Surveys and studies have shown that Philippine competitiveness has been slipping steadily. Among the reasons often cited is the decline in the quality of Philippine education. What does the country do? The secretary of education wants public school teachers to give their students a break from homework during weekends. When teachers raised a howl of protest, Secretary Armin Luistro clarified that the no-homework weekends was merely his suggestion and not an order.
All work and no play can make Juan and Juana de la Cruz dull children. But it’s not as if Filipino students, particularly those in state-run schools, do not have enough time on their hands to enjoy their childhood. With the acute lack of classrooms and teachers and other necessities of education, many school supervisors have been forced to hold classes in three shifts, limiting students to an average of only four hours of formal education daily. Kindergarten is not free and compulsory, and Filipino children spend fewer years in elementary and high school compared to their counterparts in many other countries. Now Filipino children need a lighter school workload?
It wouldn’t be too bad if the additional free time would be spent on wholesome recreational activities that contribute to physical and mental well-being. But an idle mind, it is also said, is the devil’s playground. If the additional free time will simply be spent playing tong-its and sniffing rugby, it is better for educators to keep students occupied with homework.
It is no coincidence that the world’s advanced economies put a premium on education and lead the pack in international studies on competitiveness. Students in these countries are driven by their parents, the state, and personal competitiveness to strive for excellence. They get an early start in education, including training in information and communication technology. Parents in these countries invest in personal tutors and review sessions for their children to prepare them for a highly competitive world. The problem of Filipino students is not a heavy school workload. Their problem is that they aren‘t being driven hard enough.
