Science department experiments on game-based learning strategy

John Matthew B. Castillo

Chemistry problems will be a thing of the past, as the Science Department concocted a learning recovery strategy: The Project Game Plan Alchemy.

Also known as Project Game PAL, the strategy is a pilot project that aims to strengthen the teaching capacity of teachers in teaching chemistry. It also aims to professionalize teaching and improve the motivation and efficacy of a non-Chemistry-major teacher in teaching Chemistry and non-Chemistry subjects.

The project was based on the least learned skills aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in Chemistry for Grades 7 to 10. To cover all the least learned MELCs in Chemistry, lesson studies and tutorials were given every week.

“I think that Game PAL is somehow effective when it comes to teaching the students. First, it makes them happy and encourages them to participate more in the activity, and I think it’s one of the best solutions that our head has proposed. I also enjoyed it, and it makes my teaching strategy easier than before,” Science teacher Gina R. Santos stated.

Science Department Head Roniely V. Uy noted that the students would learn more in the lesson

Regional science test now computerized; selected freshmen to take exam

Mariane Faith Y. Cacatian

Computers will now take the place of pen and paper test in the upcoming Regional Science Process Skills Assessment on November 11.

The Science Department, under the supervision of Head Teacher Roniely V. Uy, conducted an orientation for the said test at the San Jose City National High School Learning Resource Center, October 20.

Uy said that the orientation that happened aimed to orient the learners on the directions and policies, as well as the do’s and don’ts for the said test.

Through the guidance of Master Teacher Elizabeth P. Moscaya and

SJCNHS provides smart TV to facilitate learning

John Matthew B. Castillo because they enjoy it.

San Jose City National High School bought 32 working smart televisions for students to learn in a more modern way.

Students and teachers can use the smart TV to project smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the TV that no longer uses a cord-like VGA or HDMI.

The department head also said that Game PAL will motivate the learners to attend their Chemistry classes, and remove the notion of the subject as difficult.

According to studies, playing games can improve creativity, focus, and visual memory. It can also improve student retention, performance, and engagement when game-based activity materials are used in the classroom because students are more encouraged to participate in engaging lessons.

“It is an effective way para mas lalong ma-gets ng mga students, like us, ‘yong lesson. If hahaluan ng game yung discussion mas magiging participative ‘yong mga students and hindi lang mag-eenjoy, but also makaka-gain ng knowledge from the lesson that the teachers will discuss,” Lara Cynthia Rendon Laran, a grade 9 student, stated in an interview.

The objectives of Project Game PAL are for (1) Science teachers to participate in lesson study and tutorials to be equipped with science concepts, particularly in Chemistry; (2) to craft and develop a game-based learning activity in Chemistry; and (3) apply and use the quality-assured game plan activity in Chemistry classes to test its validity.