To Cheat or Not to Cheat

To cheat, or not to cheat: That is the question.

Cheating has been a perennial issue in every academic institution since time immemorial. In a country that cannot even hold a decent election, students cheating their way through college should be anything but surprising. (Panao, 2008)

According to an advertising council campaign against cheating, the Educational Testing Service, academic cheating is defined as representing someone else's work as your own. It can take various forms, like sharing another's work or purchasing a term paper or test questions in advance.[1] Because of consistent practice, cheating is now a stereotype in the society. How and why does it successfully elude solutions?

In Adamson University, cheating is not new anymore. Fifteen college students from the Mass Communication department were chosen to be respondents in the survey conducted. Thirteen confessed to commiting academic dishonesty.

An alarming 87% of the respondents have confessed to cheating. When asked on how often they cheat in exams or quizzes, majority answered that they do it whenever they cannot answer a question in the exam. Majority answered that the reason of their cheating is failure to study for the exam. The funny part is, one answered that he cheats because it is fun to do. One answered that his classmates do it so he finds no reason not to do it, too. This shows that students who cheat feel justified in what they are doing. They cheat because they see others cheat and they think that they will be unfairly disadvantaged.

Out of the thirteen respondents who cheat, majority has not been caught and this is because cheating is made easier today. One of the respondents shares that he cheats by googling[2] for answers in his phone during examinations.

When asked on how they feel about cheating, majority answered that they were not affected at all. As students of a Vincentian education, is this the way these students must feel? Students are taught to be honest because cheating does not end at graduation, in most cases. The corrupt leaders of the country are probably cheaters in their college years, too.

Ironically, grades, rather than education, have become the major focus of many students today. Learning is gradually losing its essence. But cheating can still be solved as shown that majority of the respondents answered they think they can graduate in college without cheating. Panao says in her essay that it is not just teachers but the entire academic community who must make it their duty to safeguard academic integrity.[3] With enough discipline from both learners and mentors, cheating in Adamson can still be solved.

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[1] Definition available at http://www.glass-castle.com/clients/www-nocheating-org/adcouncil/research/cheatingfactsheet.html

[2] Googling is the term used by people who use the search engine, Google, to find anything on the internet.

[3] Panao, A. (2008). Who really loses when a student cheats?

K + 12 = Smarter Filipinos?

Last August 2010, the Department of Education (DepEd) publicized the major plan of the government to overhaul the education system in the Philippines also known as the K+12 Program (Kindergarten+12 Program).[1] The highlight of the proposal was to extend the years of basic education from 10 to 12 years. The proposition received diverse feedback from the Filipino people, both students and non-students. The K+12 proposal is a part of the government’s program to elevate the country’s educational standards. Would adding two years to basic education lift the quality of education in the country?

The Philippines is the only country with a 10-year compulsory basic education consisting of six years in grade school and four years in high school. Most countries have 12 years basic education, some even have longer. For instance, India has 12 years primary education and 4 years secondary education. With schools having 12 years of basic education, graduates of basic education are already eligible for employment even without attending university or higher studies. This is what the government wants to happen. It wants to produce competent high school graduates who can already enter the labor force as early as 17 years old. Since basic education today only offers 10 years, the graduates are too young to enter the labor force. Most children start Grade 1 at the age of 6; they do not reach the employable age of 18 after high school graduation.

The poor quality of education is reflected on the low achievement scores of the students. Average National Achievement Test (NAT) scores of elementary school students are at a failing 64 percent. The number further slides in high school, with the national average at 46 percent. (Quismundo, 2010)[2] The results of the 2003 TIMMS (Trends in International Math and Science Study) show poor proficiency of Filipino students as the Philippines is placed 41^st among 45 participating countries, consistently appearing at the lower part of the charts.[3] One reason for the degrading achievement of the students is inadequate instructional and learning time. The curriculum is congested; twelve years worth of education is crammed into ten years. If sufficient time is given to students, these achievement scores may improve.

The short duration of the basic education also affects the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino professionals and students staying abroad. Dubai-based OFW Hannah Zipporah Tayo shares on a forum of GMANews.TV Facebook Fan Page that when she pursued studies abroad, none of the universities and colleges accepted her for they do not recognize the 10 years basic education curriculum.[4] Filipino graduates are not automatically recognized as professionals abroad. One genuine example is the Engineering graduates who are not given professional status abroad for lacking years in basic education. This is saddening for the people who have spent their effort and passion in earning their diplomas which were later unappreciated when they pursued employment abroad.  If the K+12 proposal is implemented, their diplomas would surely not be put to waste.

The primary concern of the parents with the 12-year basic education cycle is the added financial burden that would certainly come with the extended curriculum. However, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said "Essentially, this is basic education and this is for free." He explains that high school graduates have better opportunities for employment even without a college diploma. Part of the proposal is the inclusion of vocational courses to teach students practical livelihood skills.[5] Practicality is easily attained through the implementation of the K+12 proposal.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in an interview that the K+12 program will surely assure high school graduates of employment. He assured that these reforms aim to ensure a productive employment for these graduates even without completing college. “The current thinking and the current culture in the Philippines is that if you don’t finish with a college degree, there is something missing in your life. What should basic education be? To me, what is basic is that [high school graduates] should be able to live a meaningful life, they should be able to be prepared to start a family, and thirdly they should be able to be productively employed,” Luistro explained.[6] A good point was raised here by the Education Secretary. Many people who lack college degrees are deprived of the hiring and employment they should receive even when they are competent and capable enough for the job. It is a common notion now that if you do not attend college or university, you are considered useless because no business firm would hire you. Unlike in other countries, high school graduates are given the right to be employed in jobs they want to get. If that happens to the country, the unemployment rates would decline.

But every debate has a government side and an opposition side. The K+12 program may have presented good points but there are several counterarguments to them.

Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, the president of Ateneo de Manila University, does not see how the extension of the basic education years can help improve the quality of education in the country. “This all sounds very nice, but if you get down to the ground, it doesn’t make sense,” he tells in a forum. This raises a crucial question to critics: Is the length or duration of education directly proportional to the quality of education a student receives? Quality is always better than quantity. Adding two more years to the curriculum does not guarantee better education standards. The problem here is not the length, but the content of the education. The government should focus on what is being taught inside the classrooms. As far as the curriculum is concerned, the Department of Education must fix the current subjects instead of adding new ones. As an editorial puts it, we need to have better education, not more education. (Cruz, 2010)[7]

More problems rise on the financial aspect of this matter. Albeit the government promises free education for the added two years of the curriculum, this is evidently anecdotal. The government cannot have the money to pay for two more years’ worth free education since it does not even have the budget to pay for today’s ten years. It must first solve problems on erroneous textbooks, classrooms, furniture and facilities insufficiency and unqualified teachers, especially in public schools. Two more years can be added to the curriculum, but as long as classrooms still have to be shared by 60 to 80 students per class, and as long as they do not have chairs and books to use, the students will surely be learning nothing.

One of the main reasons why the government is pressured to change the curriculum is because of the country’s status with the lone 10 years of basic education. If the basic education offered in the Philippines needs two more years, why is the government only changing it now? In the past years, the country has dealt with 10 years of basic education and it was fine. Literally, the Filipinos can do in 10 years what other people in the world can do in 12 years. Is this proof of the pressure on the government to follow trends? Are they only doing it to blend in? Does it follow that Filipino students have to do what the rest of the world is doing? Filipinos have proved to be competent in different fields, even with only ten years of basic education.

Although the government pointed out that the new curriculum would increase chances of employment for high school graduates, it is still fallacious for most business firms do not hire fresh high school graduates. The times are changing and the workplace is getting competitive every year. College education makes an application stand out. It would make the application easier. Therefore, employment would still be easier with a college degree.

Albeit the duration of basic education will be lengthened, it is not assured that they will be learning what they need when they step out of school and enter the real world. It is not guaranteed that they will be competent enough to cope up with the demands and pressure of the different markets and industries they will be entering. Cruz (2010)[8] points out in his mini critique column that if these 17 year-old graduates are emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually mature, why are they required to get parental consent before getting married?

Since two more years will be added to the curriculum, some students will be left in Grades 11 and 12. As a result, schools will not be producing high school graduates for two years. This would also mean no college entrants for two years. This will cause financial problems to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). HEIs are state-recognized, public or private, post-secondary educational and vocational training establishments which offer, within the framework of advanced education and training, qualifications or diplomas of that level, whatever such establishments may be called. [9] This possibility should not be even considered for these institutions provide the professionals of the society. Without institutions to harness and enhance potential doctors and lawyers of the society, the security of the country is at stake.

According to data gathered by the National Statistical Coordination Board, the dropout rate in the elementary level was 6 percent in 2009. However, the dropout rate at the secondary level improved starting from SY 2006-2007 and remained at around 8 percent in the succeeding years. But unfortunately, the college drop-out rate from 1994 up to 2004 is 83.34%.[10] It is still a large number. Given the extension of the years of basic education in the country, it will not be surprising if this number goes higher. High dropout rates are predominantly influenced by the most unresolved problem in the society – poverty. Families are too poor to continue sustaining education for their children, resulting to the children dropping out in the middle of the academic year. With the new curriculum, these families will have a heavier load on their backs.

It is a fact that many public schools in the country cram up as many students as they can inside a classroom. To make matters worse, these schools conduct classes in shifts – usually morning, afternoon and evening shifts. This is a big problem to the curriculum with two additional years. Public schools will be forced to construct new buildings and classrooms to accommodate the students. It will be difficult, considering some schools have not yet recovered from the wrath brought about by several calamities the country has recently experienced. If these schools fail to add new infrastructures and facilities, what will happen? The most feasible solution would probably be to conduct classes 24/7. Funny but realistic.

It is a fact that not all students graduate on time. Some take longer than six years in elementary and some more than four years in high school. If these students have difficulties finishing ten years of education, what more if it becomes twelve years?

Considering the arguments and counterarguments presented, I take my stand with the opposition. The Philippines has used the 10-year basic education scale since time immemorial. It is already proven that schools and universities can produce competent graduates using this time scheme. The government must not change this system because of a trend. After all, they are not yet certain of the outcome of the proposal. Trial-and-error method must not be used on a matter this serious. It was said before and I am saying it again. What the Filipinos need is better education, not longer education.

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[1] K+12 Program is Kindergarten+12 Program which indicates the duration of the Basic Education from Kindergarten plus 7 years in elementary education and 5 years in high school.

[2] Quismundo, T. (2010). DepEd to announce K+12 program Tuesday. Available at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101005-295996/DepEd-to-announce-K12-program-Tuesday

[3] Data available at http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2004/pr20041214.htm

[4] Information available at http://mlephil.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/2282/

[5] Government poised to extend basic education. (2010). Available at http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=601711

[6] Available at http://mlephil.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/2282/

[7] Cruz, I. (2010). The K+12 debate. Available at http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=620727&publicationSubCategoryId=442#morenews

[8] Cruz, I. (2010). The K+12 debate. Available at http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=620727&publicationSubCategoryId=442#morenews

[9] Definition available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus-programmes-tempus-glossary-of-terms.htm

[10] Statistics available at http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/statdev/2009/Education/Chapter_Education.asp

Fair and Square

In the contemporary society people live in today, different controversies emerge amidst the chaos brought about by conflicts. Each individual judges the issue with his own viewpoint. He takes a stand and voices out his beliefs, as each person is entitled to his own opinion. It is a given that not everyone has the same position on ideas; an issue then has always two sides – one side concurring with it and the other disagreeing with it.

A good writer knows how to maintain balance and stability in his compositions. He is aware that good writing always comes hand in hand with good strategies and techniques. The dialectic thinking strategy is a crucial element to writing a paper. A writer achieves the dialectic thinking strategy in three steps. First, a writer must present a thesis statement. The thesis is the writer’s own argument; it is an idea that he truly believes in. After developing the claim in a logical manner, the writer presents the antithesis. The antithesis is a counterargument to the thesis. This way, the writer weighs both the pros and cons in the issue. This is where the last step of the dialectic thinking strategy comes in – the synthesis. Synthesis is only achieved when contrasting ideas are combined to create an intelligible comprehension of the topic.

The dialectic thinking strategy is an essential ingredient to writing position papers. When taking a stand on a controversial issue, one must always be open to hearing other sides of the story. How does a writer inject the dialectic thinking strategy to his position paper?

First of all, the controversial issue must be well-defined. The writer must present that it is clearly arguable. The introduction must present the scope and limitations of the debate. It must emphasize important points and facts in the topic. After providing a good definition and background of the issue, the writer should state his position in the issue. In the paper, this is where the dialectic thinking strategy of the writer starts – the position he takes is his thesis. The writer’s stand on the issue must be stated and explained clearly. The position must be supported with relevant reasons and evidence.

To further discuss the controversial issue, the antithesis is presented after the thesis. The other side of the issue is given light at this point. The opposition must be presented fairly to modify the thesis accordingly. Evidence and reasons should also support these counterarguments to show a good angle of the topic.

At this part of the position paper, the writer refutes the counterarguments. He goes back to his thesis and uses the evidence presented to prove that the antithesis is faulty. Synthesis is achieved here because there is already a good grasp of the controversial issue, weighing up both its pros and cons.

Albeit the writer is taking a position on a controversial issue, both angles of the matter must be discussed thoroughly. This is how one becomes fair and square in writing.

Reading between the Lines

A table cannot stand on its own without its legs. The computer cannot function without the monitor or the Central Processing Unit (CPU). A business cannot operate well without a manager and his employees. Big things come from small things; these tiny parts make up the structure of the big things. Without these elements, a certain system or item will never be complete. Like a table and its legs or the business and its employees, an expository essay needs certain elements to make its structure complete.

Expository writing aims to explain the essence of an idea, process or thing. It seeks for a better understanding and appreciation of a concept through in-depth research and reasoning. Several important elements should make up the structure of an expository essay so that it becomes effective to its readers. Some of these components are explicitly stated in the piece while others are only implied.

A logical plan is crucial in the making of an expository essay. The first step is always planning. It is divided into two parts – the pre-writing process and the outlining process. In pre-writing, the writer has several techniques to choose from: clustering, questioning, brainstorming and free-writing. Making the outline of the essay is like creating a game plan. The writer must be aware of his goal in writing and his plans in attaining it.

Every essay has a subject to talk about. This subject is presented in the form of the thesis statement. The thesis is the central idea of the essay. It is the opinion of the writer and not a mere statement of facts. It suggests the direction and flow of the essay, defining the limits and scope of the discussion. It can be developed through illustration, comparison and contrast, classification, narration, description and definition. Relevant and logical evidence must be presented to support the claim of the writer. For complete understanding of the topic, counterarguments must also be shown in the essay. These counterarguments make up the antithesis. Corresponding evidence that oppose to the thesis are stated here. The positive and negative sides of the matter, therefore, are both presented, reaching synthesis.

Organization of the composition must be clear and clarified so as readers can follow it easily. The division of information must be parallel; they must not overlap. The sequence of information is also important as the most important information receives proper emphasis. The essay must be rich with facts and evidence, provided that the sources are properly acknowledged. The piece’s introduction must be appealing to capture the attention of its readers. Likewise, the conclusion must be equally powerful to leave a lasting impact on its readers. After writing the first draft, revision and copy reading are done to improve the essay until it becomes presentable enough to be published.

Like small things that make up big things, an expository essay cannot be accomplished without its little but essential parts. If the readers read between the lines, they will surely find them.

The Debate on Celibacy and Marriage

In the early days of the Catholic Church, priests were still allowed to marry. But the time came when the leaders of the church forbid the priests to marry in order to stop the property, money and land of the church from being "inherited" away from the church. That is, from priests leaving money and land to wives and children when they died. Celibacy was implemented whether the priests liked it or not.

Until now, marriage is forbidden from a priest’s life. But the times are changing; technology is improving. Freedom of speech is highly practiced and voicing out opinions is not restricted anymore. The issue on the priests being celibate and unmarried is still open, and people are still debating about it. 

Majority of the people still believe that priests should not be allowed to marry for the primary reason that having a family will hinder a priest from executing his responsibilities well. The priest is a representative of God on Earth and it is expected that he should live as Jesus did. An old adage goes, “A man cannot serve two masters.” It is pointed out in this issue that a man cannot serve both his family and God because once a priest takes his vows, he must consecrate his life entirely to God and detach himself from earthly possessions. It is indeed true that it is difficult to run a church and a house at the same time.

            However, there are two sides in every pancake. People are more liberal nowadays, and being open-minded is a must, especially in an issue like this. There is nothing in the bible that states a priest should not be allowed to marry. Jesus’ apostles are priests but most of them were married. The primary reason why priests cannot marry was, as aforementioned, the fear of the Catholic leaders that the properties be “inherited” away from the church. This reason is shallow. Is it considered as enough foundation to ban them from having a family of their own? 

Geoffrey Cant, a citizen from Upper Marlboro, shared a story in a post from the website of The Washington Post. He said that once, a student from his kid’s Religion class asked their teacher why priests are not allowed to marry. The teacher replied, “Because a family would be a distraction to him." This story is quite amusing since Catholics are known to be pro-family. The family is an inspiration, not a distraction. Priests are humans, too, and they deserve the right to raise and have a family of their own. 

Another reason why priests are not allowed to marry then was because of the belief that sexual intercourse makes a person "unclean." This is because of another belief that women are less pure than men and hence constitute a form of ritual contamination. This is, in plain sight, discrimination to the females. Ask a priest if he’s lonely and he will surely answer yes. Because of this loneliness, he is driven to take advantage of the temptations around him. Scandals of a priest having a wife and a child are common to our society already. Is this not more unclean than doing it the right way?

The debate on celibacy and marriage of the representatives of God is never-ending. Absorbing every bit of information, I believe that priests should be allowed to marry. We keep upholding our rights and privileges as human beings. It is about time to let the priests have a taste of these rights.

The Real Deal

Corazon Aquino, husband of Benigno Aquino Jr., is best known as the Mother of Democracy for leading the People Power Revolution and the liberation of the Filipino people from the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos. This is the primary reason of her inclusion in Time Magazine’s “The 25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century” list. But the question extracted from this issue is whether the late president deserves to be enlisted in such list.

Although a self-proclaimed housewife, Cory surprised the masses with effective leadership.  Despite having no political background, she was a skilled campaigner and a strict legislator. She administered the restoration of democracy in the country and the promulgation of a new constitution, limiting the powers of the presidency and establishing a bicameral legislature. Her administration focused on human rights, peace talks and dialogues with communist rebels and Muslim secessionists. She centered her reform on the economy of the country by focusing on creating a market-oriented and socially-responsible economy. 

On the contrary of everything that has been said, there are certain flaws that can be inferred from her administration. The government paid off $4 billion of the country's unsettled debts to redeem good international credit ratings. However, it also borrowed an additional $9 billion, increasing the national debt by $5 billion within six years time since the coup of the Marcos administration in 1986. During her presidency, electric blackouts were common in Manila. The administration knew for years that the power plants were failing, but they did not act to solve the problem. Some people cannot help but think that she was only a substitute to her husband; she is not really the one responsible for the democracy of the Philippines.

Weighing up all the evidence, what is the real deal in the situation?