Education Unboxed | We can celebrate academic success yet call for education reform

As graduation and moving-up ceremonies are held throughout different school levels, instead of celebrating the increase in the number of honorees, academic institutions are being called out for the influx of academic achievers amidst dismal performance in international student assessments. However, despite the current education crisis, students’ achievements should not be belittled as the awards they garnered are products of hard work.

Since mid-May, when the graduation season commenced for many schools under the Department of Education (DepEd), netizens observed that almost everyone in the classroom is receiving academic awards. Expectedly, as colleges and universities hold their commencement ceremonies, the same criticisms will surface. This situation was the same last year when University of the Philippines Diliman recorded more than 300 summa cum laude gradauates. Although UP was the center of such news, the same trend is recorded in state universities and even private learning institutions.

Such criticisms stem from international student assessments, primarily the recently published Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which reported that Filipino students ranked second to the last when it comes to creative thinking only securing an average of 14 points compared to the global average of 33 points. In another PISA Assessment, Filipino students remain among the world’s weakest in math, reading, and science.

Throughout my elementary and high school education, identification, enumeration, and matching-type exams were the standard. From the get-go, I was taught to memorize hundreds of names, dates, places, and long texts so I could fare well during exams. Although I aced most of said exams, if you will ask me those objective questions now that I am four years into college, I probably would not recall them anymore.

This is the problem with our education system, where we put emphasis on memorizing every small detail without properly comprehending their significance. When I was in Grade 10, I memorized word-for-word the first article of the 1987 Constitution. I remember obtaining the highest grade during the monthly exam, but five years later, while taking Public International Law in UP, when I was asked about what the aforementioned constitutional provision says about our territories and its implications in our claim to the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea, it is clear that simply memorizing said provision would not allow you to deduce the implications of adhering to the archipelagic doctrine in terms of our sovereignty.

What I simply mean by this is that memorization is not enough. When our education system molds students who are essentially robots, they simply cannot operate beyond what was taught to them. This creates a generation of learners who can regurgitate information but lack the basic skills to apply that knowledge in practical, real-world situations.

Furthermore, in a rapidly evolving world where information is easily accessible, the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively is far more valuable than simply recalling facts. Students need to learn how to ask the right questions, conduct research, and critically assess sources. These are skills that are nurtured through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities, not through memorization.

In addition, the emphasis on memorization stifles curiosity and discourages intellectual risk-taking. Students become focused on getting the right answers rather than exploring different perspectives or developing their own ideas. This can lead to a fear of making mistakes, which is detrimental to the learning process. True learning involves trial and error, and students must be encouraged to experiment, fail, and learn from their failures.

Despite the criticisms, it is important to recognize that low performance in international assessments does not take away the hard work that students exerted to attain the honors they received. They simply responded to what was asked of them. Students have diligently followed the curriculum and met the requirements set by their instructors. It is a testament to their perseverance and dedication, even if the system itself may have flaws. 

These students have put in countless hours of study, balancing their academic responsibilities with other aspects of their lives, such as extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and family obligations. Their achievements should be celebrated because they reflect a significant amount of personal effort, commitment, and resilience. Honoring these students is not just about recognizing their academic performance but also about acknowledging their ability to manage multiple demands and excel despite various challenges.

Moreover, these honors highlight the students' capacity to work within the existing educational framework. They have demonstrated the ability to meet high expectations, adhere to deadlines, and master the material presented to them. This level of discipline and dedication is commendable and is a valuable skill set in itself. While the curriculum should be criticized for its focus on rote memorization, the ability of students to excel within this system showcases their adaptability and determination.

It is essential to couple this celebration with a critical examination of the educational system. While we honor the students' hard work, we must also push for reforms that address the shortcomings of the current curriculum. By doing so, we can create an educational environment that not only acknowledges hard work but also equips students with the skills they need to excel in a rapidly changing world.

Educational reforms should aim to bridge the gap between rote learning and critical thinking. We must also push for a curriculum that prepares students for real-world challenges and global standards. This means integrating more project-based learning, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and encouraging critical analysis and problem-solving. By doing so, we can ensure that future graduates are not only well-honored but also well-prepared for the complexities of the world they are about to enter. 

A curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and real-world applications will produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of using their knowledge effectively. These individuals will be better equipped to tackle complex problems, contribute to their communities, and drive economic growth. In essence, while we honor the hard work and achievements of students under the current system, we must strive to create an educational environment that better prepares all students for the future, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in whatever paths they choose to pursue ultimately becoming the gamechangers of our society.