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| Introducing the Whole Child Approach in the New General Education Curriculum |
Among these is the new General Education Curriculum (GEC) introduced by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last year, which is intended to promote learning by bolstering holistic understanding, and intellectual and civil competencies.
The GEC is one of the support in the implementation and the transition of the K-12 education at the tertiary level, integrating advanced subjects from Senior High School and accommodating 36 of the original 63 units. While this poised a great help, some still question if the real objective of the GEC was followed. If not, then this would mean that changes should be applied.
A significant method that would address this issue is what is called the Whole Child Approach (WCA). The WCA may help bridge the gap between this current shift in educational practice as its implementation is underway towards fuller integration and maturity. Right now, educational institutions in the Philippines are adjusting and shifting both administrative policies and teaching practices in light of the changes brought about by the new GEC.
While the GEC is useful for some educational institutions, most private colleges and universities retain a certain degree of autonomy to decide whether they will add more subjects to their curriculum relative to what their programs require or aim to pursue in terms of focus and pace, this is not the case for all. Given this difference, perspectives on holistic education are largely ignored or dismissed as unnecessary.
The WCA is more focused on an outcomes-based approach in order to prepare students for their future by training them as job-ready and qualified graduates. With this, students are given a holistic learning environment that involves an inquiry-based, reflective, collaborative, and integrated practices and perspectives that will, later on, be instrumental in forming a sustainable human resource which will help in the growth and development of the country.
In essence, the Whole Child Approach also complements the objectives of the new GEC since it highlights every aspect of a young learner’s experience and their critical-thinking and problem-solving.
By its design, the new General Education Curriculum pushes forward, guided with the philosophy and goals of progressive education, adapting to an open, transparent, and multi-perspective program which not only enables the economy to thrive, but also empowers teachers, students, and all education stakeholders to seize the day and prepare for a brighter tomorrow.
Know more about the whole child approach and the effect of holistic learning as applied to the new teaching methods and policies in the local education industry through https://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/whole-child-initiative/.