers vary in different aspect of their profession. They range from preschool to post tertiary levels. In preschool, teacher must boost their patience in dealing with children’s attitude. Remember that pre-schools are the first move towards education, while parents are the first teachers, school teachers are the ones to bring out the hidden abilities of the children. In the elementary education, teachers are expected to be more patient to the pupils as they start wandering around and develop their physical and mental skills. In high schools, teachers have greater challenge to cultivate and enhance the skills and talents as well as the intellectual capacity of the learners to be more productive in both academic and non-academic activities. In this stage, learners become more inquisitive of the things around and start broadening their minds. Tertiary or the college level is the start of the independent self of the learners. Teachers in this stage must be open minded and be able to give their best shot in dealing with the students because learners in this stage are more mature and intellectually capacitated.

                In general, teachers should possess good ethical conduct as they are being seen as role models of the learners. They must have “student-Teachers” relationship so it would be easier for the learners and the teachers to achieved learnings. Also as teachers, communication between the teachers and the parents is important so that parents will know how and can supervise their children. All in all, a teacher should have good moral conduct, best ability to teach the learners and have the passion and love to teach the learners. Really! I am looking for qualities of a good teacher, Mind share your thoughts? 

Anti-Bullying in schools: Launched 1^st in PH S.Y 2012-2013

Just a funny photo from my fb... (acting lang...) :D

Bullying is defined as an act of aggressive behavior with intention to hurt another person either emotionally, verbally, or physically. Considered as number one non-academic issue of most students and educators today, and now comes the first in the Philippines to launch specific guidelines against any child abuse in schools.

Last January, the House of Representatives has approved a bill requiring all elementary and secondary schools to adopt anti-bullying policies. This is the House Bill 5496, the Anti-Bullying Act of 2012, that seeks to promote greater awareness of bullying and how it can be prevented. With this, the Department of Education issued on May 3, 2012 a child protection policy and guidelines to be implemented effective this school year.
The protection policy stipulates that any form of physical, verbal, mental and emotional abuse against children, whether by school personnel or their peers, shall be addressed and sanctioned accordingly. According to DepEd Undersecretary Alberto Muyot, that the bill is a great help for students and parents to be more empowered against abuse and violence in schools.
In the said bill, schools are required to include the anti-bullying policies in the student handbooks and to include the posting of its details in school websites and school walls. Schools shall submit their anti-bullying policies to DepEd within six months upon effectivity of the law. The victims are encouraged to account incidents within 48 hours, and for the investigation to be carried out by school administrators within 72 hours. Bullying incidents in schools have to be reported to the division superintendents, and in turn shall report to the Education Secretary; and the DepEd must surrender a report on bullying incidents to the appropriate congressional committee and inflict sanctions for neglect of duty on school administrators who fail to implement anti-bullying policies. DepEd will first try the "psycho-social intervention" in bullying cases.
In a survey conducted by the DepEd, 50% of students have experienced corporal abuse in school, while 74% claim they have been victims of bullying. When minor bullies other students repeats the same offense after DepEd's interventions, school authorities may now resort to sanctions such as suspension and community service.
DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said this is the first time that specific guidelines against child abuse in schools have been laid out. He believes teachers can come up with other ways to discipline students. The Department ties up with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other organizations to deal with the issue. Anti-Bullying Act of 2012 is a great help for schools to create an environment for children to build up their full potentials for their future.

Just a walk to remember...

I was standing in front of my classmates as I was reporting about courtship in our sociology class subject last semester of this school year. My teacher asked me: have you experience being courted by a girl? Hesitantly, I said yes and all my classmates were teasing me.

One evening on bonifacio street, I was walking alone heading my way home. I forgot the exact date but I'm certain it was august. A group of friends were talking outside an establishment. I didn't mind them because I'm busy with my cellphone. A girls was whistling. She kept on whistling not until I turn my attention to her. I was hesitant to approach her because she might have mistaken me for someone else. She said it was me and made a “come here” sign. As I went near, I came to realize they are my schoolmates and I know one of them, so, I concluded we are in the same program. The girl who whistled told me that it was actually her classmate asking my cellphone number. I was shocked. I never expected her bravely asking my number just for her friend.

I was home after that certain conversation. She texted and thanked me for not being selfish of my number. A thought came out from my naughty mind, like how about playing a game with her. She confessed that it’s her who got a crush on me and just using her classmate to hide the awkward feeling when she asked my number. Texting moments began. I dont know and cant explain the feeling. Wow... she courted me! I was like flying like a G6! Anyway, after a couple of days she insisted in her text messages that she wanted me to be her man. The text messages are still in my inbox.

My point is, letting your feeling be expressed to someone you really like is not bad at all but it should come with at least giving yourself a descent image towards the person. I am talking especially to women who are in the same boat with the girl I am referring to because boys are boys and let us not go deeper beyond that words.

She became my girlfriend. We go dating and spending time together. She was still sixteen years young and I'm 21 years old. I knew she loves me but I doubted if my feelings for her. I was still in the process of learning to love her that time. I was afraid I might go beyond my limitations. And I realized something. She was so young and maybe she was just blindfolded and carried away by so called infatuation. On my part , im being unfair to her. We celebrated our first monthsary and a week after, I decided to break our relationship because I can no longer bear the guilt because I know love does not exist. It was all a one sided love. I don't want to break her heart but I did. I ended up my relationship with her and I did it because I have these reasons: I don't want to take advantage of her, she was too young for love. I don't want to destroy her dignity and the future ahead of her. And I failed learning to love her, I don't wanna be unfair.

Up to this time, she keeps on texting me and communicating in any way. She liked almost all my status in facebook. I can feel her obsession in me. But I know where to stand and that is letting her grow maturely and stay away from her. It was really the first time I encountered such a girl in my life and I know somehow along the way, it will never be forgotten. It will remain a good experience for a man like me.

We should set our minds in accordance with our conscience. Let us not be blind folded with our wants rather we should also consider the side of the other and give favor just because we don't want them to suffer the consequences.

My Insights on Magna Carta For Women

          The Philippines is one of the countries who has given emphasis the rights of women especially to women who are abused. The Magna Carta of Women was put into law because the cases of abused women now get higher than previous years. It is a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sectors.

          In the celebration of the women's month, we attended the media forum on the issue about rights for women at the Philippine Information Agency together with some of my classmates to be able to observe and get some hints on the issue. With Patricia Sarenas, Nenita Labial were the speakers of the Magna Carta for Women. Also invited was Jojie Ilagan-Bian but was not able to attend the said forum. Some media practitioners were there, to name a few: TV5 davao, and the print media.

          All rights in the Philippine Constitution and the rights recognized, signed and cleared by the Philippines. These rights shall be enjoyed without discrimination since the law prohibits discrimination against women, whether done by public and private entities or individuals.

          The speakers were asked about the issue on abused women and what are the rights they have to exercised. Given the folowing are the rights of women: 1.Protection from all forms of violence, including those committed by the State. 2.Protection and security in times of disaster, calamities and other crisis situations . 3. Equal rights in all matters relating to marriage and family relations. 4. Non-discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of women in media and film.

          Our Government shall fulfill these duties through the development and implementation of this laws, policies, regulatory instruments, administrative guidelines, and other measures, including temporary special measures. They must establish disciplinary measures in implementingf the Magna Carta of Women and  related laws and  to effectively stop discrimination against Filipino women.

          Anyone who violated the law is punishable under the (R.A. 9710). The sanctions under administrative law, civil service and other appropriate laws shall be recommended by the Commission on Human Rights to the Civil Service Commission and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. In cases wherein violence was proven by the State, shall be considered aggravating offenses with corresponding penalties depending on the severity of the offenses.

          If the violation is committed by a private entity or individual, the person directly responsible for the violation shall be liable to pay damages. The offended party can also pursue other remedies available under the law and can invoke any of the other provisions of existing laws, especially those that protect the rights of women.

          This kind of law sounds unfair to us men because seems like women overpower men nowadays but as we can see that majority of the women are more prone to discrimination and abusive acts, I can say that, this law law is a kind of caring women because they have also the rights to treated equally to man...

Something To Ponder...

The famous line of Dr. Jose Rizal “ Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan” though it sounds corny for us youth of this generation but it mean a lot more than what we think about it. It must be our basis for we are the one in reality who will dominate the future of our country. Youths are to be the solution but unfortunately today, youth are the most common victims of insurgency, politics, poverty, lack of education and many more. Some politicians are deceiving the minds of the young people for their own personal ambitions in politics. Some of the advertisements today are using the children to promote a product, a politicians where the children being used did not really know what they are doing with their fresh innocent minds, or maybe it is all about money that matters.

As we are in midst of crisis, are you not aware of the very alarming status of the country? I know of course that we always have in mind the worries that we may not face or not ready to face the reality of dealing the problems that we may encounter later. Especially when we are not equipped with such knowledge to relate the problems. We all know that even if we are just young and innocents, but we all have to the power to make change and make a difference. Act as if we are fighting for our lives, live with a purpose not just for your own but for the benefit of everybody else who are screaming for the justice! Again let us not think what our country can do for us but think of the things you can contribute in order for us to progress and move forward! Our country is also depending on us of how we will shape its structure.

Every 3 years, another election to test our capability in choosing the right candidate to once again manage and take part of the next chapter of challenges. The youth will once again play a vital role to this big event. I know and I think we already have mature minds enough to vote responsibly. I'm happy with some organizations today who are vigilant and are after of the clean and honest election! Let us join hands together for a just and a humane society!.“ We don't choose the best... We create them!”

Spiral of Silence Theory Description

Spiral of Silence Theory

Description

Is a social science concerned with the theory and practice of politics and the analysis of political systems and political behavior. People will be unwilling to publicly express their opinion if they believe they are in the minority. They will also be more vocal if they believe they are a part of the majority. Thus, the more marginalized you become, the less you speak and so spiral into a fully marginal position. 

This works because we fear social rejection. and that when a person appears to be rejected, others will back away from them, fearing being rejected because they associate with the rejected person. It also makes marginalization a powerful way of eliminating political and social competition.

Public opinion is the "attitudes or behaviors one must express in public if one is not to isolate oneself, in areas of controversy or change; public opinions are those attitudes one can express without running the danger of isolating oneself."

Research

Noelle-Neumann showed subjects a picture with one person angrily saying, "It seems to me that smokers are terribly inconsiderate. They force others to inhale their health-endangering smoke." Respondents were asked to phrase a response to the statement whilst other 'planted' people were there. When nonsmokers were nearby, many smokers were less willing to openly support smokers’ rights.

Ideas and Implications:

The Spiral of Silence is useful to apply in situations when trying to explain why people cover up or change their opinions when in a group setting especially when they think they are alone in their opinions.

Examples

1.An  example to help illustrate the Spiral of Silence theory is a person going out with a new group of people or on a date with someone you do not know very well.  When ordering pizza for this theory, I would conform to the mushroom lovers because I feel I am in the minority since I do not like mushrooms and i think everyone else does.  Therefore I do not want to be rejected or alone in my opinions. 

2.If you were on a long train journey, and a person next to you starts to discuss the problems of food safety. Would you join in the conversation, speaking your true opinion? What if it were controversial, what then?

3.About the issue on Artificial Birth Control. The opinion leaders of the church are so much against it. So, the legislative board are muted about the issue because they are afraid to push the said bill for they have high respect for the church and it will also affect their image as a politician.

So what?

Using it

Show people how the views you want them to express are mainstream, and that the views you want them to change are minority and in danger of causing them to be socially rejected. 

Defending

When you want to say something, say it. Watch out for being maneuvered into a corner.

Sanguniang Kabataan should be Abolished

Sanguniang Kabataan Should Be Abolished

By: Senorito Bernard

          Sanguniang Kabataan are the youth elected officials ages between 15 and 18 years who will represent the youth in every barangay. This was created way back in 1991 by virtue of RA no. 7160 or the Local Government Code. I am in affirmative side which aims to abolish the law.

          I go for its abolition why because it simply fails to address the real and pressing problems of children and young people that pertain to education and drug abuse.SK fails to submit annual and end of term reports which lead to non-monitoring of their project and programs, hence, the effectiveness of their projects are seldom measured. SK falls short on carrying out legislative functions which is to empower the youth, rather, it mostly revolve around sports.

          Allegations of corruption by inefficient, ineffective and non-performing Sanguniang Kabataan officials have caused calls for its abolition from various sectors and officials including no less than President Benigno Aquino Jr himself and Department of Local and Interior Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

          Ironically, even the very author of the RA 7160, otherwise known as Local Government Code which created the SK in 1991 Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel on his last term, filed a bill proposing for its abolition. also in 2004, Former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla filed the same bill at the House of Representatives. Comelec commissioner Rene Sarmiento also showed support to abolish the SK Election stressing that it is not a good training ground for young people. The youth will just be introduced to the early sign of bad politics like commissions in contract and projects.

          SK National President Jane Censoria Cajes was caught saying “ Kadalasan nagagamit kami ng mga Brgy. Captains at pulitiko kasi may boses kami sa council. we cannot sign contracts because we are minors, so it’s the Brgy.chairman who does it for us. Pag yung kapitan may gustong pabor, iniipit yung SK at hindi bibigyan ng budget. kawawang SK walang magawa kundi pumayag na lang.”

          Scrapping of the SK will not mean that the youth will be deprived of a voice in the community. Youth’s rights and needs will always be recognized and protected without necessarily electing a youth council because it is not the only method in which the welfare of the youth could be promoted. President Aquino promises in his platform to promote a better future for the youth by improving the country’s education system.

          Another Factor why we should abolish SK is that the fact that they are still minors. Under Article 37 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, SK members who are minors do not have the power to do acts with legal effects and likewise, under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344), they are not criminally responsible if they violate the penal laws or commit crimes. So what kind of official acts can they authoritatively do when under the law they do not have the power to do acts with legal effect?

          SK officials in every barangay get 10% of the budget for their unmonitored projects. The bigger the barangay means much bigger money allocated for them. If the SK election will be abolished, it can help the government save approximately P3.5 Billion in one term of an SK officials. That money is big enough to sustain and address some youth related problems without compromising the youth to be under influenced of dirty politics.

Young people at this age are expected to devote their precious time in their studies. It would be very difficult for them to combine both. They should be given more time to prepare and gradually realize what is behind politics.

          In all of the citations, I hereby affirm that Sanguniang Kabataan Election should be abolished.