Manila, August 31, 2022—The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has trained more than 50 officials from central, regional, and divisional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) in design and development of prototype learning spaces to meet future education challenges. sector during a workshop held from August 15 to 19.
“As our teachers and learners continue to face barriers to equitable and inclusive education, we must continually explore ways to ensure that all have access to quality teaching and learning resources by sustaining progress education technology and supporting and strengthening the leadership roles of teachers,” said USAID Director of Education in the Philippines, Dr. Thomas LeBlanc.
The five-day workshop, held in partnership with DepEd, was designed to help education personnel develop solutions for learning spaces that are contextualized and adaptable to meet future education challenges. Participants learned to carefully define the problems to be solved, empathize with teachers and learners, and conceptualize, design, and test a prototype learning space that meets educational needs.
To illustrate the results of the workshop, the school division office in Tanauan, Batangas, sought to solve the problem of overcrowded classrooms by designing an interactive gazebo that allows students to explore nature while developing new skills. important technological and social skills.
DepEd Region 7 Deputy Regional Director Cristito Eco challenged attendees to focus on innovative solutions. “When you are faced with issues or problems, don’t immediately think about the cost. Think about possible solutions and your stakeholders,” he said. “This future thinking workshop helped us to appreciate our partners in creating solutions together.”
The United States government has been a key development champion in the Philippines for more than 60 years, working with individuals, communities, and government to improve everyday life. Through its All Children Reading Philippines project, USAID aims to help DepEd improve the reading skills of 100 million children.