We often read and hear that teaching is both science and an art. It is science in the sense that it is based on psychological research that identifies the cause and effect relationship between teaching as a process and learning as a product. How successful these relationships are implemented is the art side of it.

For 33 years, I have experienced the reality of these principles. I have developed my own styles and I have adapted to so many types of students in the public schools. But the difficulty and pain I have been experiencing since I was diagnosed with laryngitis and nodule on my vocal cords have weakened my enthusiasm to continue my teaching career. Since then, I began losing my interest, more so, when my students began complaining about my soft voice. I cannot always make them copy from the board, or read an article then answer some questions, or let them answer certain exercises in the laboratory manual, or give topics to report. My conscience cannot tolerate such strategies anymore.

Things went different when I attended the FUSE seminar in Palawan last May, 2008. Driven by my desire to fulfill the pledge of commitment which we did on the last part of the training, I started using the CONSTEL telecourse “SCIENCE MADE EASY.” I find using the telecourse as very influential and seductive educational medium for transmitting science concepts. It has vicarious and dramatic impact on my students. The speed of showing is adjustable; hence, students enjoy more academic learning time even within a shorter period of time. I speak only when my students ask questions or when a pause is needed for clarification. The set of questions I usually give in the previewing part keeps my students glued in watching. They are aware of the task to do and very much involved in the learning process. Discipline problem is not obvious and the use of my voice became lesser. In the post-viewing part, students read and answer the given questions. Written tests give positive results. Such difference in the student outcome or output serves as the match that keeps on rekindling the once dwindling fire in my role as a teacher. Contented and happy, I have come to realize that teaching science is not difficult despite my condition. The use of CONSTEL’S telecourse is a different kind of strategy for making science concepts easier to understand. My students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze every episode and ask questions and make further readings and study.

Thanks to FUSE for helping me move on. From being a BOOMER TEACHER, it has changed me into a QUIET ONE: sincere, calm but definite and the respect and attention I get from my students will always be igniting my passion for teaching!

Julieta Cudia
jscud52@yahoo.com

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.