The Philippines’ educational system has finally embraced the K-12 program as evidenced by the graduation of the official first batch of grade 12 students this year 2018. It is expected that these graduates possess knowledge and skills embedded in the curriculum. Foremost of these are the 21st century skills developed into the k-12 program. The skills have been grouped into three main areas (Trilling, Bernie, Fadel, and Charles: 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times, Jossey-Bass (publisher), 2009. ISBN 978-0-470-55362-6. Retrieved 2016-03-13):
Learning and innovation skills: critical thinking and problem solving, communications and collaboration, creativity and innovation
Digital literacy skills: information literacy, media literacy, Information and communication technologies (ICT)literacy
Career and life skills: flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural interaction, productivity and accountability
In this light K-12 teachers should continue to train themselves in areas where the teaching of these skills may be enhanced. The following information focuses on the first criteria under the Learning and innovation skills. These are the critical thinking skills. The good news is that Adventist Education has devoted a whole issue of the Journal of Adventist Education (JAE) to the teaching of this large chunk of skills that are essential for success in today’s society especially for the teacher of K-12 students.
The following research-based articles are presented in the JAE issue entitled Critical Thinking and Inquiry which teachers may readily refer to by clicking on the link below.
An Unchanging Mission in a Changing World
Critical Thinking and Inquiry in Adventist Education
Using Questions to Drive Inquiry
Promoting Critical Thinking in Early Childhood: Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Promoting Inquiry in the Elementary Classroom
Critical Inquiry in By Design Science: 10 Reasons to Like the By Design Science Textbooks
Critical Thinking: Practical Strategies for Teaching and Learning
Experiential Education and Inquiry Learning
Promoting Critical Inquiry in Teacher-Education Candidates
Inquiry Teaching in Higher Education: A Critical-Thinking Context
The Future of Education: Are We Ready?
https://educators.adventist.org/2016/02/jae-februarymarch-2016-inquiry/