Writeshop on the Development of Self-Directed and Differentiated Learning Activity Sheets for 3rd Quarter Grades 1 to 6 Science, Mathematics and English

Sir Ronald, with his laptop and reference materials, went to his neighbor early on August 14, 2020. He wanted to prepare well and be ready to present his output in the plenary. His neighbor was kind enough to let him use their internet connection as his connection at home was intermittent. When it was his turn to present, he enthusiastically shared his output for Science where students had to work on activities to improve their understanding of the concept of force. Sir Ronald was one of the participants in the recently concluded online activity titled, Writeshop on the Development of Self-Directed and Differentiated Learning Activity Sheets for 3rd Quarter Grades 1 to 6 Science, Mathematics and English.

The writeshop was conceptualized in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Learning Continuity Plan, which laid out DepEd’s plan for the education sector in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It aimed primarily to develop independent learning activity sheets utilizing best practices in materials development with focus on 3rd quarter learning competencies for Grades 1 to 6 Science, Mathematics, and English. The activity sheets are supplementary worksheets that will support the learning modules for students in the public schools. With the support of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Small Project Assistance funds, Peace Corps, DepEd – International Cooperation Office (DepEd ICO) and the DepEd – Bureau of Learning Delivery-Teaching and Learning Division (BLD-TLD) worked cooperatively and productively to ensure the smooth implementation of the writeshop and the development of the learning activity sheets. 

The 8-day online writeshop, which was conducted from August 10-19, 2020,  opened with inspirational messages and reminders from the Chief of BLD-TLD (Dr. Rose Villaneza), the Director of ICO (Dr. Margarita Ballesteros), the Director of BLD (Dr. Leila Areola), and the Director of Programming and Training of Peace Corps (Ms. Wendy Slee). Representatives from the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) and the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR) shared with the participants more information about the new compressed curriculum to be used for this school year called Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) and DepEd’s quality assurance guidelines, especially on matters related to copyright and intellectual property rights.

A total of 190 teachers, principals, and supervisors from districts, divisions, and regional offices all over the Philippines participated in the workshop. Of this number, 83 participants served as primary writers who developed the learning activity sheets, 85 participants were writer mentees, and 22 served as reviewers. The participants came from 46 provinces[1] and represented all regions, except NCR. Specifically, participants came from the following provinces: Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Albay, Sorsogon, Antique, Capiz, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Daval del Sur, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Basilan, Maguindanao, and Sulu. Staff from Peace Corps and the Multigrade Program of BLD-TLD served as the core management and implementation group of the activity.

The participants were divided into groups and were assigned to specific subject and grade level. Each participant developed six activities focused on developing at least two skills following the learning competencies in the MELC. All throughout the writeshop, the participants actively worked on developing the learning activity sheets assigned to them, consistently ensuring that learning and development principles were properly applied. Moreover, participants were asked to ensure that the activities will be learner-friendly, especially to the students in far-flung areas and those who have very limited resources available. The participants remained committed and focused throughout the workshop – multitasking, staying up late to finish the activity sheets, and working through their connectivity issues – because they recognize the importance of their output in supporting students and teachers under this new normal.

The learning activity sheets will go through further review and revision, editing, validation, and quality assurance to ensure that the students will receive quality learning materials. Once the learning activity sheets are through with the rigorous evaluation process, they will be finalized and will be available for use to any public school in the country.

Photo 1: Slide title of the opening program
Photo 2: Collage of participants’ photos during the closing program