The Department of Education (DepEd) continues its commitment to uplifting the quality of education in the Philippines through its newly launched initiative: Student Learning Sessions for English, Science, and Mathematics (ESM). These sessions, set to run from January 27 to March 10, 2025, aim to develop students’ Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), equipping them with the cognitive and emotional tools to excel in international assessments and real-world problem-solving.
Key Objectives
The primary goals of these learning sessions are:
- HOTS Development: Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL): Foster emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills.
- International Benchmarking: Align learning outcomes with international standards to enhance global competitiveness.
Learning Delivery Plan
The sessions are meticulously structured to provide maximum impact over eight weeks:
- Frequency: Three sessions per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays).
- Duration: Each session lasts one hour, covering English, Science, and Mathematics.
- SEL Integration: Socio-Emotional Learning prompts are embedded to enhance student engagement and motivation.
Implementation Guidelines
- Sessions are conducted during school hours, with flexibility for catch-up sessions if needed.
- Schools must inform parents and seek approval from the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) for any after-school or Saturday sessions.
- Teachers are trained on platforms like Khan Academy and Frontlearners to ensure effective delivery.
Program Timeline
The initiative follows a structured timeline:
- January 27-31, 2025: Orientation, onboarding, and pre-tests.
- February 3 - March 7, 2025: Weekly learning sessions, simulated tests, and teacher training.
- March 10-27, 2025: Final coaching and SEL sessions, alongside check-ins and simulated tests.
Class Flow
Each session includes:
- Welcome and SEL Ready (5 minutes): Opening activities to prepare learners emotionally and mentally.
- HOTS Practice (20 minutes): Strengthening subject-specific thinking skills through practice sets.
- Brain Break (5 minutes): Short breaks for mental refreshment.
- Post-Inquiry Discussions (25 minutes): Teachers facilitate discussions to address misconceptions and enhance problem-solving.
- Closing and SEL Go (5 minutes): Wrap-up with reflective prompts and reminders.
Supportive Strategies
To maximize learning outcomes, the program incorporates:
- Peer Learning: Encouraging collaboration among students for deeper understanding.
- Incentives: Awarding performance points to boost engagement and attendance.
- Custom Practice Sets: Adapting difficulty levels to match the class’s readiness.
Materials and Reporting
All materials, guides, and resources are accessible via the provided online links. Schools are required to submit test results weekly to their respective Regional Focal Persons for consolidation and reporting.
Why This Matters
This initiative is more than just a curriculum enhancement—it's an investment in the future of Filipino learners. By emphasizing higher-order thinking and emotional intelligence, DepEd ensures students are not only prepared for international assessments but are also equipped to tackle complex challenges with confidence and creativity.
For further inquiries, schools and regional offices may contact the PISA Technical Working Group Secretariat through the provided email.
Through this collective effort, the Department of Education is once again demonstrating its dedication to nurturing globally competent, resilient, and well-rounded learners. Together, let’s build a stronger educational foundation for the Philippines!