Last June 2016, the K to 12 curriculum has officially taken effect in the Philippines. The program was made to follow through the world's standard of basic education. It features various strands, each with their own specializations, and one of which is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand from the Academic Track. A couple of interviews were held with a few STEM students, both from grades 11 and 12, inviting them to share their experiences and give a glimpse of what it is like to be in the STEM Strand, and here is a summary of what they have to say of their strand:
The best word to describe it is “challenging”
Like all strands, expect it to have its own difficulty. For most of the students, it was a tough experience. Some say that it would “challenge your inner self,” for most of the activities bring a lot of pressure for them. At first, you’d think that it’s easy, but it’s not. It requires a lot of effort. A lot of obstacles would go your way as you venture into this strand, and there is no time for slacking off. Like all strands, expect it to have its own difficulty. For most of the students, it was a tough experience. Some say that it would “challenge your inner self,” for most of the activities bring a lot of pressure for them. At first, you’d think that it’s easy, but it’s not. It requires a lot of effort. A lot of obstacles would go your way as you venture into this strand, and there is no time for slacking off. Like all strands, expect it to have its own difficulty. For most of the students, it was a tough experience. Some say that it would “challenge your inner self,” for most of the activities bring a lot of pressure for them. At first, you’d think that it’s easy, but it’s not. It requires a lot of effort. A lot of obstacles would go your way as you venture into this strand, and there is no time for slacking off. Like all strands, expect it to have its own difficulty. For most of the students, it was a tough experience. Some say that it would “challenge your inner self,” for most of the activities bring a lot of pressure for them. At first, you’d think that it’s easy, but it’s not. It requires a lot of effort. A lot of obstacles would go your way as you venture into this strand, and there is no time for slacking off.
As the name suggests, expect a lot of Science and Math
This strand includes subjects such as Pre and Basic Calculus, General Biology, General Physics, and General Chemistry, most of which would really require the student to be more proficient in Science and Mathematics. Since these are their specializations, compared to other strands, expect the lessons to be a little more advanced and complex.
There would be more of applications of your previous lessons from Junior High
Get ready for more lab works and experiments. Most activities would be centered on applying scientific theories and concepts into our daily lives, especially those which you’ve learned from grades 7 to 10.
It provides a wider range of learning
One of the advantages of STEM is that it provides more opportunities. One of the students interviewed mentioned how STEM can be related to a tree, for it has many branches that connects them to their studies, seeing as how STEM has a wider coverage of topics and lessons. Compared to other strands, it is more open and more flexible.
Despite its difficulty, it is still a fun strand
Expect the typical struggles of a high schooler, but after all the hardships, you’d find how great it feels when all your hard work has paid off. As you go, you’d be learning new things, may it be lessons at school or lessons in life.
So for those planning to take STEM, be ready for all the cramming that would come your way. A few advices from some of the students interviewed: remember not to laze off, always be prepared, and avoid any absences as much as possible, for you surely wouldn’t want to miss out on a lesson because it would be quite hard to catch up.
STEM surely is a very intriguing strand, but at the end of the day, the strand you choose will still be up to you. Practicality is one thing, but following where your passion truly lies must come first before everything else. So choose wisely when selecting a strand.
Aira Perez | Regina Lucis High School
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