(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

To help close learning gaps, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to roll out its first-ever National Learning Camp (NLC) starting July 24.

The NLC, to run for three to five weeks until Aug. 25, will feature a “two-fold purpose” --- to help improve learning outcomes and support teachers so they can teach better.

DepEd said that the NLC is a “voluntary program” for both teachers and learners and it will be implemented in phases.

In its pilot year, the NLC will cover learners in Grades 7 and 8 with a focus on English, Science, and Mathematics (ESM).

What is NLC and why is it needed

The NLC is a “voluntary learning recovery program,” according to DepEd.

(Courtesy of DepEd)

The implementation of the NLC is in line with the “MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa” agenda which is the new direction of DepEd to resolve basic education challenges.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/01/30/deped-launches-matatag-agenda-to-resolve-challenges-in-basic-education/

The NLC is also part of DepEd’s commitment to the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) which aims to “close learning gaps and assist K to 12 learners in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide in attaining learning standards.”

To institutionalize NLC as an “important initiative” in learning recovery, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte signed DepEd Order No. 14 series of 2023 or the “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the National Learning Camp.”

DepEd underscored the need for a learning recovery program such as the NLC to address “learning losses” arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.

In implementing the NLC, DepEd also cited results from National Achievement Tests (NATs) and international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) highlighting the need for additional “teaching support to enhance learners’ academic performance.”

DepEd said the NLC was designed to improve learning in the form of enhancement, consolidation, or intervention programs in all learning areas for Kindergarten to 12 learners and enhance teacher capacity.

How will it be implemented?

As a strategic initiative supporting the NLRP, DepEd said the implementation of the NLC will be complemented by programs to improve skills in reading, mathematics, science, and technology as well as similar initiatives which aim to “sustain learning recovery.”

(Courtesy of DepEd)

“This initiative places utmost importance on fostering learner well-being and engagement, promoting inclusive education, and cultivating a positive learning environment where teachers excel and learners flourish,” DepEd said.

Recognizing the critical importance of “catering to the diverse needs of learners and empowering teachers with effective teaching strategies” through learning action cells (LACs) and job-embedded learning, DepEd also repealed its policy on the conduct of remedial and advancement classes during summer vacation.

DepEd said the NLC will be offered every end-of-school-year (EOSY) break to “complement learning efforts in the previous school year and provide a firmer basis for further gains in the upcoming school year.”

Based on the specific needs of the learners, DepEd said they shall be enrolled in one of three camps voluntarily: Enhancement Camp, Consolidation Camp, or Intervention Camp.

The Consolidation Camp, DepEd said, was designed to “provide further practice on and application of previously taught competencies. Opportunities are provided to identify links connecting concepts and skills across grade-level competencies.”

The Enhancement Camp, on the other hand, was designed to “enrich learning for advanced learners by providing greater depth, breadth, and complexity of learning area competencies.”

The Intervention Camp, DepEd said, was designed to “support high-need learners who are yet to grasp Foundational Mathematics and/or Foundational English skills.”

“Opportunities are provided to identify links connecting concepts and skills across grade level competencies,” DepEd said.

DepEd said NLC shall have a maximum of 35 learners per class.

“However, school heads shall have the discretion to devise interventions for flexibility in organizing classes based on the availability of teachers and classrooms,” it added.

All three “Camps” were expected to commence at the end of the EOSY rites.

DepEd said the Enhancement Camp will be conducted five days each week, spanning a three-week period wherein three days of the week are dedicated to structured and targeted teaching-learning activities with the learners. The remaining two days are allocated for collaborative sessions among teachers.

The Intervention and Consolidation Camps, on the other hand, will be conducted for five weeks with teacher-learner engagement taking place for three days every week. The remaining two days will be designated for teachers to participate in collaborative sessions.

“Schools shall have the flexibility to design the class program provided that the suggested teaching-learning materials are adequately covered, and the targeted learning competencies are not compromised,” DepEd said.

When it comes to the placement of learners in the different camps, DepEd said this will depend on their “performance in the pre-assessment or academic performance in the SY immediately preceding the EOSY break.”

Before the start of the NLC, DepEd said an “early registration” was conducted where class advisers, with the guidance and supervision of their school heads, enlisted the interested learners.

Duly accomplished Parent/Legal Guardian Consent was also a requirement before participating in the NLC to “ensure strong support and involvement of parents or legal guardians” in the program’s implementation.

Meanwhile, DepEd encouraged private schools as well as higher education institutions (HEIs), including state and local universities, colleges, and technical and vocational institutions offering basic education to implement NLC.

The role of teachers

Aside from closing learning gaps, DepEd said the NLC also recognized the critical role of teachers in improving learning outcomes.

“Teachers play a vital role in learning recovery,” DepEd said, noting the need to support teachers in “effectively conveying learning content and developing higher-order thinking skills, including problem-solving skills among learners.”

(Courtesy of DepEd)

Aside from providing additional teaching support to learners, DepEd said the conduct of NLC also supports the professional development of teachers.

During the NLC, DepEd encouraged teachers to provide regular updates to parents or legal guardians on their children’s learning progress either through phone calls, letters, notes, or one-on-one conferences.

DepEd said NLC shall enhance job-embedded learning opportunities for teachers in which they can “immediately apply newly acquired knowledge and skills” directly to their teaching practice.

“Job-embedded learning promotes reflective practice, collaboration with colleagues, and the exploration of innovative teaching approaches,” DepEd said.

“Through this immersive learning experience, teachers can address real-time challenges, refine their teaching methods, and increase their efficacy in addressing the diverse needs of learners,” it added.

NLC as a continuing program

DepEd said the NLC shall be in force and effect starting the EOSY break 2022-2023 until a repealing policy is released.

A Certificate of Completion will be given to all learners who fulfill the requirements of the camp in terms of accomplishment of learning tasks.

Teachers who have rendered their service in the implementation of the NLC will also be awarded a Certificate of Recognition.

DepEd noted that for the 2023-2024 EOSY break, the NLC shall be expanded to Grades 9 and 10 for ESM and Grades 1 and 3 for Reading and Mathematics. “Remediation Camp in all grade levels shall continue to be implemented,” it added.

For the 2024-2025 EOSY break, DepEd said the NLC will be implemented in all grade levels for Grades 1 to 6 in Reading and Mathematics and for Grades 1 to 12 in ESM.

“For the succeeding school years, NLC shall be implemented in all grade levels and learning areas,” DepEd said.