Last July 13, the Teach for America Alumni/Loyola Marymount University Urban Education graduate students visited the Philippines as part of their study abroad program for the School of Education. Out of the 11 students in the graduate program, three of them were placed at H. Bautista Elementary School (HBES) in Marikina City to learn about the Philippine culture and education system.
For five days, I was partnered with Craig Hirokawa who have taught 5th grade in his placement school in California for two years. Teacher Craig’s visit to HBES was a perfect timing since it is my first year to teach 5th graders and I thought that I could learn from his teaching strategies. At the same time, I could also share with him my experience as a 3rd grade teacher last school year.
In handling 5th graders, Teacher Craig said that positive recognition and external incentives foster motivation to students. He also added that they still like to have a sense of team, having them grouped in teams for class or group competitions works very well.
“The biggest difference, I think, between 3rd grade and 5th grade is that 5th graders are starting to want some more independence. At the beginning of the year, they are still cute and seek to please, but by the end of the year, they want to be more independent and figure out who they are as an individual,” Teacher Craig shared.
When I asked what made him pursue a career in education, he explained, “Originally, I got into teaching because I ultimately wanted to get involved in policy-making, but wanted some classroom experience first. However, now, I love teaching and I am staying in teaching for my students.”
It got me reminded of how my journey both as a learner and teacher started. I remember desiring to expand my horizon and discover what else I can do for my country. Now, it's such a joyful thing to try to upshot positive change by empowering the sector where I belong to—the youth sector.
For five days, I was partnered with Craig Hirokawa who have taught 5th grade in his placement school in California for two years. Teacher Craig’s visit to HBES was a perfect timing since it is my first year to teach 5th graders and I thought that I could learn from his teaching strategies. At the same time, I could also share with him my experience as a 3rd grade teacher last school year.
In handling 5th graders, Teacher Craig said that positive recognition and external incentives foster motivation to students. He also added that they still like to have a sense of team, having them grouped in teams for class or group competitions works very well.
“The biggest difference, I think, between 3rd grade and 5th grade is that 5th graders are starting to want some more independence. At the beginning of the year, they are still cute and seek to please, but by the end of the year, they want to be more independent and figure out who they are as an individual,” Teacher Craig shared.
When I asked what made him pursue a career in education, he explained, “Originally, I got into teaching because I ultimately wanted to get involved in policy-making, but wanted some classroom experience first. However, now, I love teaching and I am staying in teaching for my students.”
It got me reminded of how my journey both as a learner and teacher started. I remember desiring to expand my horizon and discover what else I can do for my country. Now, it's such a joyful thing to try to upshot positive change by empowering the sector where I belong to—the youth sector.
It was such a great experience to be able to share with Teacher Craig my day-to-day life inside the classroom and introduce to him my pupils and co-teachers. Moreover, having the opportunity to share with him some of the Filipino culture such as saying po, opo, and pagmamano, which are gestures carried out as a sign of respect to elders.
My students and I hope that Teacher Craig will be able to visit the Philippines again. From all of us at H. Bautista Elementary School, maraming salamat!
My students and I hope that Teacher Craig will be able to visit the Philippines again. From all of us at H. Bautista Elementary School, maraming salamat!