The Learning Environment Public VS Private January 19, 2010

When my mindset gets over self-reflection, I cannot avoid comparing the public school to what a private school has.

I am a graduate of public school system. I had experienced studying in a private school yet I had failed to get through not because I did not perform well but due to the high cost of tuition that my family could not afford. As a matter of fact, I took up my college education at Naga College Foundation which is already a private school. Hence, it will be fair-share. I will not be biased with my views.

It is true that Private schools are for advantaged people in the society. Rich parents send their child in private educational institution since they think that quality education can only be achieved in these kinds of schools.

When it comes to facilities, of course, private schools get on top. Their services depend entirely from the stakeholders and from the high tuitions that students paid for; while the public schools depend upon the political support and economic revenue. That is the reason why there is a critical base for improving the school facilities.

Hence, private school institutions are more updated and technology-based. While public remains traditional yet standard. When you refer to my documentation during my In-campus teaching, it seems that private school has empty walls. Be thankful if there is one bulletin board standing. Now, try to look at the public school, the walls were decorated in an organized colors and frames. Above the chalk boards are numbers and letters of alphabet. Include those pictures of saints, angels, heroes, flags, cartoon characters and even the standards for oral and silent reading.

Just at the right of the teacher’s table are the instructional materials, book and references. At the right side of the classroom are bulletin board for every learning areas, Philippines National Anthem, Panunumpa sa Watawat and picture of the present President of the country. Opposite these is a cabinet for new (but un-used) books and the frames of Healthy Habits, Go, Grow and Glow foods, and Mga Katutubong Laro ng ating Bansa.

There are a lot of things you can find. Aside from the Data Bulletin where list of class honors, daily cleaners, homeroom and classroom officers, class norms, class work plan, monthly celebration and glimpses (pictures) lied.

There is also a board standing for “Our Best Work” and for instructional materials like flip charts and posters. They are not enough. There is also a supervisory corner, proverbs, and pictures of historical landmarks, Philippine Map, Philippine Presidents, Philippine National symbols and nursery rhymes. There is a personality corner where in students have their own comb and mirror.

Since there is no janitor, the class has the full responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness of the classroom including the comfort room. Hence, we train the children to become responsible. You might think that I am just getting myself tired of enumerating those things I saw inside of a typical classroom.

Which is really more conducive to learning? Try to figure it out. The well-structured classroom can already motivate child to learn. Which is more motivating?

When it comes to class size, private school has few students which lead to giving more attention to each student. While in public, the number of students ranges from 30-40. Hence, the teacher’s discipline power will be trained more.

There are so much more to be considered. It depends on your perspective. Anyway, to be teacher is not of where and who are your learners; but how you touch their lives.