(An essay about ‘Quality Education’)
Written by: Englis, Gianna Clare T.
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I've never really understood what ‘quality education’ actually meant to me. Even to this day, the concept remains rather baffling for me to comprehend. Why should there be a singular, definite meaning for something so multifaceted in this world? As I continue to grow and learn, I realize that my understanding of what makes education truly ‘quality’ is constantly evolving. I realized that a person’s meaning of ‘quality education’ can change depending on their unique circumstances and experiences.
Growing up, my understanding of what ‘quality education’ meant was limited to its physical aspects. Back then, my understanding of it was pretty straightforward: a ‘quality education’ meant a good school with good teachers and good classmates. I was a kid back then, life was simple. My only memories were of playing on the playground, making new friends, and learning basic math and reading skills. While I didn't fully understand the concept of 'quality education' at the time, I knew that I enjoyed going to school and had felt supported by my teachers; and that’s all that mattered to me. However, then, the pandemic happened; which completely wrecked this perception of mine.
With the classrooms moving online and physical interactions becoming limited, the physical aspects of education that once defined my perception of ‘quality education’ seemed to dissolve. No longer was it just about good teachers and supportive classmates in a traditional setting; it slowly became all about adaptability, and most importantly, accessibility. ‘Quality education’, to me during that time, meant how well both the learner and the educator adapt to a new environment and how well they can both learn in it. It meant that all students must have the opportunity to learn in a supportive and inclusive environment, regardless of their individual needs. To put it simply, in a ‘quality education’, teachers must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively facilitate learning and support the student's individual needs.
While technology did offer us the convenience of having lectures anywhere and anytime we pleased, it also introduced us to new challenges. The lack of face-to-face interaction made it difficult to build meaningful connections with teachers and my classmates. Technical difficulties and internet connectivity issues often further disturbed our learning process. The pandemic, in a way, forced me to reevaluate my priorities and redefine what I considered a ‘quality education’. It taught me that a good learning experience can occur in any setting, as long as it meets the needs of the learner.
As the pandemic passed and we started entering our face-to-face classes again, what ‘quality education’ meant to me changed yet again. Despite the return to face-to-face learning, some challenges persisted. In my previous school, one challenge that affected our ability to get a ‘quality education’ was the lack of equipment and manpower. I came from a relatively newly established Science High School in Talisay, and compared to other Science High Schools that have been around for decades and have had a lot of time to accumulate and improve their equipment--our school didn’t have that luxury. Aside from that, our school was understaffed as well. Thus, we, the students, had to suffer sometimes wherein there would be no teacher who would go in and have a class because the teacher who was supposed to teach us was busy handling other grade levels.
For this reason, my perception of what a ‘quality education’ meant to me changed. Although I faced many challenges in my previous school regarding how the overall school system worked, it also made me realize that ‘quality education’ can also be about what we learn. It's about learning subjects that are relevant to our lives and prepare us for the future. It’s about developing the overall skills we need to succeed as individuals in society. A person can have the highest ‘quality education’ if the systems involved in it allow them to develop their skills and empower them to become active citizens in our society.
The quality of education a student receives has a profound impact on their future opportunities and contributions to society. A well-rounded education equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions. For instance, globally, someone who has received a ‘high-quality education’ can use the education they received to influence and teach others about issues in our society. A specific example of this is what happens in elections, where a person's vote can change the course and future of their entire country. This applies locally as well.
People who have had access to ‘quality education’ are also more likely to get jobs than those who didn’t since employers are often requesting to see a person’s academic background. This is true, especially in our country, the Philippines. Employers frequently require specific educational qualifications, leading many people to miss out on potential career paths due to a lack of formal education. When a large portion of the population is unable to secure stable employment due to insufficient education, it contributes to a cycle of poverty and economic decline. The increasing number of unemployed people often stems from a lack of access to ‘quality education’. If they do not have the required education, they cannot build upon the skills which they need for the job they want.
As individuals in our society, it is important to acknowledge the importance of ‘quality education’ and strive to actively promote it to others. One way we can do so is to mentor or tutor students, sharing our knowledge and expertise to help them succeed academically. Not only that, but we can also support educational initiatives by volunteering our time to local schools or community organizations. Additionally, by sharing our educational experiences and the positive impact it has had on our lives, we can inspire and motivate others to prioritize education. Through these collective efforts, we can contribute to a more educated and empowered society.
Going back, if you were to ask me again what ‘quality education’ means to me, I probably wouldn’t be able to answer that just yet. And I don’t think I’ll ever be able to come up with an answer that’ll truly capture how complex a ‘quality education’ is. But for now, I’ll have to stick with the current interpretation that I’ve come up with, which is that a ’quality education’ equips students with the skills and experiences necessary for success in life. It is accessible, adaptable, and allows learners to learn anywhere and anytime at their convenience. While physical factors like teachers and equipment are important for creating a positive learning environment, the focus should ultimately be on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their own lives.
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