Sound education speaks louder through action research

August 6, 2017 Educator's Corner Opinion

“The Chosen Ones”- This label was indeed a confidence booster and at the same time a challenge to the teacher researchers during the two-day enhancement training of Schools Division of Benguet on Action Research Implementation and Manuscript Writing held at Adivay Hall, Wangal La Trinidad on August 3-4, 2017. I was overwhelmed to hear these words and up to now these keep echoing in my mind.
Action research as defined in the DepEd Order No.17, S.-2017, page 2, is a process of systematic, reflective inquiry to improve educational practices or resolve problems in any educational units (i.e. school, classroom, office). Further, the rationale behind was emphasized in this DepEd Order which states that the governance of Basic Education Act of 2001(RA 9155) mandates that the Department of Education enact policies and mechanisms through which the delivery of quality basic education maybe continuously improved. Chapter 1, Section 7 (5) includes among the responsibilities of DepEd across all governance levels the undertaking of “educational research and studies” that will serve as one of the bases for necessary references and policy development.
Action Research rationale is made possible through the utilization, dissemination and advocacy of significant results, findings and innovations/ interventions used in the research. These are considered the ultimate purposes behind action researches.  These purposes are easier to attain through provision of financial support under Basic Education Research Fund (BERF).
During this seminar workshop, I have learned a lot and this significant lesson on researching as shared by the expert resource speaker Janet Lynn S. Montemayor left a mark in me- laptops, netbooks, monitors hang while accomplishing researches. How much more with the researchers?  Indulge for a moment, refresh and brighter ideas just pop out when correcting errors.
We accepted the challenges to respond to the objectives of this enhancement training and a deafening yes resounded within us. This is what mastery learning teaches us. As shared by Mr. Lucio B. Alawas, (CES-SGOD) about the “Multiplier Effect”, sharing what you have learned is like throwing a stone to the pond which creates multiple circles.  Learnings die a natural death without mastery learning which is referred to as the application of acquired knowledge. He added, “Without application, walang mangyayari”. It was also pointed out to us in a lighter way when Mr. Nestor L.  Bolayo, OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, humorously challenged us that it’s almost Christmas and before that most awaited season, they will be waiting for our outputs!
I was more motivated to pursue my action research proposal since actions speak louder than words. Kudos co- researchers!
Our endless gratitude goes out to the dynamic and competent Schools Division of Benguet staff of Planning and Research, Ms. Xylene Grail D. Kinomis, Mr. Wilfred Bagsao (Math EPS) for the rich inputs and our very supportive SDS, Marie Carolyn B. Verano for serving as our adviser. JOCELYN R. BUMANGHAT, Camp 6 Elementary School