As far as I can remember, I always wanted to become a teacher. On my list of “The Most Respected People in My Life”, my teachers followed closely behind God and my parents. The wealth of knowledge I have gained were selflessly shared to me by my teachers. They have become an inspiration. This probably explains why I took teaching as my profession.

Teaching can be challenging. Some days there just doesn’t seem to be enough of me to go around. Each little face is so eager, so trusting and so worthy of my attention. How can I reach to them all? I am always so anxious to discover various tricks of my trade as well as put into practice those tested ways my experienced mentors have taught me. What works? What doesn’t? Which method, approach, or strategy would help my teaching successful? Which are actual and up to date to the students of this generation?

As an elementary public school teacher, I love bringing new and exciting lessons to my classroom. Beyond the traditional study tips, orientation, reading, writing, study and test-taking skills, I always do some research, attended seminars, workshops and trainings to enhance my knowledge in teaching.

In the year 2004, my school principal asked me to attend a seminar/workshop sponsored by FUSE (Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education). I must admit that it was the first time that I have heard of the foundation but it did elicited excitement after learning of the foundation’s topic and goal for the seminar. The 16- hour seminar/workshop was like light bulbs lighting brightly above my head. My excitement in teaching was fired up. We were trained on how to teach using TVassisted instructions. They gave us books and VCD tapes to guide us along. We realized that the TV although regarded as a distraction for learning for kids can also be used in a positive way. Suddenly, we found ourselves armed once more with new weapons and skills to effectively teach our students.

As soon as I got back to our school, I began to apply all that I have learned from the FUSE seminar. I became more responsible to meet my students learning and development needs, imparting with them the proper values and wisdom they need to become productive, responsible, and compassionate individuals. With the help of the FUSE, my teaching effectiveness especially in Science and English was strengthened. The ‘Teaching Support Materials’ handed to us during the seminar makes knowledge transfer both meaningful and exciting, as I make my pupils experience these concepts and theories at work in daily life. I always used the CONSTEL (Continuing Studies via Television) because this helps me become more efficient. I experienced first hand that television is a very powerful medium. Television’s dual audio and visual component appeal more to our senses compared to other forms of media such as radio and print. This is even truer for very young audiences of this generation, whose attention can only be captured through highly potent stimulation.

Founded by Dr. Lucio C. Tan on December 1, 1994, FUSE seeks to improve the skills in English, Science and Mathematics teachers. Its programs include regular teacher training workshops; a post-graduate scholarship program for Science and Engineering teachers; production and distribution of telecourses in English, Elementary Science, Chemistry, Physics and Math; and a host of other educational programs in partnership with government and private learning institutions.