Annually, there are almost a million students who graduate from elementary, each of them was taught how to read and how to communicate well. However, Statistics says that most of them can’t put those into practice. Does learning practical skills still weigh more than passing today?

In 2018, the Philippines scored the lowest among 79 participating countries in reading comprehension in the Program for International Students Assessment (PISA) conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. With an average reading score of 340, the Philippines is 147 points less than the expected OECD average of 487. It is just impossible to get a score lower than the average and lowest among all the participating countries especially because the students are being practiced to read ever since they start school. Unless, they really do not learn anything at all and are just barely passing.

In surveys and even in everyday encounters, it is evident that the goal to learn is not completely reached. For instance, the said issue regarding the low rates of reading comprehension. Despite the high passing rates of elementary schools of the country, there are students who cannot comprehend well. Students may not be failing, yet they are not learning as well. They are merely passing and moving up to the next stage without getting the learning.

Another is the use of the secondary language English. For 6 years in elementary, it is expected that elementary graduates can at least communicate and write effectively and confidently using English Activities like impromptu and formal speaking should not bother them so much. But surprisingly, it’s still a struggle when they step into the secondary.

This is simply a manifestation that the country’s system of education is missing its target after all this time. Students get test scores but they cannot apply what they are getting. And as modern day learners, it is crucial that they are able to apply what they learn at school. Besides, in subjects like English and Filipino, application is the real point of education.

That is why, it is important to intensify the reading and communication skills of students; to focus more on honing practical skills rather than just passing their written exams. The use of e-books and even their own gadgets will be a big help to expose them with stories and articles. Also, educators must be able to teach them well so they can use what they are studying.

The old standards cannot be applied today anymore. Test scores, passing grades and quiz results cannot be the only basis of learning. A practice where students can practice and apply what they learn must be observed, this way teachers will be able to assure that the learning is indeed achieved.

It’s about time to achieve greater heights in terms of literacy. Philippines can’t just aim for passing rates for the next PISA. It needs to ensure that those who study actually learn. And passing rates will naturally follow.