By Dhel Nazario
The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is developing supplemental education resources in the form of radio and online to provide Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) learning for elementary and high school students in time for the opening of classes this school year.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Called as RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya for elementary pupils and TuklaSiyensya sa Eskwela for high school students, the DOST-SEI will be collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd) for these programs to enhance STEM learning.
Since some places in the rural areas have no internet access, the agency said that radio remains as the most accessible medium.
With this, grade school students can listen to RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya, a radio program which will feature story-based science lessons to be aired by a network of community radio which will be the media partner of DOST-SEI in implementing this project for the students.
According to DOST-SEI, RadyoEskwela consists of 20 to 30-minute episodes which are story-based and produced for early, primary and intermediate clustered grade levels. The episodes may be replayed by regional stations and offered to the Department of Education as learning resources for students who will be in distance learning mode anytime during the school year.
The teachers will also be provided withTeacher’s Guide to help them in integrating the episodes in their daily lessons. These may be downloaded from the SEI website and will also be accessible through the DOST regional offices and Provincial S&T Centers.Some of the topics for the RadyoEskwela include Mikrobyo, Lutang, Insekto, Pagsukat, Tala, Street Food, and Tubig.
On the other hand, DOST-SEI will also develop TuklasSiyensya, designed as both a supplement to the traditional learning method for junior and senior high school students and a STEM career promotions package. The modules are designed to help students adapt to the “new normal” and ensure their continuous learning amidst the post - Enhanced Community Quarantine.
Online modules will be produced using the facilities available at the nuLab and based on the existing modules developed by young scientists and scholars who will also serve as facilitators. The "nuLab" is a customized bus launched last year which has modern audio-visual and educational tools and equipment, laboratory facilities, and various learning materials useful in introducing concepts and developing skills.
It will feature engaging presentations by the scientist-facilitators, process demonstrations, animations, and post viewing activities to enrich student’s learning experience and inspire them to explore natural phenomenon or know more about a particular STEM discipline.
DOST-SEI said that TuklasSyensya will produce 15 science lessons, each running for 30 to 45 minutes. These lessons will be uploaded to an online platform, making it available for access to formal and informal learners anytime. Topics include aerospace engineering, geological hazards, oceanography, nanotechnology, among others.
The agency said that other than that, teachers also get to enhance their teaching skills because they will be provided with 15 Teachers Guide to be published online by DOST-SEI or reproduced as low-cost printed materials by DOST Regional Offices.#