We were warmly welcomed at both public and private schools. The SSG (Supreme Student Government) put up banners, and provided smiling groups of students who sang, and danced for us, (Makati high school even handed us flowers.) We were treated to snacks, given tours, and introduced to the busy principals. The students, and staff in both types of school wear uniforms, and the average class size is between 40-45. The classes are very homogeneous, with 98% of the students in most schools being Filipino. The students are tracked according to their ability. Staying in the top tier is very competitive. In all the classes we observed, students stood up as we entered, and we received lovely choral welcomes, along the lines of: "Welcome visitors. We are happy that you are here." Students were very attentive and engaged, and they worked well with their peers. There was often a lot of noise to contend with, and heat. Classrooms did not have air-conditioning, so the curtained windows were open to the noises outside. i heard everything from children playing, to cars and roosters.
As far as I could see, the main difference between the private and the public schools was the availability of resources. At the all-girls private Catholic school, St. Paul College, Pasig, in Manila, the students had school buses, a well stocked library, a couple of computer labs, colorful science labs, and TV's in the classrooms. (There were no smart-boards or white boards visible, most teachers were using chalk-boards). However, at Makati, the new public science high school, the teachers used computers and projectors in the math and science classes we observed.
Another difference was that several public schools we visited had resident dentists, and feeding centers to help malnourished children.
Both public and private schools in Tacloban were struggling to re-build their libraries, and other resources after the destruction of Yolanda. They had furniture that had been donated by Unicef, and other aid organizations. Leyte National High School has a critical lack of materials. Teachers are having to photo-copy pages from the text books. The science labs lack safety goggles, sinks, and other basic equipment. At Marabarasas public school, the teachers share one computer and a projector for several classes. An English teacher we observed was handing around her personal computer for her 45 students to see pictures on.
As far as I could see, the main difference between the private and the public schools was the availability of resources. At the all-girls private Catholic school, St. Paul College, Pasig, in Manila, the students had school buses, a well stocked library, a couple of computer labs, colorful science labs, and TV's in the classrooms. (There were no smart-boards or white boards visible, most teachers were using chalk-boards). However, at Makati, the new public science high school, the teachers used computers and projectors in the math and science classes we observed.
Another difference was that several public schools we visited had resident dentists, and feeding centers to help malnourished children.
Both public and private schools in Tacloban were struggling to re-build their libraries, and other resources after the destruction of Yolanda. They had furniture that had been donated by Unicef, and other aid organizations. Leyte National High School has a critical lack of materials. Teachers are having to photo-copy pages from the text books. The science labs lack safety goggles, sinks, and other basic equipment. At Marabarasas public school, the teachers share one computer and a projector for several classes. An English teacher we observed was handing around her personal computer for her 45 students to see pictures on.