Download PDF, 752KB - UNESCO Bangkok

Dr Lidinila M Luis-Santos, Bureau of Elementary Education, 2nd Floor,Bonifacio Building, Department of Education, Culture and Sports Complex,Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines, Tel: 632-633-9347, Fax: 632-637-4346, Email: bee@webquest.com39. Science and Mathematics Education ManpowerDevelopment Project (SMEMDP)Identifying a core group of teacher trainers was perceived to be a need ifthe quality of teaching of science and mathematics at both primary andsecondary levels in the Philippines was to be improved. Such trainerswould have responsibility to upgrade teachers’ theoretical and practicalknowledge across the country.Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (ISMED), University ofthe Philippines, set up the Science and Mathematics EducationManpower Development Project (SMEMDP) in 1994, with technicalassistance from the Government of Japan, to establish an Institute able toundertake this in-service training role. In addition the proposed Institutewas given responsibility for planning and managing teacher trainingcourses that were focused on laboratory experiments and other practicalwork, and for developing instructional methods and materials.Japanese experts visited the Science Teacher Training Centre atUniversity of the Philippines, and Centre staff were also trained in Japan.Equipment and materials necessary for the transfer of technology skillswere also provided. In addition the project was funded to provide middlelevel training programmes for teacher educators and teacher leaders atdifferent Regional Science Teaching Centres. These trained staff wouldthen provide training to other teachers and trainers across the country ona cascade model of training.The project has resulted in an enhanced instructional capability amongteacher educators at ISMED, particularly for laboratory and otherpractical activities. The receipt of science and mathematics instructionalequipment has also facilitated the further development of teacher trainingprogrammes and instructional methods and materials. A further impacthas been the higher capability among staff in ISMED in planning andmanaging teacher training courses in the specific subject areas.List of Projects by CountryList of Projects by Country © 63