How Constructivist am I?

My family’s financial economic distress was the main reason why I had to study very well. It had been my essential acumen to finish a course, work and have a good life. A good life not just for myself but for my generations to come because being poor is truly a struggle.

Lucky indeed, I studied in a high-standardized school where I needed to pursue the depth of studies. My teacher didn’t need to push me what were the things I had to finish. I always made sure that I submit the tasks on time. I regularly went to the library to research, did extra readings, joined several extra-curricular activities, got knowledge through observational learning, being active to any activities inside and outside the school —- without waiting from someone tell me to do so. Even though there was no adult to yell at me “Study well!”, I learned to study by myself. As much as possible, learn a lot of things – jack of all trade – from the meanest skill to a tough one. Being the owner of my learning, I made it possible through my curiosity, will power and endurance. To tell you the truth, I graduated elementary, high school and college – with no parents, family and friends beside me except that one Franciscan nun who assisted me during my baccalaureate. Remembering my struggles as a student, with my parents who were far from me – kumbaga sa tagalog, I was the kind of ‘’gumapang sa lusak’’ or ‘’hahamakin ang lahat, makamit ka lamang.” I never lose hope and surrender. Strength and perseverance were in my veins. There is only One whom I always depend on especially at the lowest point of my life – God. I just can say ‘’thanks’’ for that was my destiny.  I can no longer shed a tear and sentiment at this moment, my heart had long been hurt and became strong, but I never regret anything even if it happened to me. I am now enjoying the fruits of my hardship.  Whereas to be a constructivist, I just loved learning! That is the main thing!

As a teacher

In my 14 years of private tutorials and being a More Knowledgeable One, little I knew, I had been a constructivist. My main tasks are to teach them, assess if they understood the lesson, give them examinations and practices, check their school’s summative & formative assessments and evaluate their final grades – from Math, English, Science, Computer, Arabic, Social Studies – all the subjects, from zero English to Upper Level.

There are many differences of tutorials and traditional classroom teacher; there is no lesson plan, no assorted activities, no techniques and methods, not a huge class – but there is only one aim – Teach them to be learners of their own. I never spoonfeed them, I never answer their homeworks. I only give clues and guide them “how, what and when’’ to study. I do help them to become independent, active, and responsible students. I can only assist them until they reach Grade 7. From that point, they were matured and responsible enough to study by themselves. I let them go once I learned that they can fish by themselves. At the moment, most of my students are getting good marks in their respective universities.  It was a pleasure learning their success. My identity as ‘’good constructivist’’ flew throughout Jeddah by referrals. For longer years, I had 45 Saudi students and currently have 9 Saudi students. After this course I do hope, I will still be a constructivist in a real classroom, in sha Allah. Thank you, EDS 103 for employing this course in me.

See these related posts:

The lavish, exuberant lifestyle nowadays has many reasons. Allahumdulillah! (Praise be to Allah). First, enjoying the fruits of perseverance, patience and hardwork. Second, rewarding the self from passing the tests of life and lastly, fulfilling the insufficiency from the time I was born. Insufficiency? Yes. In layman’s term, POVERTY.

https://rowenaprax.home.blog/2019/01/26/insufficiency-not-a-hindrance/

Being persistent, efficient and an effective teacher was a task that was assigned to me to produce responsible, excellent, and competitive students. My purpose was to let them excel in their own madrasas – school, understand and apply what they learn, and show a pleasing report card to their parents.

https://rowenaprax.home.blog/2019/01/30/the-mastery-of-different-assessments/