EDUCATIONAL TV

Harnessing the power of media to promote the Filipino child’s excellence in both academic and societal value fields is the motivation for ETV.

Results from the 1999 Third International Mathematics and Science Study of 8th grade math and science learning in 38 countries ranked the Philippines in the bottom 3 countries. This low achievement is understandable, given the documented lack of educational access for poor and marginalized families, with public educational investment favoring high income groups. Gross enrollment, completion, graduation and retention rates are also below acceptable levels. Teacher competency and quality are also below standards.

The Foundation response has been to partner with the Department of Education to produce supplemental multi-media products promoting science and math learning, in line with the government’s core curriculum under the Philippine Education Learning Competencies or PELC.

Educational television shows resulting from this partnership are Sineskwela (literally movie school), Math Tinik, Hirayamanawari and Bayani. These shows provide a common experience for all students, stimulate interest and imagination, demonstrate abstract ideas and equalize educational opportunities.

These on-air shows have been transferred to tapes and DVDs to enhance its reach to remote and inaccessible areas around the country.

A mid-life assessment of the program by Dr. Milagros Ibe, Director of the University of the Philippines National Institute of Science and Math Education, showed as much as a 23% differential between those exposed to the science series and those who were not part of the program. It was found that pupils in Grade 2 and 3 who watched the Science program absorbed twice as much of the science concepts than those who were not exposed to the shows. Interestingly, understanding of the concepts in Filipino appeared to facilitate transfer of learning to English.

The values formation series, Hirayamanawari and the cultural history series, Bayani, stimulated students’ imagination and critical thinking skills. An unintended benefit of the program, as reported by the Apayao school district, with its challenging mountain geography, is a drastic reduction in absenteeism and truancy.

Playground and classroom behavioral changes have been reported by teachers as a result of the series.

ETV statistical reports are accessible here.

Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN Foundation (Philippines)