DepEd eyes more complex questions in science exams
By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter
THE Department of Education (DepEd) will use more complex, real-world type of questions in its practice tests to address persistent weaknesses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Science is our greatest weakness and next year, we’ll be doing science exams in March,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara told a news briefing in Makati City on Thursday. “Every week, we [will] have practice exams… We’re trying to graduate from very simple questions to more complex real-world type of questions which simulate real-world problems.”
“We emphasize analysis, critical thinking and our interdisciplinary scope, meaning like a real-world problem, meaning not just math, not just science, not just reading comprehension,” the former senator said.
He added that DepEd had learned from the dismal results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which found Filipino students at the tail-end of the list in math, reading and science.
The last installment of the PISA study published on Wednesday showed that Filipino students aged 15 had one of the highest levels of math anxiety, which could hinder opportunities for lifelong learning.
Experts said the growing mathematics anxiety among Filipino students threatens the country’s manufacturing ambitions, which will rely heavily on engineers.
The education chief admitted that a number of Filipino graduates have difficulty finding a job especially given a skill mismatch.
“We’re still struggling with the contents of the curriculum and trying to simplify it and make it more responsive to the needs of industries,” Mr. Angara said. “We’re aiming for greater mastery also.”
At the “Day of the Future” initiative of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, Holcim Philippines Chief Sustainability Officer Samuel O. Manlosa, Jr. said the academic curriculum should foster early specialization.
“Companies worry that… while we’re very good in certain aspects, our strength in engineering, science, and manufacturing has not been at the level where we want it to be,” he said, noting that these industries aim to attract foreign investments that require long-term commitment and human development.
Mr. Angara noted that while there are demands for professional workers, universities are not producing graduates with the needed skills.
He cited the growing demand for radiographers, adding that the supply side is struggling to keep up. Industries have also flagged the lack of hard and soft skills among Filipino graduates, Mr. Angara said.
Hard skills pertain to STEM and basic foundational skills, while soft skills refer to attitude toward work, positivity and willingness to sacrifice and work under pressure.
“These are things we will be identifying when we review [our existing curriculum]. We want to roll out a new senior high school curriculum by next year,” he added.
