Teachers’ Educational and Professional Backgrounds Standards for Competence in Instructional Materials Preparation

Global education has started shifting from the use of traditional instructional materials to technology-based instructional materials (IM) to provide students a flexible learning environment. Many countries have already started integrating computer-based and multi-sensory IM in the classroom. The shift is challenging especially to those who have not advanced in their field of study, but there are insights that those who take post graduate studies are more adept to the use of various technology-based IM. In the Philippines, the Department of Education is actively engaged in various programs that upgrade the quality of education. One of these programs is enhancing the teachers’ competencies in the use of instructional materials. In this study, the IM preparation competency of the randomly selected public and private secondary school teachers in Camarines Sur were analyzed in terms of the relationship of their knowledge and skills in IM design and preparation, and their educational attainment and length of service. Utilizing a descriptive-evaluative methodology, the data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. The result of the study revealed that most teachers prefer handouts over the multi-sensory technology and technology-based instructional materials. Moreover, it showed that the level of competency of the teachers in IM preparation is affected by their educational attainment and length of service. It was then suggested that the government and the educational institutions should work together to provide teachers with opportunities and computer-based educational materials that would help them become more competent in the preparation and use of IM for today’s high school students. It was also proposed that a 3-year program focused on IM preparation should be established.

Keywords: competency, instruction, teachers, instructional materials, technology-based instructional materials