THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FIELD STUDY COURSES OF THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM AMONG STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

To assess the implementation of a curriculum is a vital ingredient of curriculum innovation. This study aimed to assess the extent of implementation of the Field Study (FS) courses in the Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlational type of research, a validated survey-questionnaire administered to randomly selected students (n=252) from nine TEIs of 5 SUCs in Region I, Philippines, the researcher found that the TEIs have fully implemented the FS curriculum, and that the FS students have fully developed the competencies from these courses. However, findings revealed that the TEIs have no synchronization in the offering of their FS courses and have difficulty in the arrangement of schedules with their partner basic education schools during field work. Statistical analysis, further, generally revealed that the FS objectives and the implementation of collaborative procedures influence the levels of competence of the FS students, To ensure the sustenance of the full implementation of the New Teacher Education Curriculum, the researcher recommends the synchronization of the FS courses in the entire Region I, the field work of FS students from TEIS with laboratory schools is strongly encouraged, the conversion of the 1-unit FS course to a 3-unit FS course, the selection of FS centers in the region for immersion purposes, the accreditation of their TEP, strengthen collaboration among partner basic education schools, and the use of a manual or handbook on Field Study observations as part of their experiential learning courses.