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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday emphasized the urgent need for significant educational reforms in the Philippines. His call for change follows an international study that revealed Filipino students’ low scores in creative thinking. This study, part of the newly introduced creative thinking section of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), ranked the Philippines in the bottom four among 64 countries.
Need for Curriculum Reform
“Our curriculum is not designed to promote creative thinking,” Gatchalian stated during One News’ Storycon. “This is a long-term reform that we need to undertake so our students can adapt to the jobs of the future.” Currently, the country’s high school curriculum includes over 30 subjects, but only two focus on creativity and information technology. This imbalance highlights a critical gap that needs addressing to foster a more creative and adaptable workforce.
Global Shift to Creative Thinking
Gatchalian acknowledged PISA’s findings, noting a global shift towards creative thinking. “The number one skill in the next decades is creative thinking, not critical thinking. The world is becoming more competitive in terms of creativity, and we’re not just competing among ourselves anymore; we’re also competing with artificial intelligence,” he added. As the chair of the committee on basic education, Gatchalian stressed the importance of aligning the educational system with these global trends.
Low Performance in Other Areas
The Philippines’ poor performance in PISA extends beyond creative thinking. The country has also scored low in other assessments, particularly in math, reading, and science. These results indicate a broader issue within the education system, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms. Enhancing reading literacy in the Philippines is crucial, as it lays the foundation for overall academic success and lifelong learning.
Leadership in Education
Speculation about Gatchalian’s potential appointment as the new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) arose following Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s resignation. However, Gatchalian appeared to downplay this possibility. “I still have four years in my mandate as senator, having been voted by 20 million Filipinos in 2022 to serve a six-year term. I plan to complete all those years,” he said.
Qualities of a DepEd Chief
When discussing the qualities necessary for a DepEd chief, Gatchalian highlighted the need for decisiveness, experience in bureaucracy, and a passion for education. He stressed that there is no room for “more experimenting” in the education sector. “A lot of solutions are outside the box, not the usual business as usual. You need to have that advocacy,” Gatchalian stated.
Conclusion
In summary, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s call for educational reform in the Philippines is driven by the need to foster creative thinking among students. The recent PISA results underscore the importance of redesigning the curriculum to better prepare students for future challenges. Addressing the low performance in areas such as math, reading, and science is also crucial for improving overall educational outcomes. By enhancing reading literacy in the Philippines and promoting a curriculum that nurtures creativity, the country can better equip its students for a competitive global landscape.
