Homeschoolers Train Sights on Professional and 21st-Century Skills

 

 A diploma is not enough to thrive in the modern world. It may sound like sage advice heard from elders countless times, but it’s from a policy note of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)1. The government-funded think tank said Filipino graduates “need 21st-century competencies to thrive in adverse circumstances.” 

PIDS added that institutions must provide spaces for learners to acquire these qualities. Through a curriculum that integrates real-world learning and hard concepts, NTC SmartClass Homeschooling delivers education that cultivates abilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, grit, and initiative—21st-century skills that will help the younger generation navigate a future that is expected to be more disruptive.  

Maria Van Aguilar, parent to a seventh grader in SmartClass, said that her daughter has learned to accomplish school tasks with no supervision. SmartClass goes against spoonfeeding and instead pushes students to take responsibility for their learning. 

“'Yun ang gusto ko sa SmartClass, ‘yung pagiging responsable, pagiging independent ng bata, talagang nahubog sa kanya,” said Aguilar.                     

Professionals attest that SmartClass kids are acquiring skills in demand in the modern workplace. In an integrated social studies lesson, SmartClass eighth graders put to use their learning in programming and history by designing virtual museums. The task was to illustrate facts about the Holocaust through a 3D exhibition.

Eighth grader Miguel Perez and his classmates used striking images of the Holocaust for their virtual museums 

Blake Andre Lopez, also an eighth grader, designed a website on top of turning in a virtual museum 

Florence Castillo, a SmartClass parent who works as a Data Enterprise Engineer, affirms the usefulness of these modern lessons. "Using Java, using HTML, programming, creating websites, and all that, that's a very advanced lesson," she said. "When they graduate, surely they will have a job."

“Maganda ‘yung mga homework. Very useful in real-world applications,” said Mirasol Dela Cruz, parent to a SmartClass eighth grader. “My son is only 14 years old but he’s already making that kind of stuff.”

Elementary education, or Kinder to Grade 6, has a fully asynchronous homeschooling program under SmartClass. Junior High School, or Grades 7 to 10, also features online synchronous classes alongside offline school tasks. The online classes are recorded to provide high school learners the option of attending at a later time, ensuring flexibility.  

Parents are also showing appreciation to the program’s teachers, called Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), who supplement the learning through the aforementioned online classes or scheduled consultations. “There is a person who is there to help you and your kids with the subjects,” said Cherille Siquete, another SmartClass parent. 

Global economic challenges are tackled in one of the modules in NTC SmartClass, equipping learners with knowledge about advanced subjects and current events 

Backed by the National Teachers College and APEC Schools, SmartClass provides these features for an all-in package of 35,000 pesos, fulfilling its mission of providing accessible homeschooling that prepares kids for today’s world. Rochelle Bondoc has seen it in her ninth-grade son, who’s been enrolled in SmartClass for the past three years.   

“When it comes to skills, ahead ang anak ko. He’s college-ready,” said Bondoc. 

National Teachers College and APEC Schools Merger Ushers in a New Era for Philippine Education

In an ambitious move to reshape the educational landscape, the National Teachers College (NTC) and APEC Schools have officially merged to form a stronger education powerhouse.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in late 2023, the merger combines the strengths and resources of both institutions to provide quality and accessible education to more students. NTC, with a 95-year track record of excellence in teacher education, will bring experience, while APEC, known for its innovative and progressive teaching methods, will bring fresh ideas and modern approaches to education. This merger has paved the way for NTC SmartClass, blending traditional wisdom with modern technology.

Introducing the NTC SmartClass Homeschooling Program 

During the pandemic, many families opted for homeschooling as a safer alternative to traditional schooling due to concerns about health, flexibility, and personalized learning. As a response to the widespread adoption of homeschooling, NTC SmartClass was introduced in 2023. This program recognized the need for flexible and comprehensive educational solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern-day families. It builds upon the innovative foundations of online learning during the pandemic, retaining the core of progressive teaching methods while incorporating deep educational insights and expertise from NTC's long-standing tradition of excellence.

NTC SmartClass, the homeschooling program of the National Teachers College for Kinder to Grade 10, prioritizes each student's unique learning styles, paces, and interests. This approach is grounded in the understanding that a one-size-fits-all model of education is not only outdated but also ineffective in nurturing every learner's full potential.

The program offers flexible study schedules using a learning-by-doing approach. NTC SmartClass gradually forms skills, helping learners understand and retain information effectively as they develop a love for learning. To accelerate student learning and increase student engagement, NTC SmartClassuses a collaborative environment between Parents, Subject Matter Experts, and Academic Advisers — forming a “triangle of support”.

"During the first year, we observed that NTC SmartClasshomeschoolers appreciate the additional layers of support that other homeschooling programs do not provide,” says Mark Sy, Chief Learning Officer at APEC SChools. “The triangle of support ensures that we support each homeschooler along the way and that no one gets left behind, which fosters a love for learning."

Inclusive Flexible Education for Filipino Learners

This merger has paved the way to a more inclusive homeschooling platform for wider socioeconomic classes nationwide, as NTC SmartClass aims to expand its target market.

In the Philippines, educational disruptions due to external factors like severe weather conditions, natural disasters, and health outbreaks are not uncommon. In these situations, homeschooling stands out as a solution that guarantees continuous education without any interruptions.

However, many Filipinos remain skeptical about the viability of homeschooling, largely due to perceived financial barriers. Many homeschooling programs in the Philippines have a base fee for basic services, then charge additional fees for essential elements like assessments, educational materials, and learner support services. These added costs can significantly increase the financial burden on families. 

NTC SmartClass aims to break this barrier by offering a flat, affordable rate that ensures homeschoolers can access all the necessary resources and support to thrive academically. The program offers a range of curriculum add-ons at an extra fee, but they are entirely optional, allowing families to tailor the educational experience to their child's interests and needs without feeling pressured by mandatory costs. From comprehensive assessment tools to a wide range of learning materials and dedicated support services, SmartClass makes high-quality flexible education attainable for more Filipino families.

"Amidst the changing education landscape and increasing environmental hazards in the Philippines, homeschooling is an excellent alternative to traditional schooling,”  says Pam Wu, Executive Vice President of NTC. “NTC SmartClassemerges as a beacon of personalized learning, offering flexible, safe, and accessible quality education parents seek for their children.”